Anchors aweigh!

15-17 September 2024

Join us for a unique, generative writing retreat. In two glorious days at sea, we’ll help you overcome typical blocks, make room in your life for creativity, and produce the beginning of a writing project you can keep working on once you’re back on land. Plus, you’ll meet and bond with a few fellow writers, while enjoying the luxuries of a mini cruise.

We still have a couple of places available if you sign up this week!

Take to the high seas in September 2024 for a 48-hour all-inclusive roundtrip from Oslo, Norway to Kiel, Germany aboard a Color Line cruise ship.

As writers ourselves, we know how helpful a solid metaphor can be to our creative process. That’s why we’ve selected a sea voyage for this retreat, giving us all a chance to cast off the anchors of our day-to-day lives and harness the winds of creativity on the open ocean.

We’ve designed an inspiring, hands-on program to get you writing! You’ll also have plenty of extra time–both on the ship and in Kiel–to spend as you wish. If you’re feeling inspired and want to use the whole time to write, or if you’d rather use your free time to shop, have a drink in the observation lounge, or relax in the spa and fitness center, that’s your call.

All food and drink, accommodation and entertainment in the program below are included in the price.

Places are limited and the group will be carefully selected for the best experience for all. Application deadline: 9 August 2024.

All-inclusive price: 5000 NOK (see the sign-up form below for optional cabin upgrades)

Learn more about Color Line cruises here.

Anchors aweigh – program

Sunday, 15 September

10.00 Meet and check-in
10.30 Boarding and welcome to our workshop space
11.00 – 13:30 Workshops
- Introduction and warm-up
- Anchors aweigh! Getting started with your writing project
13.30 Lunch buffet (1 soft drink included), and check in to your cabin
14.30 – 17.00 Generative writing sessions
- Writing in sprints – what it is and how to do it well
- Generative session 1
- Check in
- Generative session 2
- Sharing and (safe) critiques
17.00 – 20.00 Free time to be creative, explore the ship, tax-free shopping, etc.
20.00 Dinner together: A three-course meal with a ½ bottle of the ship’s wine, 2 beers, or soft drinks included

Monday, 16 September

07.00 – 09.45 Buffet breakfast
10.00 – 13.45 Arrive in Kiel – this is your own time to do with as you will. Use it wisely!
13.30 – All aboard for Oslo!
14.00 – 17.00 Workshops (baguettes and mineral water will be served in the conference center during this time)
- Generative session 3
- Check in
- Generative session 4
- Sharing and close
- Finding your land legs – how to keep going
17.00 – 18.00 Free time
18.30 – 19.50 Show (booking fee included)
20.00 – Dinner in the Grand Buffet (1 glass of wine, beer or mineral water included)

Tuesday, 17 September

07.00 – 09.45 Buffet breakfast
10.00 – Arrive back in Oslo