From idea to novel, proposal to memoir, first draft to first royalties, Allison K Williams brings deep understanding of dramatic structure, sensitivity to voice and theme, technical expertise, and contagious enthusiasm for your work.
Allison has edited and coached writers to deals with Penguin Random House, Macmillan, Harper Collins, Knopf, Mantle, Flatiron, St. Martin’s and independent presses. She’s guided essayists to publication in the New Yorker, Time, the Guardian, the New York Times, McSweeney’s and TED Talks. As Managing Editor for the Brevity Blog, she inspires thousands of writers with blogs on craft and the writing life.
Dinty has published essays and stories in The Southern Review, The Georgia Review, Harpers, The New York Times Sunday Magazine, Arts & Letters, The Normal School and elsewhere. A former professor of nonfiction writing at Ohio University, he serves as Editor-in-Chief for Brevity, a noted online journal of flash nonfiction.
Dinty consults regularly with authors and publishers on book proposals and revisions, many going on to publish with Big Five houses and university presses. A well-known and popular workshop leader, he has led workshops in Spain, Scotland, Ireland, Mexico, and throughout the United States.
Il Castello
Certaldo Alto
A medieval castle-turned-boutique-hotel in the heart of the old town, overlooking hills covered by olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees. Simple rooms with private modern baths and writing desks surround a quiet courtyard and panoramic terrace. Rooms have views of the valley or the historic town center.
Additional rooms in the medieval tower, with incredible views.
Low on luxury and glowing with charm, we'll be dining where the neighbors eat—without a tourist in sight.
A life-changing week of creativity, insight and shared commitment to goals set in the glorious medieval hillside town. Generously and sensitively led by Allison & Dinty, who seemed to be available 24/7 for the discussion of plot points and character development, not to mention advice on where to sample the best pasta and local wine.
In-between writing, we visited historic towns, took part in a wine tasting and were treated to a joyful masterclass in Tuscan cookery. Bonds of friendship strengthened over shared meals.
Anyone who feels stuck in their work should consider this supportive and nurturing environment for rediscovering the joy of writing.
Lindsey Nicholson, MBE, author of Mail on Sunday Best Memoir 2024 Perfect Bound
To write in a beautiful historic place, with a community of writers that were all strangers to me-together we have come to form an integrated group, and perhaps integrated ourselves (in however tiny a way) into the history of this beautiful place.
I had nearly given up on finding an agent when I decided to rework my manuscript with Allison’s help. After the revisions, an agent who had told me I could resubmit decided to represent me, and my book was acquired by Penguin Random House!
Karen Fine, DVM, author of NYT Bestseller The Other Family Doctor: A Veterinarian’s View of Love, Loss, Mortality and Mindfulness
The Experience
From idea to novel | proposal to memoir inspiration to publication
On location, you'll have daily craft seminars, live editing, and Office Hours for one-on-one editorial feedback and publishing coaching with Dinty, Allison and Rebecca.
A follow-up group coaching session helps you sustain momentum at home.
After a morning craft talk and generative writing exercise, writers work individually in shared spaces, revising their new writing, incorporating it into existing work, or focusing on their current project.
Post-writing check-ins may include sharing short sections for live-editing, but this is not a "workshop." Allison, Dinty and Rebecca provide individual guidance as needed.
It's like writing at your favorite cafe—with peer and editorial support, and a phenomenal view.
Focused time away from home helps you plow through pages.
Direct, specific feedback helps you write better.
A retreat environment with personal editorial assistance. Questioning an editorial note? Lost your plot thread? Ask your teachers right now—we're across the table.
Certaldo is tiny! Away from the tourist bustle, you'll get to know the neighbors, eat great local food and enjoy a calm, supportive writing environment. Be inspired by cooking, music and exploring beautiful Tuscany.
We welcome novelists in any genre, memoirists, essayists (including Substack) and short story writers. Come with an idea, or an outline or proposal and some material, or a partial manuscript, or a draft that isn't singing yet.
