Exploring the Dutch cities of the Hanseatic League
In the Middle Ages, while Amsterdam was still a tiny fishing village, cities in the eastern part of the Netherlands flourished. They were...
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Looking to unlock the power of your writing, replenish your creative wellspring, build your confidence and connect with other writers from around the world?
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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.
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We offer 4-week online workshops & immersive 1-week in-person retreats in Italy.
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About me
I’m Lloyd. I’m a published author, with experience in theatre and film. I graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Film Studies and went into advertising, a career that took me around the world from New York City, to Sydney, Australia, to Amsterdam, in the Netherlands and now Italy. Along the way, my campaigns won global awards but I always kept writing for myself.
I’ve had short stories published in the US and Europe, and my stage work has been performed in New York and London.
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Several years ago, looking to build an English-language community, in the Netherlands, I started my own writing group. Writers I’ve worked with have published short stories and novels, and have been nominated for and won several awards, including the prestigious Pushcart.
Now more than ever, people need a place where they can express themselves creatively. My workshops and retreats are spaces where you can slow down, get inspired and allow yourself the time and space for play and creativity. I create supportive, calm, open experiences where participants thrive.
I divide my time between the Netherlands and Nardò, the town in southern Italy where I hold the writing retreats.
I can’t wait to work with you!
Writers making scenes:
Master the art & science of story
Puglia, Italy 17 - 23 March 2024
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Looking to start some drama in the best possible way?
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Do you want to build complex characters, write compelling scenes and craft dialogue that sings, all while staying in an Italian luxury palazzo? Then join us for this immersive 1-week retreat.
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Perfect for aspiring and experienced writers of all genres.
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
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"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
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"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.
Partnerships
We partner with local experts and small businesses as much as possible to provide an authentic experience and participate in the local economy.
CONTACT US
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