Step out of time. step into story.
SILENCE THE MODERN WORLD AND GIVE YOUR WRITING THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES
~ AUGUST 25-30, 2026 in BLAIRGOWRIE, SCOTLAND ~
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Create Enduring Transformation
A Retreat Crafted to Help you Fulfill Your Highest Creative Potential
Are you feeling stuck, burned out, or blocked? Or perhaps the constant noise of the modern world is distracting you from finishing your story?
The Step Out of Time writing retreat is your guide back to creative presence. Grounded in the immersive setting of Scotland, we will be hosting craft workshops designed for sustainable growth, traditional experiences that will bring you into another time, and deep connection with a community of other writers.
Anchor
The work begins by stopping the clock. We enforce digital boundaries during writing times and sink into the physical rhythm of Scotland. Through silent sensory practice and Loch-side reflection, you will anchor your focus and reclaim the deep presence your story requires.
Reclaim
You will descend into the deepest challenges of your manuscript, using the sensory environment to move through your creative process. Your writing will be fueled by the sensations of Scotland, from the beautiful scenery to the ancient history. Find the authentic voice your story demands.
Transcend
We will solidify your creative breakthroughs with a celebratory Ceilidh dance before teaching you how to integrate your new rhythm into your daily life. You leave not just with pages written, but with a sustainable method that lasts long after you cross the threshold back home.
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An Incredible Itinerary Awaits
WHAT TO EXPECT AS YOU STEP OUT OF TIME
Designed to strip away the noise of the modern world, our daily schedule balances restorative structure with creative freedom. With full-board catering provided, your only responsibility is to crafting your stories. The schedule flows between craft workshops, guided sensory excursions, and spacious blocks of deep work, allowing you to slip fully into your creative state while building your community.
DAY 01
Call to Adventure
Theme: Crossing the Threshold
Arrival & Welcome
– Included shuttle from Edinburgh arrives to McArthur Manor at 12:00 PM, where you will get an introduction to the experience.
Scottish Immersion
– Step back in time to the days of the Highlanders of old. This full immersion into Scottish tradition will mark our threshold, crossing into the manor and out of our day-to-day lives. Swordplay, bagpipes, whisky, and history make imagination come to life.
Candlelit Dinner & Opening Circle
– We will gather for a three-course Scottish dinner, set intentions, and create the story of our retreat.
DAY 2
Tests & Trials
Theme: Awakening the Senses
Morning Craft Session
– Led by storycraft experts on how to make your worlds come to life.
Loch Clunie Excursion
– We travel to the Loch for a self-guided trial. Your task will be to practice deep sensory writing. This will be followed by a deep focus writing session back at the manor.
Sharing Circle
– Practice sharing your writing in a safe container, and discover how many different perspectives come from our loch adventure.
Evening Connection
– Get to know your fellow writers over a delicious meal, with optional time in the evening to play games, share a whisky, and swap stories.
DAY 3
The Inmost Cave
Theme: Shadow & Atmosphere
Silent Sensory Breakfast
– We begin the day in communal silence, focusing entirely on the taste and texture of the meal to slow down our internal clock.
Morning Craft Session
– Learn techniques for navigating the deeper, darker parts of a story, including how to plot through the "messy middle".
Deep Work Block
– Extended quiet hours in the manor to venture into the "cave" of your manuscript.
Castle Ghost Tour
– A private ghost tour of a nearby castle by candlelight. We explore the shadows of history and hear stories of the past with a glass of wine in hand, then indulge in an atmospheric dinner in the Great Hall.
DAY 4
The Ordeal
Theme: Conflict in Story
Morning Craft Session
– Examining how to raise the stakes with interesting antagonism and conflict, with time after to deep dive into your stories.
Blairgowrie Exploration
– Optional walk from the manor to the river and the town of Blairgowrie, with time for sensory writing practice, visiting a local pub, and connecting with your fellow writers.
Murder Mystery Night
– A theatrical narrative ordeal takes us into another time, where we need to identify the antagonist and survive the night. Professional actors lead a mystery served alongside dinner, where we can observe plot mechanics and character dynamics.
DAY 5
The Resurrection
Theme: Voice & Celebration
Morning Craft Session
– After navigating the "ordeal", we will talk about how to close your stories with confidence, leaving readers, and yourself, satisfied and wanting more.
