About this trip
Get Published in Our Exclusive Retreat Anthology!
Every attendee will have the opportunity to become a published author! After the retreat, Imagine Press Inc. will sign retreat guests and publish their short stories in a Retreat Anthology, available at major book retailers worldwide. Royalties will be shared among all contributing authors—your story, your legacy!
Start Your Publishing Journey Now!
See your name in print and earn royalties!
Experience the splendor of Athens, Greece, for a week of writing classes and writing! For one low price, we will also tour the city's walking streets, the Acropolis, and the Acropolis Museum.
Step into the city where stories have been told for centuries and let history, culture, and creativity fuel your next masterpiece. Join us for a transformative writing retreat in the heart of Athens—where ancient inspiration meets modern storytelling. Whether you're crafting your debut novel or polishing your latest work, connect with fellow writers, gain fresh insights, and let the city’s vibrant energy spark your imagination. Let’s turn words into magic! 🖋️📖
Included:
- The novel idea
- To outline or not to outline
- Motivation: Use a daily word count or other ways - but write!
- Show, don't tell: With examples on how to do that
- Use of active voice instead of passive with tips on how to do that and examples
- Style issues: Worm words to omit, words to add. Cadence and flow are important
- Pace: How to write with pace effectively. What to do and what not to do
- Character motivation and scene purpose are broken down and discussed
- How to write to reader psychology so they enjoy the process
- Self-editing tips to tighten up your work. This saves money on editors and catches agents' eyes
- Add tension to the page. You'll receive tools on how to do that effectively
- Increase emotion on the page. Practical ways to do that on every page
- Industry standards on setup and preparation so you don't look amateur
- Cover art and design know-how tips
- Self-publishing vs. traditional?
- Are you querying agents? And self-publishing tips on how to look like a pro
- Promotion: There are ways to find readers without any financial outlay. We'll also discuss inexpensive yet efficient ways to spread the word.
Promotion 101: Author Rania Stone will lead a beginner's session on social media, covering funnel marketing, landing pages, what you need your readers to see, and essential tips for your website (online presence).
- Once the retreat ends, we offer video calls to discuss your writing career. We provide social media plugs to advertise your books as they're released for the following year to over 50,000 followers on our combined social media.
PLUS, you will have a seat at the publishing table for a "Retreat Anthology" that will be published in the months following the retreat.
THE RETREAT WEEK SUMMARY:
Each morning, we meet for breakfast between 08:00 and 09:30. Our morning session begins at 10:00 and runs to 13:00, with a short break in between. (The itinerary details these sessions.) The afternoons are yours to write, edit, walk through Athens, or take a nap—whatever you like. We will have an hour of one-on-ones with the speaker/presenter, Jonas Saul.
We meet for dinner around 8:00 p.m. in the early evening and then spend the rest of the evening chatting about writing. We’ll have readings, critiques, motivational stories of success, tips on managing your career, and marketing tips on finding readers that cost little or nothing.
Writing Instructor Jonas Saul:
Jonas Saul is the bestselling author of the Sarah Roberts Series—more than two million sold!—and has written and published over sixty thrillers. After acquiring an agent, he signed several deals in Los Angeles, with MadRiver Pictures optioning his Sarah Roberts Series—over forty books!—(currently in development).
Jonas has often outranked Stephen King and Dean Koontz on Amazon over the past decade. He’s regularly invited to be a guest speaker, teacher, or workshop presenter at international writing conferences and film festivals worldwide.
He hosts multiple annual retreats in Greece, where he currently lives. He teaches how to create tension and emotion in every scene and on every page, how he became a creator/writer, the path to success in this business, and the pitfalls to avoid.
Jonas Saul is an acclaimed author, teacher, and professional freelance editor. He lends his editing prowess to several publishers and offers private editing services to clients. His website, www.imaginepress.org, is a testament to his editing skills, featuring numerous testimonials from satisfied authors, and a detailed biography. Jonas is an email away for those needing professional editing.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy:
We offer a 100% refund for all cancellations made by September 22, 2025, two months before the retreat commences. After that, the payment to the hotel has been made, and refunds are not possible.
Waiver of Liability
Waiver of Liability:
By participating in this retreat, I agree to release Imagine Greece Retreats (IGR), the retreat faculty, staff, and the associated hotel from any liability for injuries that may occur during the retreat. I understand that this release includes financial responsibility for any injuries incurred, even if due to negligence.