You're ready for direct and specific feedback about your work.
You're writing in English, because we aren't fluent enough to edit in any other language. (English need not be your mother tongue.)
You DON'T need a degree in writing (or anything else!).
You DON'T need previous publication credits.
You're not reading others' work in advance, so the experience levels and genres of your fellow writers aren't a big factor in your retreat.
No problem! Your pages for feedback during the week can be part of a book, a series of essays, or an idea and notes. If you're working on a book, we can look at your synopsis or chapter summaries.
If you're starting from an idea, or exploring your writing life, you'll find plenty of time to generate new words.
A friend or family member age 16+ sharing your room pays a companion fee of $1650. Their trip will include lodging, group meals and activities and local tours. It doesn't include Writing in Company, one-on-one time or editorial feedback.
Traveling with a partner, or just want more space? Upgrade to share a spacious suite for $350.
As you would for any travel, we advise bringing your regular medications and updating your vaccinations. Italy has excellent healthcare and English-speaking doctors if needed. The nearest pharmacy is 10 minutes walk from the hotel.
Airport transfers from FLR can be via train (about 6 euros) or private driver (about 125 euros) at your own expense. If your trip continues, other destinations in Italy are easier to reach from the Certaldo train station than from the airport.
For group sightseeing, transportation will be provided. For personal exploration, all of Certaldo Alto and the lower town are walkable, with a funicular connecting the two areas.
Florence Peretola airport is accessible, and transfers to and from the airport are available via private car with door-to-door service.
Most of Certaldo Alto is wheelable, with relatively—but not consistently—smooth cobblestone streets. Most businesses have steps at their entrances. The road to the lower town is paved and smooth but steep; the funicular to the lower town is accessible, with an entrance ramp 15 feet from the hotel front door.
Our hotel rooms are all on the second floor, with a wide staircase up and additional steps from landing to corridor. There is no elevator. Staff are available to carry bags.
Rooms have step-free access between bedroom and bathroom. This retreat has plenty of space for a caregiver or companion to share your room.
While wider public awareness of human rights has led to new laws being implemented, Italy does not have consistent accessibility. If you have mobility concerns, let us know.
Allison and Dinty have (between them) worked with writers who are d/Deaf, hearing-impaired, blind, visually-impaired, neuro-atypical and with physical disabilities. We want to work with you—let's discuss how to make it an excellent experience.
Our writing time and excursions are in English; many local residents speak enough English to chat and answer questions. We recommend keeping Google Translate on your phone with the Italian dictionary downloaded, or carrying a phrasebook.
The vast majority of Italians are friendly, hospitable and kind to tourists.
Certaldo has a low crime rate and is safe for solo walking day and night. As on any trip, be aware of your surroundings and your belongings. Keep an eye out for pickpockets in crowded locations like train stations.
Il Castello's award-winning restaurant features fresh local and Continental cuisine.
Breakfast includes bread and pastries, meats and cheeses, water, juices and barista Bouchra's delicious coffee creations.
Our included meals are in local restaurants, where you may order off the menu.
Options for lunches and dinners on your own include fresh, healthy, traditional Italian fare at local restaurants.
Our grand finale dinner will include appetizer, main dish, dessert, wine and nonalcoholic drinks.
There are a grocery store and farmers market in the lower town, for in-room snacks and impromptu picnics. Excellent restaurants in all price ranges are within a 10-minute walk.
Please advise us of any dietary restrictions and we will work with the hotel and restaurants to accommodate your needs as much as possible.
Additional hotel nights in Certaldo before or after the retreat are limited, so let us know right away if you're interested. We’re also happy to provide personal recommendations or connect you with a local travel agency to extend your trip. Italian trains are fast and convenient, as are short-hop discount airlines to Rome, Milan, and points farther afield.
