Writing Retreats
You’re Invited to West Sussex
April 20-24, 2026
My intimate writing retreats are a great place to find your writing self again. We all have one, but maybe yours has been dormant for a while—maybe a very long while. Or maybe you’ve been channeling your creativity into problem solving at work or raising humans (which is a lot of work!). Or perhaps you’ve been writing, just not the kind of writing that you’ve been yearning to do.
The best place to get inspired to write (again) is in a nurturing, supportive community of other women with whom you will have much in common—similar interests and dreams, as well as fears and obstacles to overcome. I will share with you the most effective tools and mindsets that have helped me to develop a sustainable creative practice that has allowed me to write more in the past year than I ever thought imaginable—a dissertation, a novel, short stories, essays for my newsletter, and more. We’ll write together and you’ll walk away with practical tools and inspiration to carry you into a grounded practice of your own.
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Breakfast options for all four mornings will be provided in the house kitchen, and you can pick and choose and prepare what you fancy.
Two dinners catered at the house, with wine available.
Accommodation in a lovely home (see photos below)--options to have ensuite or shared bathroom, or to share a room with a friend.
Opening evening gathering to get to know each other, discuss our writing hopes and dreams, and set our intentions for the weekend.
Three morning group sessions (Tues, Wed, Thurs) on the specific tools and practices that I’ve found most beneficial in my own writing life, plus discussion and writing prompts.
Three afternoongroup sessions in which I will share poetry and prompts, and you’ll have the opportunity to share your writing (if you wish).
Friday morning group session to reflect on what we want to carry back home with us and how to keep the momentum going.
Plenty of time to write, relax, and recharge. There are spaces in the house where you can hole up and write in the morning and during the breaks. I’ll provide prompts for those looking for inspiration.
Group beach walks to catch the sunset.
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Lunches (there are a pub and two cafes in town as well as a small grocery store)
Two dinners, where we will eat out at a local pub together and pay for our own meals. (Both The Lamb Inn and The Wittering have excellent food.)
Transportation to West Wittering (more information below)
Travel Insurance (which you should purchase to cover your expenses should you need to cancel—see the cancellation policy below) A helpful article about finding travel insurance: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/travel-insurance
1:1 coaching, which is available beyond the retreat, if you desire further support.
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You feel stalled in your writing, don’t know where to begin, or would like fresh inspiration.
You would like support and community for whatever writing you are doing.
You are working on an ongoing project, are starting one, or are trying to figure out what you would like to write.
You would like to focus on personal journaling, in which case I’d be happy to guide you with some prompts.
You would love some time in a peaceful English village.
You would love some time to walk on the beach and soak up the magic of the sea.
You would enjoy sharing a house with other women—or you would prefer to stay somewhere nearby on your own (I’m happy to point out some excellent options).
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You are looking for specific feedback or critiques on your writing.
You are looking for craft-focused workshops.
You would like a boot-camp or masterclass-style retreat with day-long workshops.
You are looking for life coaching or therapy. This retreat is meant to provide space, time, and support specifically for writing.
Details
“The retreat was positive, warm, caring, supportive, interactive and inspiring! I loved every minute & would love to return!"
--Dominique Malherbe
The Location
West Wittering, West Sussex, UK
Beach
The award-winning ‘Blue Flag’ beach at West Wittering is about 15 minutes on foot from the house. This sandy beach and surrounding dunes have been left unspoiled and protected from development. The beach is great for walking, with wide stretches of packed sand.
Village
West Wittering is a walkable, lovely village with a 12th-century church as well as a news agent’s which sells a decent supply of groceries, a pub/restaurant with excellent food, two cafes (one on the beach), and a few shops.
Walks
In addition to the beach, ther are more lovely walks around the Chichester Harbor estuary, which is a haven for bird life. (Above right) I’ll show you my favorite spots.
Nearby
The cathedral city of Chichester is 15 min. away. A bus stop is a short walk from the house. East Wittering (5 min. away) has its own (shingle) beach as well as more shops, cafes, and restaurants. Other nearby cities: Portsmouth (1 hr.), Brighton (1.5 hours). London is a little over 2 hours away.
‘I feel like something has shifted inside me. Some magic was created over those few days. I'll never forget it.’
— Sharon Burns
“It’s good to put some time aside for yourself to rest and write and reflect. You will have support for your own personal writing in a small supportive group atmosphere with a qualified and sympathetic leader.”
—Angela Patrick
THE COST:
HOW TO BOOK:
Fill out the registration form.
When I receive your form, I will respond to any questions you have and send you the information for paying the 50% deposit (£650 or ~ $875).
The balance (£650 or ~ $875) [plus surcharge if booking an ensuite room] will be due Mar. 1, 2025.
OR, before Jan. 20, pay the full amount (£1300 or $1750) when booking and receive a 1-hour 1:1 coaching session with me during or after the retreat.
£1300 or $1750 (inclusive of accommodation)
OR
£900 or $1200 (not including accommodation, if you stay somewhere else)
Questions? Contact me and I’ll reply via email, or request a free 20-minute call. I’d love to touch base and see if the retreat is a good fit for you!
Terms and Conditions:
Your place is secured with a 50% deposit. The balance is due March 1, 2025.
If you are booking on or after March 1, 2025, the full balance is due on booking.
Due to the small group nature of our event, all payments are nonrefundable.
In the event that something comes up and you need to cancel, please email me at anneboydrioux@gmail.com to let me know. I may be able to offer you 1:1 coaching with me for a portion of your total. You can also gift your retreat to someone else who can come.
I highly recommend that you purchase your own travel insurance to cover any losses you may incur in the event you need to cancel or the event is cancelled due to weather or other uncontrollable event (see below). Here is a helpful article about how to find the best travel insurance: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/travel-insurance
In the unlikely event that I have to cancel the retreat for any personal reason, a full refund will be issued within 30 days of cancellation. If I am able to reschedule the retreat, you will be offered the choice to transfer to the new date, or take the refund.
In the very unlikely event that the retreat has to be cancelled because of extreme weather or an event outside of our control, then the retreat will be rescheduled. I will try my best to accommodate the majority of schedules. Please note that I am not able to offer refunds in these circumstances.
Coaching offered as part of this retreat is in support of your writing goals, but is not meant to replace therapy or other medical advice. By signing up, you're agreeing to take full responsibility and liability for your results and experience both during and after the retreat.