I acknowledge the inherent risks associated with activities such as yoga, meditation, sightseeing, and hiking. I voluntarily assume these risks and understand that I can withdraw from any activity if I feel uncomfortable at any time.
By joining this retreat, I forfeit the right to bring any claims against IGR, its faculty, or staff related to my participation. I understand that I am responsible for following all safety precautions provided in writing and verbally, and I will seek clarification whenever necessary.
In return, I will benefit from the activities and experiences offered during the retreat.
What’s included
- AccommodationsAll six nights at Acropolis Select Hotel are covered in the writing retreat fee.
- Access to SessionsThe retreat fee gives you access to all the sessions, plus one-on-ones, and more!
- Greek BreakfastBreakfast is served every day from 8:00 - 9:30 with a wide variety of dishes and beverages: Coffee, tea, juices, jam, cheeses, olives, eggs, warm dishes, seasonal fruits, and more ...
- DinnerGreek and American dishes.
- Tour Athens!Visit the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, as well as the Temple of Zeus, and the historic walking streets of Athens!
- Retreat MaterialsAttendees will be given a gift bag of fun and exciting things related to the retreat.
What’s not included
- Flights to/from GreeceAttendees must find their own way to and from Greece.
- Refreshments/BeveragesThe one thing your fee does not cover are beverages. All beverages can be charged to your room and settled up upon check-out.
- Alcoholic BeveragesAs noted above, all alcoholic beverages can be charged to your room and settled up later.
- LunchesThe hotel supplies us with breakfast and dinner. Lunch can be ordered at the restaurant, or at a neighboring restaurant.
- Travel InsurancePlease investigate what travel insurance works best for you, if needed.
- Hotel Tax FeeThere may be a small fee of a few euros when checking out to cover the hotel tax fee the Greek government imposes upon hotels.
Available Packages
Distinctive room with one double bed, tastefully furnished, with great attention to detail, in a perfect location in the heart of Athens.
The hotel's standard rooms are comfortable and tastefully decorated with stylish furnishings. The elegant interior is accented with warm, earthy tones, creating a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. Bathrooms have bathtubs and soothing showerheads, and complimentary toiletries are provided. The queen-size bed ensures an excellent night's sleep for both of you. (Twin beds are available for those who prefer two beds).
Distinctive room with one single bed, tastefully furnished, with great attention to detail, in a perfect location in the heart of Athens.
The hotel's rooms are furnished with individual care and attention, all tastefully decorated and designed to cater to your comfort. The elegant interior is accented with warm, earthly tones which create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. Bathrooms are affixed with bathtubs and soothing showerheads, and complimentary toiletries and amenities are provided. Acropolis Select Hotel provides you a full Buffet Breakfast every morning from 07:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., if you choose to select it.
Available Add-Ons
Retreat spouses and friends can take a double-occupancy room. The fee covers their accommodations, excursions, and food. (They are not eligible to attend classes, though.)
Itinerary
These are optional tours. They will take place during our free time on the second and third afternoon of the retreat.
Athens Adventure
February 27
Stroll along Ermou Street, Athens' vibrant shopping hub, and enjoy some leisurely browsing before making our way to the iconic Parliament Building.
Witness the Changing of the Guard at the Parliament Building—an unforgettable display of precision and tradition.
Take a relaxing walk through the lush National Gardens, where you can enjoy a refreshing beverage, admire the greenery, and spend a peaceful moment in nature.
Visit the Kallimarmaro Stadium, the world’s only stadium made entirely of white marble, and feel the history of the first modern Olympic Games.
Explore the grandeur of the Temple of Zeus, one of the most significant monuments of ancient Athens.
Stroll through the picturesque Zappeion Gardens and admire the elegant architecture of the Zappeion Hall.
We will end our tour in front of the Parliament Building, completing our circular route. You can walk back along Ermou Street for more shopping or return to the hotel to relax.
Wrap up the day with a group dinner at the hotel.
The duration is approximately 4–5 hours, perfect for immersing yourself in the heart of Athens before our retreat begins.
Athens Adventure:
February 28
Embark on a guided tour of the Acropolis Museum, where history comes alive with its incredible artifacts and stories from ancient Athens.
Then, take a guided tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon to experience their grandeur. Dive deep into the rich history and architecture of this iconic site.
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