Everyone works on their own, with the energy of a shared writing space. Sessions begin with a craft talk and generative writing. Then, you decide whether to continue the new writing; incorporate it into your existing work; or focus on your current project.
As Allison says, "If I'm writing with a buddy and I start to get bored or frustrated, I look up and think, I can't quit now—she's still going!"
Afterwards, each person shares how their work went and may—but doesn't have to—read a short passage.
Throughout Writing in Company time, retreat leaders will be available to talk through problems, suggest new ways to tackle a tough section, or give you a quick exercise to shake your writing loose.
Nope. While reading group members' work in advance and noting points for discussion is a valuable practice, it's not what we're doing here. Your focus is on your book.
During Live-Editing sessions, you'll glean lessons for your own work from watching others, as well as having your turn in the (optional) spotlight.
At the end of the week, we'll have a casual evening reading between courses at the Farewell Dinner. This is an opportunity to share aloud pages you've been working on with a small, supportive audience.
In our pre-retreat group coaching session, we'll discuss your concept and what you want to accomplish during the retreat. If you're at an early stage and don't have a lot of pages, we'll focus on your idea, purpose and process
During the retreat, Allison and Dinty hold drop-in Office Hours for one-on-one time to discuss your work-in-progress, your writing and your publication goals.
Throughout the week we'll have plenty of casual chatting time, and you're welcome to start/participate in writing-related discussions with leaders and/or your fellow writers just about anywhere.
After returning home, we'll have a scheduled group coaching session to check in and address questions or new challenges as you finish your draft.
To give each writer the individual and specific attention their manuscript needs, the retreat is limited to ten writers. Non-writing travel partners may join us for meals, tours and activities.
Rebirth Your Book accepts Venmo, Zelle, Canadian e-transfers, US checks, PayPal and credit cards via PayPal. A $750 deposit on acceptance reserves your place.
Balance can be paid in full August 15th, or in 4 monthly payments starting July 15th.
We offer a $200 discount for payment via check, Venmo, Zelle, direct deposit or e-transfer (when we don't pay credit card fees, we pass the savings to you!)
We don't have official scholarships, but we're happy to provide supporting materials if you're applying for a grant or funding from your state, province, arts council or institution.
We strongly recommend travel & trip-cancellation insurance.
Commit with a nonrefundable $750 deposit to hold your place.
Balance is due or your payment plan begins August 15th
We recommend you buy a plane ticket by Aug 1st
If a writer decides not to travel after all AND we can fill their place from the waitlist, after a $350 administrative fee, they can apply their balance to future retreats/intensives. If we can't fill their place, we'll refund payments over $2000 but the deposit and payments up to $2000 are nonrefundable.
If our destination closes to travelers or we must cancel for circumstances beyond our control, we will attempt to reschedule the retreat or relocate to a comparable destination. You will have the option to join the new plans, or we will apply your deposit minus any PayPal fees to a future retreat/intensive, and refund any additional payments.
THE FINE PRINT
Refunds will be sent within 30 days of receipt of notice of cancellation.
Rebirth Your Book reserves the right to cancel the retreat in the event of civil unrest, natural disaster, pandemic or Act of God. In the event of cancellation of the retreat in its entirety, you will receive a full refund of any fees paid, less bank/PayPal/transfer fees. You agree to release Rebirth Your Book and its agents and/or representatives from any liability, including consequential expenses you may have incurred in planning to attend. We will provide you with documentation to support a claim to your travel insurance provider for flights and other expenses not paid to Rebirth Your Book.
Have another question? Want to talk payment plan, travel concerns or health & safety? contact us
0Days
0Writers
0Writing Hours
0Objective
Partners
Writing around the world
Cancellation Policy
We strongly recommend travel & trip-cancellation insurance. Please see FAQ: What's the Cancellation Policy for details specific to your chosen retreat. Below is our general policy:
If you are unable to attend and we can fill your place from the waitlist, after a $350 administrative fee you may apply your balance to another retreat.
