Discover the power of writing alongside passionate, like-minded people, led by expert instructors
Join an international community of writers
Our driving force
Everything you will find here is created to nourish your writing and make sure your voice is heard.
What we offer
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Retreats in Italy and Australia
Intimate summer and autumn retreats led by experienced authors, with special appearances from literary agents, publishers and writing tutors
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Private Book Coaching
One-on-one partnerships to guide, edit, and re-work your writing, from quick intervention to 6-, 12- and 18-month plans
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Book Club Holiday
Take your Book Club to the next level and dive even deeper into your novels, while exploring the heart of Tuscany
Discover our writing retreats
Deeply immersive
Join us on our 3- or 4-day retreats, where you will grow alongside other like-minded creatives. Take your writing to the next level through our intensive classes, in Italy or Australia.
Open to everyone
Whether you're working on your final chapter or you're just getting started, our retreats are open to every project. Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or anything in between — all we ask is that you love writing!
Led by experts
Our retreats are led by best-selling authors, literary agents and editors themselves. The people you need to impress are teaching you how to impress them.
Book your retreat
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The Art of Plot and Theme, Brisbane, March 6-9 2025
Regular price $1,300.00 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per -
The Art of Plot and Theme, Florence, June 1-5 2025
Regular price $2,159.00 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per -
The Art of Telling Your Story, Florence, July 6-10 2025
Regular price $2,159.00 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per
Meet your book coach
Elevate your writing
We give you that extra support when you need it! Get one-on-one support with best-selling author and certified professional, Lisa Clifford
Your book club getaway
Escape, explore, learn
Combine your love of books and travel in beautiful Florence during any week that suits you and your Book Club
Testimonials
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Walking away with new confidence...
"Excellent! Engaging, knowledgeable, funny. Walking away with new confidence in my writing and friendships are key. I thought all the info on agents and publishers was SO helpful."
Christine Harris, California
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“Our workshop was magical. Thank you hardly seems adequate for such a life-changing experience.”
Kate Anders, London, UK
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Inspiring!
"I enjoyed the variety. The instructors were very generous and open with their methods and suggestions. It was also a great experience to be in an intimate and friendly setting with other writers. Inspiring!"
Donna Stadler, California, USA
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"I met new friends from all over the world and learnt so much as successful writers, publishers and bloggers generously shared their tools, insights and encouragement. As a tentative beginner who was struggling with doubt and self-confidence about my ability, The Art of Writing Retreat was an inspiring and worthwhile experience."
Tina King, Dunsborough, Australia
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Excellent
The teaching was practical, and I liked that all the experience shared was so personal. Good
hands- on strategies and opportunities to speak to authors and publishers for constructive
feedback. I will never forget the Sense of Place class followed by our walk around Florence.Jennifer Mitchell, Italy
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The speakers are so inspiring and encouraging, you feel secure knowing you’re in the hands of people who have ‘made it’ as authors and industry experts. Since returning home, I feel equipped and empowered to write my novel. I cannot recommend this experience enough for any dreaming writer.
Daniella Raffaele, Sydney, Australia
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"For anyone who is hesitating... DON'T! If you are struggling to find the words you will find them here and if you already have the words but can't get them in the right order Lisa will sort them and you out. This is a masterclass by a magician, and you owe it to yourself and the writing dream you have always fostered to have the secrets of the page revealed."
Steve Matthews, Author, NSW Australia
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"I must say again, what a great course. I've been extolling Lisa’s lecturing virtues. What a great bunch of writers we had! So interesting, diverse and incredibly funny. It was a privilege to meet Lisa and the writers. I considered writing as a bit of a life change. The Art of Writing has spurred me on to greater,
more ambitious plans. It was a privilege to share some of my life stories with these writers."Helen Garvey, UK
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"Few teachers are expert at giving critical insights that could save my
writing from doom. Others are adept at bringing together a team of
experts that contribute to my understanding so that I can dismantle my own negative writing habits. But extremely rare is that person who can do both, as Lisa Clifford does so gracefully. My experience with Art of Writing has changed the way I think and has enabled me to grow as a writer by approaching my subject with entirely new eyes. Thank you, Lisa!"Diane Dewey, Switzerland/USA
Australian Country Magazine
Written by Anabel Dean, photography by Anabel Dean and Kristen Hills
Monocle Reads N°157
Written by Carolina Galvão, photography by James Mollison