Write Where Inspiration Lives—in Greece

Join us for an unforgettable writing retreat on Amorgos, one of the Aegean's most beautiful islands. Each day blends focused writing classes with time to write, explore, and connect with fellow storytellers.

Come for the writing. Stay for the magic.

Who This Retreat Is For

Writers at any level and in any genre who want to connect with more readers. Whether you’re just beginning your novel or polishing a manuscript for publication, you’ll leave with sharper craft, a clear plan, and a community that understands what you’re building.

We focus on proven, reader-tested strategies: what keeps readers turning pages, what makes them recommend a book, and how to reach new audiences. Past attendees have gone on to publish dozens of books.

What You’ll Learn

The Craft of Storytelling

• Find Your Novel’s Core Idea: Discover the heart of your story and build from a foundation that excites you—and your reader.

• To Outline or Not? Explore story-planning methods and find the process that works for you.

• Build Motivation: Set a writing rhythm that fuels your creativity, whether through word counts, goal tracking, or intuitive flow.

• Show, Don’t Tell: Learn to evoke emotion and action through vivid examples and hands-on practice.

• Active vs. Passive Voice: Demystify this key technique with practical tips that will immediately sharpen your prose.

Style, Pacing, and Emotional Impact

• Strengthen Your Style: Remove filler words and improve cadence and sentence flow to make your writing sing.

• Master Pacing: Learn what to speed up, what to slow down, and what to cut to keep readers turning pages.

• Character Motivation and Scene Purpose: Make every moment on the page move your story and characters forward.

• Write to Reader Psychology: Deliver emotional satisfaction, surprise, and connection so your readers stay hooked.

• Self-Editing Mastery: Tighten your prose with proven techniques and checklists. You’ll save money and impress agents and readers alike.

Make It Unputdownable

• Inject Tension: Practical tools for adding suspense and urgency in any genre.

• Heighten Emotion: Ways to amplify feeling on every page so readers care deeply about your characters.

Publishing and Promotion Essentials

• Industry Standards: Proper manuscript setup, formatting, and submission etiquette so you present yourself as a professional.

• Cover Design: Insider advice on what sells visually, whether you self-publish or go traditional.

• Publishing Pathways: The pros and cons of self-publishing and traditional publishing, and how to succeed in either.

• Query Like a Pro: For writers submitting to agents, we’ll demystify the process and share examples that work.

Author Platform and Long-Term Support

• Promotion on a Budget: Find readers organically and extend your reach with affordable, efficient strategies.

• Promotion 101 with Rania Stone: A beginner-friendly guide to social media marketing, landing pages, funnel building, and website essentials.

• Ongoing Community: After the retreat, you’ll receive continued support, including video calls about your writing goals and personalized career guidance. As your books launch, we’ll promote them across our combined platforms.

A Day at the Retreat

Morning. Ease into the day with a relaxed buffet breakfast from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m.

Writing sessions. From 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a short break, our sessions deepen your craft, spark new ideas, and give you tools you can use immediately. Full session details are in your personalized itinerary.

Afternoons are yours. Dive into your manuscript, walk the beach, swim, hike, nap, or simply reflect. You can also book a private one-on-one session with Jonas or Rania.

Evenings. We gather around 7:00 p.m. for a group dinner, followed by relaxed, inspiring evenings centered on writing:

• Readings and peer critiques

• Stories of publishing success

• Career Q&As and honest advice

• Marketing strategies to find readers without spending a fortune

• And yes, Greek dance lessons

Whether you’re seeking motivation, feedback, or a community that truly understands, the evenings blend camaraderie with creative momentum.

Your Instructors

Jonas Saul — International Bestselling Thriller Author and Writing Mentor

Jonas Saul is the internationally bestselling author of the Sarah Roberts series, with nearly two million copies sold and more than sixty thrillers published. His high-stakes storytelling has placed him on Amazon charts alongside icons like Stephen King and Dean Koontz. In Hollywood, Jonas has signed multiple development deals, including an option with MadRiver Pictures for the Sarah Roberts franchise.

A sought-after speaker and workshop leader, Jonas appears regularly at international writing conferences and film festivals, where he teaches how to craft tension, build emotional resonance, and navigate the path to publishing success. He is also a respected freelance editor who works with publishers and private clients through Imagine Press (ImaginePress.org). Dozens of testimonials from authors who have leveled up their manuscripts under his guidance back his editing work.

Based in Greece, Jonas hosts annual writing retreats that help writers elevate their craft and build lifelong creative communities.

Rania Stone — Author and Book Marketing Specialist

Beyond the Retreat: A Path to Publication

Attending an Imagine Greece Retreat opens doors. Imagine Press is our boutique thriller publisher, prioritizing quality over volume with just three to five select titles per year. Retreat alumni writing in the thriller genre receive first consideration for publication, a direct line from the classroom to a strategic, bestseller-focused launch.

This is more than a retreat. It’s the next chapter of your writing journey.

🗓️ Cancellation Policy

We understand that plans can change. That’s why we offer a full refund for any cancellations made on or before January 1, 2027—four months before the retreat starts.

After this date, all venue payments are final, and unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds. Thank you for your understanding, and we’re happy to help with any questions you may have.

⚖️ Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk

By registering for and participating in this retreat hosted by Imagine Greece Retreats (IGR), I acknowledge and agree to the following terms:

1. Assumption of Risk: I understand that my participation in retreat activities—including, but not limited to, yoga, meditation, sightseeing, hiking, and other physical or group activities—carries inherent risks that may result in personal injury, illness, or other unforeseen consequences. I voluntarily assume full responsibility for any such risks, known or unknown, and confirm that I am physically and mentally able to participate.

2. Release of Liability: I hereby release, waive, and discharge Imagine Greece Retreats (IGR), its organizers, faculty, staff, contractors, and the host venue from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, or causes of action whatsoever, including those resulting from negligence, that may arise from or relate to any loss, damage, injury, illness, or inconvenience incurred during my participation in the retreat.

3. Financial Responsibility: I agree to be solely responsible for the cost of any medical treatment, transportation, or additional services required as a result of an injury or emergency while attending the retreat.

4. Voluntary Participation & Right to Withdraw: I understand that all activities are voluntary, and I may choose not to participate in any activity that I feel may pose a risk to my well-being. I agree to inform the retreat staff of any concerns or discomfort as soon as possible.

5. Compliance with Safety Guidelines: I agree to follow all written and verbal instructions and safety guidelines provided by IGR and its representatives. I understand that failure to do so may result in my removal from certain activities or the retreat itself, without refund.

6. Waiver of Claims: By signing below, I expressly waive the right to bring any legal action or claim against IGR, its faculty, staff, or affiliates for any injury, loss, or damage resulting from my participation in the retreat, except in cases of willful misconduct or gross negligence.

7. Photos: All photos taken during the retreat become the property of Imagine Greece Retreats and may be used for future promotional materials. If you'd prefer not to be photographed, please let us know in writing, and we'll respect your wishes.

   
   I have read and fully understand this waiver of liability and assumption of risk. I acknowledge that by participating in this retreat, I am entering into a binding legal agreement.