Step Out of Time
& into your
Fantasy Story
silence the modern world and give your
writing the attention it deserves
~ AUGUST 26-31, 2027 in BLAIRGOWRIE, SCOTLAND ~
~ Writing Intensive Extension: AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 5 in the HIGHLANDS ~
THE EARLIEST BIRD
GET 15% OFF THROUGH AUGUST 31 USING CODE "2027PLAN"
This is your invitation
You love fantasy... those stories that whisk you away from the mundane and into new worlds, destiny, and magic. They bring us into epic, sensory experiences that reflect real emotional truths and make us yearn to revisit them over and over again.
And now, it's your turn to write those stories.
StoryCraft Academy is inviting you to step away from modern life for six days to immerse yourself in the magic of fantasy writing. Scotland provides the perfect backdrop to step out of time, giving us the space to:
- Deep dive into distraction-free writing time
- Learn more about the craft of fantasy writing
- Build a lasting community of writers who are as passionate about the genre as you are
- Be inspired by evocative Scottish landscapes, castles, and culture
This incredible experience in Scotland is right for you if:
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You're a fantasy writer who wants the chance to give your writing the attention it deserves
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Your creative battery is drained by the distractions of the modern world and you're ready to recharge in the quiet, moody mists of Scotland
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You crave adventure and want to explore the ancient castles, towns, forests, and lochs that inspired works like Outlander and A River Enchanted
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You're ready to deep dive into learning about FANTASY writing and current industry trends to help your work resonate and sell
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You long to build a lifelong community of other fantasy writers who understand and will champion your work
This is your chance to bring your writing to the next level, meet your future friends and readers, and learn more about the industry as a whole.
Register NowWhat makes this retreat different
Most writing retreats will give you the space to write.
We'll give you space plus a system.
At the core of this retreat is StoryMetrics, StoryCraft Academy’s practical framework for building stories that work. This is what turns inspiration into execution.
Over the course of your time in Scotland, you'll learn:
- How to design characters that feel compelling and real, even under the most magical of circumstances
- How to balance fantasy world-building so it enhances the plot rather than distracting from it
- How to build scenes that move though the Outer Stakes, Inner Change, and Shadow Resistance arcs that are vital to the un-put-downable stories that have readers lining up for more
Whether you’re a plotter, a pantser, or something in between, the retreat is built to meet you where you are and help you move forward with confidence.
Not to mention, we've also put together a panel of industry experts and some very fun activities that will keep your creative brains awake.
Fulfill your creative potential
We have designed this retreat to be a rounded experience, allowing for you to drop into total creative immersion while building your writing community
Learn
5 Expert-Led Workshops
- Structuring fantasy stories
- Worldbuilding
- Building compelling characters
- Creating conflict that matters
- Building a sustainable career
Industry Panel & Networking
- Guidance on navigating the current fantasy market.
- Practical advice on how to publish your book.
- Post-panel networking with industry professionals.
Immerse
Scotland provides an incredible fantasy-land backdrop for the retreat. We will immerse in the landscape and culture through:
- An excursion to a loch to practice sensory writing
- A ghost tour and candlelit dinner at a castle
- A visit from a Highlander clan chieftain with swordplay, bagpipes, and whiskey tasting
- Local, multi-course dinners
- A murder mystery night to study character and conflict while having some fun
- Ceilidh dancing with a traditional band
Transform
You will leave the retreat having built lifelong connections with authors that share similar goals, triumphs, and challenges. We will continue to connect after the retreat is over through virtual meetups.
You will also leave knowing how to:
- Self-coach your manuscript using StoryMetrics diagnostics
- Create effective writing habits that result in finished books and sustainable careers
You won't just leave inspired, but with a transformative plan of action.
Deep Dive
After our time at the retreat, we have limited spots available for an optional deep-dive intensive in the Highlands, where we will focus on intensive writing time and guided conversations about our manuscripts, surrounded by the lochs and rugged country of the Highlands.
*More information on location coming soon
Sample Itinerary
THE EARLIEST BIRD
GET 15% OFF THROUGH AUGUST 31 USING CODE "2027PLAN"
Talk it through
We completely understand that investing in your writing is a big decision. Use the calendar below to book a time to talk to us, and we can talk through any questions or concerns you may have.
THE EARLIEST BIRD
GET 15% OFF THROUGH AUGUST 31 USING CODE "2027PLAN"
ACCOMMODATIONS INCLUDED
TIMELESS COMFORT IN A FANTASY LAND
A transformational experience awaits at McArthur Manor, an exclusive private estate in Blairgowrie. You'll be surrounded by the grandeur of a Scottish Baronial home that serves as the perfect backdrop for your fantasy stories. From the beautiful grounds to the event room where our cohort gathers for candlelit feasts, dances, and murder mysteries, this is a space where the modern world fades away.
THE MANOR
McArthur Manor
Originally finished in 1795, the traditionally furnished manor has been updated to include modern amenities. Each room has an en-suite bathroom, and there are plenty of spaces to write, socialize, and decompress from the modern world.
THE TOWN
Blargowrie
Known as the Gateway to the Highlands, Blairgowrie sits in the heart of Perthshire. Bounded by the River Ericht and ancient woodlands, this historic market town offers a grounded, atmospheric landscape ideal for escaping the modern rush.
RETREAT FACILITATORS
Anna & Luca
Facilitators who understand and love fantasy, storytelling, and creating transformation
Anna & Luca have a passion for incredible storytelling, and the expertise to help other authors learn their craft, build meaningful connections, and develop a mindset that leads to having a successful career. As a couple, they travel the world, write nonfiction and fantasy, and coach writers through their StoryMetrics framework.
