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SECRET
WRITING RETREATS
UNIQUE WRITING RETREATS AND EVENTS FOR WRITERS IN INSPIRING LOCATIONS
CRIME, SUSPENSE AND MYSTERY WRITING WITH JO CALLAGHAN AT GUY'S CLIFFE HOUSE
WITH GUEST AUTHOR JO CALLAGHAN
SATURDAY 11TH JULY 2026
ABOUT THE EVENT
We are thrilled to welcome Sunday Times bestselling author Jo Callaghan, who will join us for an intimate, deep-dive session into the mechanics of a hit novel.
Whether you’re working on getting submission ready, finding a quiet corner of the grounds for self-directed writing, this retreat offers the rare blend of professional mentorship and the serene space you need to bring your stories to life.
ABOUT OUR GUEST AUTHOR
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Jo Callaghan works as a senior strategist, carrying out research into the future impact of AI and geonomics on the workforce. After losing her husband to cancer in 2019, she started writing In the Blink of an Eye, her debut crime novel and the first in the Kat and Lock series, which explores learning to live with loss and what it means to be human.
It was a BBC Two’s Between the Covers pick, as well as a Waterstones Thriller of the Month, and went on be a Sunday Times bestseller and 2024 winner of both the prestigious Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year and the CWA ILP John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger awards. To date it has been published in over fifteen different countries.
Jo lives with her two children in the Midlands, and loves connecting with readers on social media as @JoCallaghanKat.
ABOUT THE LOCATION
Rarely open to the public, Guy's Cliffe House is a magnificent location with a rich history steeped in myth and legend. For over a century, the site has served as a sanctuary for the secret ceremonies of the Freemasons. As you walk the grounds, you are treading over hidden rock-cut caverns and through halls that have witnessed decades of whispered tradition and symbolic ritual.
For a writer, the mystery of the "Great Unknown" is baked into the very walls, providing a hauntingly perfect backdrop for uncovering the hidden depths of your own narrative. This location is the very definition of a ‘secret writing retreat.’
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
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Entry to the event includes:
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All event activities,
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Exclusive one hour talk with award-winning author Jo Callaghan,
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Breakfast pastries,
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Unlimited tea, coffee and hot drinks,
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Delicious buffet lunch provided by Guy's Cliffe Catering,
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Celebratory drink.
PLANNED STRUCTURE FOR THE DAY *
9.30 am - Join us for tea, coffee and pastries and meet the other writers you'll be joining for the day.
10.00 am -Setting your focus for the day. Whether that's writing something new, trying to improve your word count or editing a work in progress, you can set your personal goal that you'd like to work towards.
10.20 am - Tour of Guy's Cliffe House and the surrounding grounds*
10.40 am - Find yourself a quiet spot for some uninterrupted time to write.
12.00 pm - Short coffee break
12.15 pm - Second writing session
1 pm Take a break with others to enjoy a spectacular buffet provided by Guy's Cliffe catering.
2 pm - One hour Q&A with our guest, multi-award winning Jo Callaghan. This is your chance for you to ask your questions about Jo's novels, writing process, or her experience as a published writer. She will also be able to sign any books (you will be able to pre-order copies to collect at the retreat day)
3pm - Final writing session for your last sprint towards your goal.
3.40pm - Reflect on your goals, share insights from the day and make a toast to the rest of your writing journey. Optional sharing of work.
4.00pm- event ends.
*exact timings of the sessions may be subject to change. The tour of Guy's Cliffe includes a walk down to the cave and is not suitable for wearing heels.
Note: This retreat is for over 18s only.
Prose and Pastries
A Monthly Coffee Morning For Writers
EVERY SECOND FRIDAY OF THE MONTH
ABOUT THE EVENT
'Prose and Pastries' is a writer's coffee morning held every second Friday of the month at the beautiful and inspiring building 'The Fold' in Leamington Spa, a refurbished 19th century church building.
The coffee morning offers time and space to write, connection with other writers and delicious coffee, tea and pastries all included in the price. Think of it as a 'bitesized' version of our day retreats.
Whether you're writing your first novel, journalling for joy or crafting blog posts, this is your space to connect and write over unlimited tea, coffee and fresh pastries in an exclusive, inspiring room just for us.
Limited to 12 people, your ticket includes:
Unlimited tea and coffee, and pastries.
Early bird tickets start at £12.00.
ABOUT THE LOCATION
The Fold is a beautiful refurbished church in the regency town of Leamington Spa. With its soaring ceilings and a tranquil atmosphere this is an exclusive venue that encourages deep concentration and creativity.
As writers, we rarely celebrate the every day achievement of getting the writing done.
This was something I wanted to incorporate at every event by Secret Writing Retreats.
Whether its just a glass of something fizzy or a full blown confetti cannon party, you'll come away feeling like like you've achieved something and had fun while doing it!
Jen Flannery, founder of Secret Writing Retreats
“The Secret Writing Retreat was a godsend.
It gave me the time and space I needed to really get my head into my book. No thinking about meal prep or childcare or other domestic diversions, just hours of productive work surrounded by nice people in a calm, quiet environment. Bliss!”
Liam Brown, author of
'Broadcast', 'Skin' and 'Evergreens.'
