What
The KAA Tuscany writing experience will empower you as an author through intensive workshops, collaborative 1-on-1 sessions, and detailed manuscript review–all from New York Times bestselling authors, acquisitions editors, and literary agents.
Join us for an immersive writing experience in the heart of Tuscany with fellow writers, from complete beginners to published authors. In an idyllic setting your days will be carefully curated to include guided workshops to unlock your creative juices, as well as one-on-one collaborative sessions with publishing experts.
In a relaxed rural environment, surrounded by the vineyards and olive groves of the iconic Chianti hillsides, there will be plenty of free time to write, share convivial conversation with like-minded women, eat delicious Italian food, drink fine wines, and go on local excursions designed to inspire.
No matter what stage you are at with your writing, you will receive tailored feedback to help you take your work to a whole new level.
Inclusions at a Glance
→ Personalized 1-on-1 sessions and manuscript feedback by NYT-bestselling authors, agents, and Big-5 acquisitions editors
→ Intensive collaborative workshops with a small group of fellow writers (max 6 participants)
→ Full critical review and analysis (Executive Level) of your manuscript within 6 months following the retreat–approximately a $7,500-$10,000 value
→ Seven nights stay in a historic and luxuriously updated villa in the heart of the iconic Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, Italy
→ Meals (breakfast, lunch, and three-course authentic Italian dinners prepared by our in-house chef)
→ Full access to the estate’s private pool, tennis court, gardens, vineyards, olive grove, gym, and other facilities
→ Free time to explore the region
Where
The Villa: Poggio alle Corti
Villa Poggio Alle Corti is a stunning 1,000-year-old luxurious villa with extensive gardens, pool, tennis court, vineyards, and olive grove. The historic setting and panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside make the villa the perfect place to relax, be inspired, and allow your mind and body to focus on your writing.
The stonewalled abode, which has been the home to many nobles and powerful clergy over the centuries, boasts 15-foot ceilings (rare for an ancient villa), hundreds-years-old chestnut beams, original oversized working fireplaces, and classic Tuscan terracotta floors–along with a fully updated modern kitchen and marble-adorned bathrooms.
Guests will enjoy a large private room that will be cleaned daily.
Amenities Include
Delicious home-cooked dinners, prepared by our chef
Wine from the villa’s own vineyard
Extra virgin olive oil from the villa’s own olive grove
Pool
Tennis court
Billiards room
Ping pong table
Lawn bowling court
Fully equipped gym
Yoga
Luxurious toiletries
Endless local hiking and biking trails, as well as access to the onsite gardens, vineyards, and olive groves
The Region: Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
Chianti Classico is a region steeped in history, culture, and world-renowned wine and food. Its natural beauty, bountiful wildlife, and rustic charms have inspired many of Tuscany’s greatest artists, including Leonardo Da Vinci, Dante, and Michaelangelo–who’s one-time home is only a few miles away.
Rich with artifacts and structures from Etruscan, Roman, and Renaissance heritage, it seems every hilltop is adorned with a quaint medieval town with cobblestone streets and stone walls. Chianti’s vibrant colors, mist-laced valleys, and endless historic hidden treasures will surely inspire the artist in you.
Who Is It For?
This is a women’s-only retreat with participants being a mix of established and aspiring writers of fiction and non-fiction. Whether you’re seeking inspiration from the stunning landscapes of central Italy or need to get away from the responsibilities of everyday life to find the time to write, you will find that at Poggio Alle Corti.
Participants may bring a guest with whom they may share a room. Guests must also be women and may use the grounds and amenities, but will not participate in the guided workshops and 1-on-1 sessions.
The Classes
→ Finding the Story/Chronicling Real Lives (the ethics of writing about the living and how to research and begin stories)
→ Kill Your Darlings (how to cut at least 25% of your book to bring it to life)
→ Perfecting Your Pitch (Query Letters, Proposals, and Publishing Industry Tips)
→ Understanding the Publishing Industry (An Agent’s Perspective, An Acquisitions Editor’s Perspective)
→ Prose and Narrative Strategy
→ Learning the Key Elements of Story, Prose, and Structure
*Note: We’re happy to adjust the focus of our workshops to the desires of individual attendees or the group as a whole.
Our Team
FAQ
Do I have to participate in all of the classes?
No, but we hope you do. Our team of educators has carefully planned their courses to interest and benefit the entire group, no matter where you are with your writing.
Do I have to have a work-in-progress?
Not at all. The one-on-one meetings with editors, agents, and instructors can be catered to you and whatever project you have in mind, whether it’s a magnum opus or the memoir of a distant relative.
Can I save money by sharing a room?
Yes. At this all-female retreat participants are welcome to bring a travel partner who may share their room (or book their own if available, although retreat participants will have priority for single-occupancy rooms). Your sister, best friend, cousin, girlfriend/wife, etc is welcome. There will be optional activities and excursions to enjoy while you’re busy writing, and the pool and tennis courts will be available to all.
Can I bring my husband?
No. This is a women-only retreat. Husbands and partners can meet participants in Florence or Rome before or after the retreat.
Are there suggestions for what I should do during my free time?
Yes. While many of our participants come to write, others may want to spend their free time exploring the region. Keep in mind that the villa is in the countryside, so you will not be able to rely on public transportation to take you to any regional attractions. If you think you’d like to explore, we suggest you rent a car at Florence airport for the week.
There are many guides to this region available online, and we can also recommend to you specific local attractions, tips, and insights. Some of the many local attractions include:
→ Medieval Towns and Villages: San Gimignano, Castellina, Siena, Volterra, and any more
→ Florence and Pisa
→ World Class Museums of Florence
→ Chianti Wine Tours
→ Monastery Tours
→ Spa treatments /massage in villa
→ Florence
→ Hiking/Biking
→ Hot Air Ballooning
→ Major attractions within 2-3 hours via car or high-speed train:
→ Rome
→ Venice
→ Cinque Terre
→ Bologna
→ San Marino
→ Modena (Ferrari HQ and Museums)
→ Orvieto
→ Portofino
What is the villa’s accessibility?
Unfortunately, the villa is not wheelchair accessible, aside from the main floor (which contains no bedrooms). The bedrooms are up a flight of stairs. The pool and tennis court are close to the villa, but only accessible by walking down a few stone steps. Please note that there are no handrails or disabled facilities in the bathrooms.
Are plane tickets included in the price?
No. Participants will be flying in from all over the world with different budgets, timetables, and levels of comfort.