07/06/2026
Looking for that flash of inspiration or to fine tune your writing?
A Haven for Stories
Saturday 17 October - Saturday 24 October 2026
is back for its 5th year this coming October! It’s a chance to meet other creatives, be inspired in the morning writing workshops and receive valuable feedback from three talented writers.
Tobias Jones is the author of The Dark Heart of Italy and regular contributor to the Guardian and the British and Italian press. He’s written and presented documentaries for BBC and RAI.
Elise Valmorbida is an Italian Australian author who won the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award 2019 for her acclaimed fourth novel, The Madonna of the Mountain. She’s recently published The Happy Writing Book, a guide to creative writing and wellbeing, inspired by 20+ years of experience as writer-teacher.
Clare Pollard’s sixth collection of poetry with Bloodaxe is Lives of the Female Poets. Her poem ‘Pollen’ was shortlisted for the Forward Prize. Clare also writes in many other genres: her play The Weather was performed at the Royal Court Theatre. Clare’s second children’s novel, The Othernauts, is forthcoming in 2026 with Picadilly Press.
More info on this year’s A Haven for Stories can be found on the Villa Pia website’s retreats page.
