CALENDAR

Julie Maloney, Director of WRA, will return to the island of Alonnisos to lead a ten day writing retreat. Open to women writers of all levels, writing in all genres, this retreat offers a perfect balance of community and solitude. Stay in the family owned NINNA PENSION, just up the hill from the port. (Visit: www.ninna.gr.) Enjoy the friendly service of Ninna and her family, as well as the hospitality of Edem, the multi-tiered taverna down the road where we will write each morning by the sea, surrounded by the island’s flora. Limited to 12 writers.

GETTING THERE:
Fly to Athens with a direct connection to the island of Skiathos which has an international airport. From Skiathos, book a ferry or hydrofoil to Alonnisos. You may travel from Athens to Skiathos via Olympic Airways or another airway of your choice. Secure your ticket ahead of time via ferry or hydrofoil to Alonnisos through our suggested travel agent, Giorgos, at Aegean Thesaurus Travel at: giorgos@thesaurus.gr. Let him know that you are with the WOMEN READING ALOUD WRITER’S RETREAT with Julie Maloney. If you are traveling from London, you have the possibility of booking to Skiathos with a UK travel agent.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Stunningly exquisite, the pension offers single and double accommodations. Two double room apartments are available with two bedrooms and a shared bath. If you are interested in sharing a double room apt. with a friend, please send in names of both writers who will be sharing accommodations. All other accommodations are single rooms with private baths. All rooms are spacious and all have a private veranda overlooking the Aegean Sea. Each room provides modern conveniences such as A/C, TV, and refrigerator. You will not be disappointed. You will be entranced by the beauty and warmth that engulfs you from the first moment you step into your surroundings.

• Writing Workshop each morning - 9:30 AM to 12: 30 PM, beginning on June 13th.
• 3 “Nite Writes” - 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
• All workshops follow the Amherst Writers and Artists Method.
• Afternoons are open for swimming, hiking, walks on the beach, island hopping, people watching, sweet shops, shopping, siesta time and more writing in the privacy of your own balcony.
• We are in touch with the owners of the island’s Kali Thea Yoga Studio which also offers massage treatments including Swedish, Thai and Hot Stones.

TOTAL COST:
$1495 includes your room and...

• Welcome Dinner on June 12th in Chora (Old Town) introducing you to the best view on the island and the best baklava.
• 8 Writing Workshops beginning June 13th through June 20th.
• 3 Nite Writes --3 Evening Programs where we will write and discuss writing questions/themes.
• Sunset Dinner Cruise --4 hr. cruise with swimming, food and drinks
• Closing Ceremony and Farewell Reception at Edem - June 20th.

$1360 -- For each writer sharing a double room apartment

$ 750 -- For spouse/friend sharing a room who is interested in the experience but who will NOT be participating in the writing workshops but who will be included in the Welcome Dinner, Sunset Dinner Cruise, and Farewell Reception.

Food on the island is quite reasonable. Plan on spending approximately $35 a day, depending on your food choices and how much you eat and drink. You might find it hard to resist the spinach and cheese pie offered around town, as well as the “fish of the day” with Greek salad.

I guarantee you that the hardest part of this retreat will be in leaving the island of Alonnisos and the peace and joy it provides.
- Julie Maloney, Director of WRA