Writing Retreats
With just four participants, this retreat will make sure that:
Every voice is heard.
Every piece of writing is engaged with carefully.
There is space for real conversation, not surface commentary.
You will leave with tangible outcomes. That may include:
A clearer articulation of your voice
Direction for a current or emerging writing project
Greater confidence in your unique perspective
Language that helps you move through transition
A stronger sense of who you are and what you mean to the world
For four nights, we will gather to write and refuel, keeping it simple:
A house to share with ample areas to hang out and write in.
Unstructured early mornings to have breakfast, write, journal, meditate, etc.
Late-morning group sessions with Anne or Laura.
Unstructured mid-days in which you can write, read, stroll the beach, or hop on the bus to explore the area.
Late-afternoon gatherings to share or write.
Community evenings in which we can share the wins and challenges of our day, while enjoying good food and wine and nonalcoholic beverages.
“It was the everything and everyone I hoped it would be. I left full of joy and determination to nurture my creative self.”
—Jennifer Crow
Writing Is Your Anchor
June 10-14, 2026
Anne Boyd and Laura Hearn met on Substack, because like so many of us, we both had been on a similar journey. Yet we would never have known if it weren’t for sharing our story and writing to the world.
Two women – one who moved from the US to the UK and one born and bred here. But, by one of those strange turns of life – we are now connected in so many ways. Some collaborations are strategic, and some – like ours - feel like they were waiting to happen.
So, to honour the power and craft of writing we have joined forces for a small, intimate writing retreat in West Wittering that in one word summarises what we and so many have been going through: Transformation.
There are only four spaces, because we believe that intimacy, vulnerability and depth require space.
Most writing retreats focus on craft, output or productivity. This one is different; we have designed it around identity. Around the moments when you thought you no longer fit. When life changes – unexpectedly. When your confidence wobbles. When your sense of self feels in limbo.
In those moments, writing can become an anchor.
Both Anne and Laura have created new expressions of what it means to be a writer. Anne through scholarship, authorship, and a lifetime immersed in literature. Laura as a former BBC journalist, narrative strategist, now helping leaders and creatives articulate who they are and what they stand for.
We come at writing from different angles, but we share a belief in the power of writing to help you ground you an build confidence from the inside out
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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
Your Host: Anne Boyd
I always wanted to be a writer, but I became an academic instead, getting a Ph.D., teaching literature for 23 years, and writing three books about women writers. One was chosen as one of the ten best books of the year by The Chicago Tribune, and another became an indie-bookstore bestseller. I also received three year-long NEH grants, two for public scholarship.
It was a great career, but I wasn’t living the life that I wanted to. So, in the fall of 2022, I headed off on a journey around Europe and have been living in the UK since 2024. I share my ongoing journey in the Aucadious Creative Lives newsletter on Substack.
In 2025, I completed my MA in Creative Writing (with distinction) at the University of Manchester, where I studied with Jeanette Winterson and Sarah Hall. II am now working towards my life-long dream of publishing my first novel, while working as a Quantum Energy Coach, helping people break through blocks to create the lives they want!
Special Guest: Laura Hearn
I’m a ghostwriter and story strategist with a 20-year background at the BBC, where I interviewed world leaders, changemakers, creatives, and everyday heroes. My work has always been driven by one belief — that stories teach us how to live.
I help individuals and brands uncover the deeper narrative at the heart of who they are, and shape it in a way that moves hearts, shifts minds, and sparks real connection. I work with entrepreneurs, creatives, founders, and leaders who want to turn their lived experience into a story that matters. I bring a unique ability to ask different questions — the kind that draw out what’s unspoken, overlooked, or buried beneath the surface. I help people move past the expected and into the story that genuinely needs telling.
My process is rooted in the Flip It Method™, a four-part framework I’ve developed to help people Find the real story, Feel what matters most, Flip their perspective into a powerful message, and Fuel its impact through voice, structure, and tone. As host of the Flip It podcast, I also create space for reflective storytelling — capturing the moments that shape us and the lessons that change us.
“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) will be due May 15, 2026.
Register before March 1 and receive a 1-hour 1:1 coaching session with Anne or Laura during or after the retreat.
£1300 or $1750 (inclusive of accommodation)
OR
£900 or $1200 (not including accommodation, if you choose to 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 May 15, 2026.
If you are booking on or after May 15, 2026, 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.