Luca brings the rigorous structure of screenwriting to the art of the novel. An award-winning filmmaker with producing, writing and directing credits distributed by the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Lionsgate, Luca understands story mechanics from the inside out. His passion is to help storytellers demystify narrative structure and unlock the emotional core of their work. Luca has facilitated storytelling workshops for industry giants like Meta and Google, and now he brings that expertise to StoryCraft Academy as a story coach.
Anna has over 15 years of experience facilitating high-level corporate experiences, so she understands exactly how to hold the container for deep, transformative work. Now, she has turned that expertise toward her life’s true focus: helping creatives harness their unique voices, overcome imposter syndrome and fear of rejection, and build sustainable careers. As she is currently querying her debut fantasy novel, she will be walking the path alongside you, sharing her own experiences, learning moments, and excitement about the genre.
INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL PANEL
Experts in the fantasy genre
A live panel focused on how to write and publish fantasy
We have shortlisted a group of agents, editors, and published authors in the fantasy genre who are experts in the field to come and speak to our group during the retreat. You will have a chance to ask them questions during the panel and network afterwards over dinner and a drink.
Names and more information to be announced soon.
Register NowTHE EARLIEST BIRD
GET 15% OFF THROUGH AUGUST 31 USING CODE "2027PLAN"
Frequently Asked Questions
FIND THE ANSWERS HERE
Is this retreat right for me?
What about technology?
Can you accommodate dietary needs and other requests?
Is the manor pet friendly?
How much time will I actually get to write?
I'm an introvert. Will I have fun?
How do I secure my spot?
What is the cancellation policy?
Still unsure?
We completely understand that investing in your writing is a big decision. See the FAQ below, or book a time to chat through any questions or concerns you may have.
If you cannot find a time to talk before the current sale ends, find a time after and we will honor the price that was available when you booked the call.
Testimonials
TRANSFORMATIONS FROM PAST RETREATS
"Anna & Luca are incredibly adept at creating transformational experiences. Not only did I learn a ton but I had fun, met some amazing people, and got to explore an incredible place."
Eric E., Italy Retreat
"Everything on the retreat's itinerary went so smoothly, and I got to step out of my own head and focus on what truly matters. I'd go to any retreat they planned."
Meghan K., Italy retreat
"As facilitators, Anna and Luca are engaging, motivational, and know how to keep interest high while maintaining a friendly, comfortable environment. The connections I made in their workshop will last forever."
Marji G., Corporate Storytelling Retreat
"The StoryMetrics Framework helped me write my book, maintain a healthy mindset, and stay inspired to keep going even when it gets hard (because wow, can it get hard!)."
August P., Coaching Client
THE EARLIEST BIRD
GET 15% OFF THROUGH AUGUST 31 USING CODE "2027PLAN"
Included
WHAT'S COVERED IN THE COSTS
Luxury Accommodations – Enjoy a timeless and comfortable stay in a private or shared room (Value: $1000)
Full-board private chef catering – Fresh, meals catering to your dietary needs. Access to the fully stocked whisky bar for tastings (Value: $500)
Craft Workshops & Live Panel – 5 expert-led workshops and a live panel with industry experts to learn more about how to write and sell fantasy novels (Value: $3000).
Events – Group excursions to the loch, castle, and Blairgowrie, as well as events at the manor, including a Highlander night, murder mystery, and Ceilidh dancing (Value: $1200)
Transportation – Coach transfer to and from the manor and Edinburgh (Value: $150)
That is a combined value of $5850, but rooms start at only $3397 $2887 during our 15% sale
This is far more than a vacation, this is an investment in your writing career.
Not Included
WHAT YOU COVER
Flights & Transportation – Flights & transport to Edinburgh are not covered. Flights from NYC tend to be about $500 round trip.
Personal Items – Pack weather-appropriate clothing, toiletries, and medications. This is an incredible time of year in Scotland, with mild temperatures in the 60s, but moody, rainy weather is always a possibility!
Extra Snacks & Specialty Drinks – While meals and some mid-day snacks are included, you may want personal treats or beverages. If you have very strict dietary needs, consider bringing some supplemental food items.
Author Headshot – There will be a photographer on-site taking pictures, but if you want a posed headshot, this is an add-on that you can choose at checkout.
1:1 Coaching – We offer story coaching services that you can choose to take advantage of for the retreat by selecting this option after checkout.
ADDED BONUSES
Bonuses for Retreat Attendees
Live Virtual Meetups
We will meet a month before the retreat to answer questions and get to know each other a little. We will also meet 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the retreat to keep the magic alive far after the retreat is over.
$650 FREE
Courses and Community
Get access to a year of our Academy Membership, where you can attend craft workshops, review our library of self-paced courses, and have exclusive forums in our community.
$324 FREE
Optional 1:1 Coaching
You can choose to add a 1:1 story coaching session to your retreat at checkout. You will get to meet with your coach in-person at the retreat, and they will read over your work before the retreat begins.
$1000 off the full manuscript audit
Ready to transform your fantasy writing in Scotland?
EARLIEST BIRD SALE PRICING:
Save 15% on all rooms by booking before August 31st. For couple and group rates, please contact us using the form below.
Single Occupancy
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MESSAGE US
Have questions, or are you looking for additional group or couple pricing options?
Message us in the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