Choose Your Own Adventure
– Either deep dive into your manuscript, play yard games with fellow authors, or explore Blairgowrie more... make the most of your last full day in whichever way you want.
The Burns Supper
– We mark your retreat transformation with a traditional ritual, featuring a local clan chieftain, the "Ode to the Haggis," poems, and a dram of whisky.
Ceilidh Celebration
– A live four-piece band leads us in traditional dancing, symbolizing the joy and vitality of resurrecting into self and story.
DAY 6
The Return
Theme: Integration
Morning Craft Session
– How to carry the "boon" of renewed creativity back to the ordinary world. We will explore how to maintain an author mindset that gets you through the hard times and allows you to finish your stories and build your career.
Farewell Circle
– We will close out the retreat by sharing what you've worked on, what we appreciate about each other, and how to maintain connections and learning far after the retreat ends.
Departure
– The coach leaves at 4:00pm (16:00) to take you back to Edinburgh, forever changed by your journey.
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ACCOMMODATIONS INCLUDED
LIVING IN TIMELESS COMFORT
A transformational experience awaits at McArthur Manor, an exclusive private estate in Blairgowrie. Here, stepping out of time implies immersing yourself in rich, sensory history. You will reside in exclusive-use luxury, surrounded by the grandeur of a Scottish Baronial home that serves as the perfect backdrop for both deep creative work and vibrant celebration. From the manicured grounds to the event room where our cohort gathers for feasts, dances, and murder mysteries, this is a space where the modern world fades.
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
THESE EXPERT FACILITATORS WILL BE GUIDING YOUR TRANSFORMATION
Luca Ceccarelli
STORY COACH, FACILITATOR
Luca brings the rigorous structure of cinema to the art of the novel. An award-winning filmmaker with writing and directing credits distributed by Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Lionsgate, he understands the mechanics of a scene from the inside out.
Through his StoryMetrics framework, he helps creators 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 coaching expertise to StoryCraft Academy as a story coach.
Anna Claire
AUTHOR, FACILITATOR
Anna bridges the gap between professional mastery and creative intuition. With over 15 years of experience facilitating high-level corporate experiences, 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 and build sustainable careers.
Currently editing her debut novel, Anna leads not just from the podium, but by walking the path alongside you.
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Testimonials
TRANSFORMATIONS FROM PAST RETREATS
"Anna & Luca truly know how to plan and implement transformational experiences. Not only did I learn a ton but I had fun, met some amazing people, and got to explore an amazing place."
Eric E., Italy Retreat
"I wish they could plan every trip I ever take. Everything on the itinerary went so smoothly, and I got to just step out of my own head and focus on what truly matters."
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. I would go to any event they were running."
Marji G., Corporate Storytelling Retreat
"The frameworks that StoryCraft Academy teaches 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., StoryCraft Client
Frequently Asked Questions
ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED 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?
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Included
WHAT'S COVERED IN THE COSTS
Luxury Accommodations – Enjoy a timeless and comfortable stay in a private or shared room.
Food & Drink – Chef-prepared meals catering to various dietary needs. Access to the fully stocked whisky bar for tastings.
Craft Workshops – Expert-led workshops .
Excursions – Group excursions to the loch, castle, and Blairgowrie.
Transportation – Coach transfer to and from the manor from Edinburgh.
Journals – We will provide a special journal for you.
Retreat Photos – We will have a professional photographer on-site taking photos
Not Included
WHAT YOU COVER
Flights & Transportation – Flights & transport to Edinburgh are not covered.
Personal Items – Pack weather-appropriate clothing, toiletries, and medications. If you are a smoker, please keep in mind this is a smoke-free venue so you will need to walk away from the property to indulge.
Extra Snacks & Specialty Drinks – While meals are included, you may want personal snacks or beverages. If you have very strict dietary needs, consider bringing supplemental food items.
Author Headshot – This is an add-on that you can choose at checkout.
1:1 Coaching – This is an add-on that you can choose 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.
Course and Community
Get instant access to our "Write as You Are: Managing Imposter Syndrome" self-paced course to prepare to show up with your full, unapologetic self. You will also get instant access to our private writing community.
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.
Ready to Transform your Writing in Scotland?
HOLIDAY SALE PRICING:
Save over $600 on all rooms by booking before the new year.
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