Workshops & Retreats
Are you an aspiring or experienced writer looking to improve your craft in an open and supportive setting, meet, support and be supported by writers from around the world? Then join us. The Writing Grove offers online creative writing workshops and in-person retreats.
What we're about
The Writing Grove can help you if:
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You struggle finding the time and inspiration for your creativity
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You love reading and have always wanted to write but don't know where to start
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You've been working on a piece of writing but are feeling a bit stuck lately and don't know what to do
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You want to join a global community of supportive writers cheering each other on
Working with us will give you:
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The tools you need to demystify the writing process, elevate your writing and push your project forward
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The understanding of how to use voice, persona, setting, character & conflict effectively
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The confidence to share your work and give and receive feedback in a workshop setting
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Skills to look at your work objectively, see what's working and what isn't
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If you want all this whilst experiencing an authentic, lesser-explored part of Italy, then check out our retreats.
We are especially focused on bringing stories from diverse writers to life
Retreats
Writers making scenes writing retreat:
Master the art & science of story in 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.
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!
