hosted by gail muller

I’m so excited to welcome you to a place that’s become very special to me -  a quiet corner of Cornwall where the pace softens, the sea is close, and there’s space to finally exhale. This five-day retreat is for writers of all kinds, whether you’re just starting out, picking up something you had put down, or deep in the messy middle. Your story unfolds with the willingness to show up and see what happens.

We’ll gather at Calamansac House, tucked near the paths that wind down to Frenchman’s Creek. It’s calm, coastal, and full of wild beauty,  the perfect backdrop for rest, reflection, and creativity.

There’ll be writing sessions, time to wander in the grounds, good food, and plenty of quiet corners to curl up in. Come as you are. Leave feeling rested, reconnected, and ready to keep on creating.

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A Typical Day at the Retreat

Although carefully considered, our schedule is also subject to gentle change — we go with the flow, the weather and what the group needs.

Morning

• Wake up slowly. Tea or coffee in hand, maybe a wander in the garden or a few words on the page.

• Light breakfast in the kitchen or outside if the sun’s come to greet us.

• Guided writing sessions with Gail. Start where you are, with prompts, tools, and time to explore your voice, purpose and ideas.

• Time to write, read, walk, think or seek advice on words. No pressure. Just space.

Afternoon

• A nourishing lunch — locally sourced, freshly made.

• A creative or nature-based activity (including a walk, wild swim, or story-sharing circle). Optional, but with creative outcomes.

• More free time to write, nap, swim, chat or just be. Use structures from Gail or the day’s experts to guide you, or dive back into your own projects.

Evening

• A relaxed dinner together around the table.

• Optional evening session: gentle reflection, fireside sharing, Q&A, or a guest session.

• Then bed — early if you like, or stay up with your notebook and a mug of something warm.
  

No day is the same, and each builds on the last, with sessions covering topics such as narrative structure, poetry, compelling characters and how to overcome writing challenges.

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THINGS YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING

• Do I need to be an experienced writer to come?

  Not at all. This retreat is for anyone with a love of words — whether you’re journalling, halfway through a novel, or haven’t picked up a pen in years. You don’t need to have a project or a plan. Just come with curiosity and a willingness to explore. There’ll be structure and support, but no pressure or expectation.

• Will I have to read my work out loud?

  Only if you want to. There’s absolutely no requirement to share your writing unless it feels right for you. This is a supportive, non-judgemental space — some people find sharing helpful, others prefer to keep things private. Both are completely welcome.

• What kind of writing will we do?

  We’ll explore a range of prompts and exercises designed to unlock your voice, stretch your imagination, and help you build confidence. It could be memoir, fiction, journalling, poetry — whatever feels true for you. There’s no ‘right’ style. The focus is on process, not perfection.

• Do I have to join every session?

  No. While we encourage you to take part, this retreat is time for you - if you need to skip a session for a walk, a nap, or to stay in the flow of your own work, that’s completely okay. This retreat is about tuning in, not burning out. Some people write a lot whilst they’re with us, but for others the rest, calm and inspiration at Calamansac works its magic on site, and the writing in earnest emerges later. 

• Can I come on my own?

  Yes — most people do. You’ll be warmly welcomed into the group, and there’s plenty of space for solo time if you need it. Many past guests have come alone and left with lovely new friends (and a lot more confidence from having done so). 

• What should I bring?

  Comfy clothes, walking shoes, and something to swim in for optional dips in the sea (don’t worry if this is new - our first one is guided with an open water swim coach). For your creative process, please bring whatever you like to write with; a notebook, your laptop, coloured pens, sticky notes... whichever tools help you think best and feel in flow. You might also want to bring a favourite book or two to read (or the yet-unread ones next to your bed) and layers - the Cornish weather likes to keep us on our toes.

• What about food?

  Good, delicious food is a well-loved part of our retreats, and everything is created by our chefs with love and care. Meals are fresh, seasonal, and mostly vegetarian. We can cater for vegan, gluten-free and other dietary needs, just let us know when you book and we’ll make sure you're well fed and well looked after.

• Is there Wi-Fi?

  Yes. But we encourage you to unplug as much as possible. The phone signal can be patchy, and that’s part of the magic. You’re welcome to check in with home when needed, but this is also a rare chance to step back from your everyday routines and carve out peace just for you.

• How do I get there?

  We’ll send detailed directions after booking. The nearest train station is Penryn, with connections from London and beyond. From there, it’s a short taxi ride to Calamansac. If you’re driving, there’s parking available at the house. Closer to the time we’ll connect guests who express interest in sharing transport from the train station, or even from further afield.

• What happens if I need to arrive late, or leave early?

  This is entirely OK, and we work with both the expected and the unexpected. Traffic delays or immovable diary events that mean you might be delayed or need to leave before the last day, are very manageable. We will ensure you’re greeted with lovely food and a warm welcome whenever you arrive, and equally that you have all the tools, information and support you need if you have to leave a little sooner than you’d like. 

• I have never swum in cold water before - what if I’m too nervous?

  There’s no expectation for you to swim, but there will be plenty of time, patience and support for you if you’d like to try dipping your toes. Our lovely swim coach will give us a safety talk before we go into the water and we’ll be on hand to make it safe and fun. Just being by the saltwater is beneficial for you, and for some people it’s enough to sit, soak up the peaceful creekside environment, and encourage the others as they go in. Whether you dip or not, being part of the group on shore, paddling or swimming for a spell is a very special moment. You won’t be left out whatever you decide. 

• Am I too young or too old to attend and feel part of things?

  Absolutely not. Our attendees have ranged from 19 to 80, and all have been vital parts of our groups. We encourage you to come whatever your age (or whatever age you feel!). You will still have much to contribute, and will find much to learn. 

• I’m dyslexic, neurodiverse, dyspraxic or have another condition that means I’ve struggled to focus and write. Can I still come?

  Yes - please do. Gail is neurodiverse (ADHD and Autistic, both late diagnosed) and has delivered and consulted on education programmes for over 20 years, all over the world.  Alongside being an author and coach, she’s spent large parts of her career specialising in supporting people who have felt blocked in their education and confidence, so that they can access their innate talents, get into flow, and shine in their own unique way. So yes, you’re very welcome with us.