If you’re an aspiring or experienced writer looking to unlock the power of your work, replenish your creative wellspring, build your confidence and connect with other writers from around the world, join us.
You'll gain the skills and confidence you need to progress your writing and have fun doing it!
Participants in our retreats and workshops have gone on to publish short stories and novels and have been nominated for and won numerous awards, including a Pushcart nomination.
We offer 4-week online workshops & immersive 1-week in-person retreats in Italy.
Course Offerings
Transform your writing from ordinary to show-stopping! (1 week)
Starts Oct 30
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4-week workshop where you'll master the fundamentals of creative writi...
Starts Nov 8
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Testimonials
"I learned a lot about how to improve my writing... colour, context, background, senses...The feedback was really useful! The exercises were really well thought out and writing examples were really high quality. I found them motivating and challenging. 100% recommend to others." - Clare, France
"I learned how to inject detail and emotion in my writing. I really enjoyed reading the sample exercises to gain insight. I do look forward to more opportunities with The Writing Grove - online and in-person :)" Lisa, USA
"I really enjoyed the experience! I gained perspective on character. Recommend to others." - ME Rothwell, author of best-selling The Books that Made Us and Cosmographia on Substack.
About me
Hi there, I'm Lloyd.
I'm a big believer that writing is as much about community as it is about craft. Though at times solitary, writing shouldn't be lonely. I've seen time and time again that writers thrive when they have a community to lean on for support and encouragement.
I started the Writing Grove to help aspiring and experienced creative writers all over the world gain the skills and confidence they need to improve their writing, build their confidence and build a supportive writing community.
When you work with me, you'll find I foster a calm, positive and focused environment, with a bit of fun & laughter thrown into the mix.
I've published short stories and essays in the US and Europe. Short plays I've written have been performed in New York, London and Australia.
I have a degree in Film Studies from Columbia University in New York. I've Studied playwriting and directing the renowned National Insitute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) in Sydney, Australia.
Bestselling author Doug Johnstone has called me a, “talented writer with a knack for dialogue.”
I'm an experienced workshop, retreat and writing group leader.
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Nardò, Italy
We hold our retreats in Nardò, a beautiful baroque town in Puglia, the heel of Italy. Renowned for its warm climate and people, endless olive groves and fresh food, Puglia will seduce you with its charm and inspire you with ancient history. According to legend, the town was founded on the site where a bull stamped its hoof and water sprung out.
Nardò is in the perfect location, 25 minutes from the city of Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South” because of its ancient, beautifully restored rococo buildings. Nardò is also only 15 minutes to the sea. There are also many towns within short driving (or cycling) distances to explore, each with its particular history and attractions. Southern Puglia is a region Italians love, but few others know about.
Where you'll stay
The accommodation will also impress and inspire you! Retreat participants will stay and work in the Relais Monastero Santa Teresa palace, originally built in the 1200s by aristocrats as a testament to aristor wealth. They gave each room characteristically high, vaulted ceilings with frescos. They also built a large courtyard full of orange and lemon trees to enjoy. In the 1600s, the palace became a monastery and stayed that way until Napoleon seized it in the 19th century and sold it to nobles.
Now it is an exclusive luxury hotel. Paintings and sculptures hundreds of years old fill the hotel. Each room is large, bright and airy and has a view of either the city or the courtyard. All come with a large ensuite.
Staying here will inspire you while providing a restful atmosphere to create and write.