Being a writer is a daunting task, especially if you are not surrounded by similar minds and creative stimuli. Sure, there are some writers that prefer sitting in the dark corners of their rooms, typing away their thoughts. But if you prefer the former, and don’t know where to start, The Bombay Circle Press has curated a list of writing retreats for you, in India. These retreats provide the structural and mental support writers need to work on their writing in peace. You can visit their websites to have more information about their application process.
This writing retreat was set up in 2016 by two authors, Chetan Mahajan and Dr. Vandita Dubey. Situated in the Uttarakhand Himalayas, it is surrounded by a blanket of peace and calm. The stunning views form the perfect muse and will definitely inspire the writers’ flow of words. This place has six rooms, each purposefully built for writers to help them hone their writing. They also host a lot of events and writing workshops, both online and offline that have participants from all over the world, where you can get a chance to interact with published authors. They also support local schools and non-profit organisations, dedicated to fighting climate change.
Set in the beautiful hill station of Panchgani, this retreat has been active since 2014. They also host a lot of workshops and classes, dedicated to different genres of fictional and non-fictional writing. They are curated with extra care and attention to ensure that writers get the best support possible in the variety of literary genres.
Started by Shabnam Samuel, a writer herself, she has published a memoir. This retreat offers you the complete package with home-cooked meals, yoga activities and hiking trails.
Started by Michael and Devanshe, guided by simple principles of life, “to live simply and attentively” and more, the couple shifted to India permanently in 2016. Believing in the value of slowness, their writing retreat programme is quite flexible, leaving the writers to work at their own pace. Nourishing food, forest walking trails, library, and a beautiful solitude will keep you the best company while you hone your craft. The Mountains prove to be a great muse for paintings or writings. Their annual retreat takes place in August, where no other residents are allowed to stay at the residence to avoid disturbance.
Situated in God’s Own Country, Kerala, this retreat offers a nourishing and intellectually stimulating environment to remove the frustration from the process of writing. With the opportunity of working in shared spaces or sitting in solitude, it provides the structure for all kinds of writers. The writing tutors will help you in whichever stage of writing you are and the reading session in the evening can bring a fresh perspective from others, getting firsthand reader reviews. You can also visit tourist attractions in the area for a break.
Writing retreats can be a good way to break from your day-to-day life and get back on track—it can act as a push for you to finally finish your projects. If you wish to publish your work, or receive consultation about the process, visit The Bombay Circle Press, where you will get all the help you need for publishing.