Writing our Stories

Hosted by Michele Bombardier

"Saint Rita, patron saint of impossible causes, will be our muse. Rita, saint for complicated families, parenthood, loss, the vulnerability of the body, spiritual struggle, and baseball. In other words, what it means to be human. "

Who Should Attend

• Writers of all experience levels, whether beginning your first poems or polishing your current manuscript. 

• Those who want to step away from everyday demands and immerse themselves in writing, surrounded by others with a similar mindset. 

• You will find a supportive atmosphere designed to spark creativity and restore your energy. The retreat is limited to 8 participants.

At a Glance

• Daily instructional sessions with Michele: writing prompts and practical techniques to transform your ideas into words.

• Several hours of daily uninterrupted writing time.

• Facilitated round tables every evening to share work and exchange feedback.

• Creative breaks—Mid week we will venture to the beautiful, ancient seaside town of Otranto for exploring, shopping and dinner.  

• Transportation to and from Brindisi to Santa Ceserea Terme, to Otranto and back for the mid-week outing, and to Castro for the farewell dinner. 

• Option to walk to Castro (1.5 hours) on the last day.

Venue

Our hotel is the lovely, family owned Grand Hotel Mediterraneo situated directly accross the street for the confluence of the Adriatic and Ionian Sea.

• All rooms have a sea view.

• All rooms are private with en suite baths.

• There are several places outside your room to bring your laptop and work.

• Daily sessions are in a private meeting room onsite. 

• All breakfasts and lunches are served in the hotel. 

Retreat Pricing Details

Price: $3,600. 

Includes:

• Daily workshops with the author/instructor

• 6 nights’ accommodations

• all breakfasts, all lunches and 3 dinners

• Transportation to and from the retreat

• Transportation to planned  outings during the retreat. 

• Planned excursion to Otranto for exploring and shopping.

Not Included:

• Flights and travel to Brindisi. (Nancy Pearson will be available to assist you with any travel questions you may have.)

• Anything not mentioned in what is included above.

Deposit: $500 to reserve your place. 

Final payment due January 15, 2027. 

Cancellation Policy: Deposits refundable until November 1, 2026. After payment in full, 75% is refundable if we can fill your spot from the waitlist; otherwise, 50% will be refunded.

Retreat Hosts 

Michele Bombardier is an award-winning poet and author of two collections, Don't Ask Me How I Know and What We Do. She has published hundreds of poems in literary journals and anthologies. Michele has been awarded numerous residencies and fellowships and teaches through Fishplate Poetry, offering workshops and retreats while raising funds for humanitarian relief. Michele served as the inaugural Poet Laureate of Bainbridge Island and was designated an Island Treasure for her contributions for arts programming.

Carla Mackey loves all things related to Italy. She speaks Italian and leads walking and art tours in Italy. She wrote a guidebook, “Via Francigena: A Tuscan Pilgrimage,” which covers the 260-mile section of the ancient Via Francigena from Lucca to Rome.

Nancy Pearson is a travel advisor and history enthusiast. She served as the first Writer’s Studio Head for Bainbridge Artisan Resources Network (BARN) before heading off to live in Barcelona for six years.  She aspires to write historical fiction, but finds herself continually sidetracked by travel writing.

For booking or any additional questions,

 please contact 

Carla Mackey at zainoverde100@gmail.com

ZainoVerde.com