2027 8-10th Jan Book Booster Retreat With Emily Barroso

Schedule 

Friday Settling in and unwinding with ease

From 3:00 pm | Welcome & Check-In Settle into your private writing space at The Writer’s Keep. Unwind from your journey with teas, coffees or cold drinks and snacks.

4:30 - 5:30 pm | Optional Historical Inspiration Walk Join Emily and your fellow writers for a gentle, guided stroll along Conwy’s medieval walls and historic quay (Arriving later? No worries—jump in whenever you get here!)

5:30 - 7:00 Private Reading, Writing or Shopping Time

7:00 pm | Welcome Dinner (Included) A relaxed dinner getting to know your fellow writers and chatting all things books and writing

8:30 pm | Talking Circle A cozy informal gathering by the fire with a cup of something warm, where Emily discusses how the weekend will unfold and also an opportunity to discuss your book ideas with the group and receive your first encouraging feedback

10:00 pm | Rest & Recharge

Saturday Boost

8:00 am - 9.30 am | Buffet Breakfast (Included) Expect local breads, jams, yoghurts and pastries and fruit, teas, coffee

9:30 am - 10.30 | Masterclass 1: The Fundamental Elements of Story Ahead of your afternoon coaching session in the afternoon, we discuss the Pixar and other methods of storytelling, narrative structure & pace and the elements of a compelling book including writing characters we care about and transforming them

10:30 - 11:00 Tea & Coffee Break or quick walk around town or down to the quay

11:00 - 1:00 | Writing Two hours of silent, focused writing time to immediately apply the morning’s masterclass to your writing & make notes for your 1:1 later today

1:00 pm | Long Lunch Break (Independent) Explore Conwy’s independent cafes & restaurants or let your ideas come to life on a walk around the quay or the bird sanctuary

2:30 pm - 5:30 pm | Writing & Coaching: Your Unique Book Prototype

Your first high-impact, 45 minute coaching session. With Emily, you answer fundamental questions about your book using her signature Unique Book Prototype methodology, refining and translating your ideas into a workable, prototype that is simple to follow

7:00 pm | Group Dinner (Included)

8:30 pm | Story Circle or Private Writing Time Gather by the fire to read fragments of your work for feedback and support, or retreat to a quiet corner of the Keep to continue your writing from earlier

10:00 pm | Rest & Recharge

Sunday Boosted

8:00 am | Buffet Breakfast (Included) Expect local breads, jams, yoghurts and pastries and fruit, teas, coffee

9:00 am - 10:00 | Masterclass 2: Finding Your Unique Voice We focus on finding your authentic voice and style. Learn how to uncover the rhythm and peculiarities of your own distinct voice

10.00-10.30 Tea & Coffee Break or quick walk around town or down to the quay

10:30 am - 1:30pm | Writing & Coaching: Finalising Your Unique Book Prototype We will look at where your book needs to start, nail your opening scenes and chapters and what is expected in all of them using the Unique Book Prototype system that you will take home with you

2:00 pm - 3:00pm | Lunch & Checkout Grab a bite to eat from town or pick up travel treats. Depart The Writer's Keep with your complete literary prototype of your book in hand, ready to continue writing at home with clarity