You wake and stretch, cozy in your warm bed located in a four-star hotel right in the heart of Barcelona in the Gothic Quarter. You look at your notebook on the nightstand, still open from last night. That soprano you heard in the square last night? Did you capture her on the page? No matter if you didn’t, you can jot a note about her later. There will plenty of time.

Today, you will write. Your heart leaps in anticipation (and perhaps a tiny touch of fear — that’s normal. I’ll help you with that).

You used to write more. Or maybe you’ve always wanted nothing more than to put pen to page. Or perhaps you’re a full-time writer who needs to find the meaning behind the words again.

Here, you will write.

First, of course, you have breakfast with a group of like-minded women, already thinking about the words you might string together that day. Feeling introspective? There are literally dozens of cafes just outside the front door – skip the (included and acclaimed) hotel breakfast and go out on your own for a cup of coffee and a churro before we start (always with your notebook in hand, of course.)

Then together, we all head to our workroom where you’re led through three hours of joyful writing. You’ll experiment with your fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction in an environment that fosters you to do the best work you’ve ever done. The exercises excite you and delight you. You feel prolific. You feel talented. (Because you are.)

You are inspired by the beauty of the ancient stones. You feel alive with the words running through you.

In the afternoon, you choose whether you keep writing in one of the dozens of beautiful squares, moving from coffee to wine when the mood hits you, or coming along on one of the optional group adventures which will include things like:

Explore Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s greatest masterpiece. Watch as the stained glass changes the light inside, second by second, and take notes as you wonder at how Gaudi made light into poetry.
Hike in Park Guell, the largest greenspace in Barcelona, with soaring views of this centuries’ old Catalunyan city.
Shop with an expert chef for an incredibly fresh dinner in the local markets, then learn to make paella and pintxos with him after you make your own sangria.
Take an afternoon bike tour (at a gentle pace) of Barcelona’s most iconic sights, complete with a beach rest and market snack!

Barcelona is an incredibly dear city to me. Come write with me, and I’ll share my passion for both the city and for words with you.

DETAILS

WRITERS OF ALL LEVELS WELCOME! I’m serious about teaching and about fostering an incredible, affirming experience for every single person who attends. Some of my attendees have had dozens of published books. Others have never even tried to write before. This retreat is open to all who want to write and who identify as women.

Not sure if you’re ready for this? If you’re enough of a writer? Email me (rachael@rachaelherron.com) and we can schedule a 15 minute chat on Skype about where you’re at and what you’re looking for, to see if this is right for you!

Dates: Check in Sunday April 26, check out Saturday May 2. (6 nights). We’ll stay at the H10 Madison, a new four-star superior hotel housed in a majestic, entirely restored early 20th-century building. I’ve found that it’s the perfect spot to be in Barcelona–close to everything in the Gothic Quarter, but not right on Las Ramblas (and it has a 5.0 rating of 650 reviews on TripAdvisor). You can also arrange with them to arrive earlier or stay longer.

Cost:

Single room: $2300 each.

Double room shared with another workshop participant (you arrange roommate): $1600 each.

Double room shared with a NON-workshop participant: $2500 for two ($2300 for you, just $200 for partner/spouse/friend for his/her lodging and breakfast). Your guest is welcome to join us for afternoon and evening activities!

All prices USD include:

Five morning writing workshops, three hours each.
Scheduled time outside workshop to write together, if you’re so inclined.
A close-knit group of 12-15 other women writers (with an ongoing Facebook group for support before and after our trip!)
Six nights’ lodging (arrive Sunday April 26, depart Saturday May 2), includes VAT hotel tax.
Breakfast.

Prices do not include:

Transport to, from, or within Barcelona.
Lunches/dinners
Entry into optional exhibits/museums/walking tours

Praise from Rachael’s previous retreatants:

Joining Rachael, spending my days with like-minded women and scribbling my heart out on the pages my beautiful, new Italian journal, was just the thing to refill my creative well. – Veronica Wolff
Rachael’s retreat was welcoming and inclusive to writers of all levels. I came home recharged and inspired to write from my core! – Jacque Gorelick
It was more than just writing. It was stretching myself, learning to think in different ways. Rachael’s leadership helped me tap into places that set my creative juices free, and I came home energized for my next project. – Jennifer Skully
Rachael finds a way to make the most novice writer feel welcomed and accomplished. Her retreats are designed in a manner that is conducive to creativity and connection. I left with a newfound confidence in my writing, refreshing perspective, and continued support from my fellow writers.- Tawnie Ashley
Truly transformative experience—I have fallen back in love with writing. – Mysti Berry

Can’t come to this one?

If you’re not able to attend this retreat, but want to be alerted of upcoming retreats (US, Mexico, New Zealand forthcoming) sign up here. My writers’ list is always the first to know.

(FYI, my spring Europe retreat sells out every time, usually within a week.) $600 to reserve, fully refundable (less $15 service charge) until Feb. 1, 2020, when the full amount is due.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT BELOW!