If we can’t fill your place: we’ll provide you with documentation to support a claim to your travel insurance provider, and refund payments over $2000, but deposits and any payments made up to $2000 are nonrefundable.
Refunds will be sent within 30 days of receipt of notice of cancellation.
Rebirth Your Book reserves the right to cancel the retreat in the event of civil unrest, natural disaster, pandemic or Act of God. In the event of cancellation of the retreat in its entirety, you will receive a full refund of any fees paid, less bank/PayPal/transfer fees. You agree to release Rebirth Your Book and its agents and/or representatives from any liability, including consequential expenses you may have incurred in planning to attend. We will provide you with documentation to support a claim to your travel insurance provider for flights and other expenses not paid to Rebirth Your Book.
Privacy Policy
Rebirth Your Book operates the RebirthYourBook.com website, which provides the SERVICE.
These are our policies on the collection, use, and disclosure of Personal Information for web visitors using our Service.
If you choose to use our Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in relation with this policy. Any personal information we collect is used for providing and improving the Service. We will not use or share your information with anyone except as described in this Privacy Policy.
Information Collection and Use
For a better experience while using our Service, we may require you to provide us with certain personally identifiable information, including but not limited to your name, phone number, and postal address. The information that we collect will be used to contact or identify you.
Log Data
Whenever you visit our Service, we collect information ("Log Data") that your browser sends us. This Log Data may include information such as your computer’s Internet Protocol (“IP”) address, browser version, pages of our Service that you visit, the time and date of your visit, the time spent on those pages, and other statistics.
Cookies
Cookies are files with small amount of data that is commonly used an anonymous unique identifier. These are sent to your browser from the website that you visit and are stored on your computer’s hard drive.
Our website uses “cookies” to collection information and improve our Service. You have the option to accept or refuse these cookies, and know when a cookie is being sent to your computer. If you choose to refuse cookies, you may not be able to use some portions of our Service.
Service Providers
We may employ third-party companies and individuals as follows:
To facilitate our Service;
To provide the Service on our behalf;
To perform Service-related services; or
To assist in analyzing how our Service is used.
These third parties have access to your Personal Information only to perform the tasks assigned to them on our behalf. However, they are obligated not to disclose or use the information for any other purpose.
Security
We value your trust in providing us your Personal Information, and are striving to use commercially acceptable means of protecting it. But remember, no method of transmission over the internet, or method of electronic storage is 100% secure and reliable, and we cannot guarantee its absolute security.
Links To Other Sites
Our Service may contain links to other sites. If you click on a third-party link, you will be directed to that site. These external sites are not operated by us. Therefore, we strongly advise you to review the Privacy Policies of these websites. We have no control over, and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party sites or services.
Children's Privacy
Our Services do not address anyone under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal identifiable information from children under 13. In the case we discover that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, we immediately delete this from our servers. If you are a parent or guardian and you are aware that your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we will be able to undertake the necessary actions.
Policy Changes
We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. Thus, we advise you to review this page periodically for any changes. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page. These changes are usually effective immediately after posting.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or suggestions about our Privacy Policy, do not hesitate to contact us.
ALL RESERVATIONS WITH REBIRTH YOUR BOOK ARE SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
Submitting of registration form and payment of deposit to Rebirth Your Book indicates acknowledgement and acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.
RESERVATION REQUEST & PAYMENT:
Upon registrants request for reservation, Rebirth Your Book will advise registrant of amount of deposit needed to initiate a reservation and full charges to finalize. Upon receipt of deposit payment and acceptance by Rebirth Your Book, registrant will be notified of receipt of payment. The balance payment will typically be due a minimum of 3 months prior to retreat commencement. For reservations not confirmed with final payment, Rebirth Your Book reserves the right to amend or cancel reservation request.
RETREAT/PRICING:
In the event of unforeseen circumstances over which Rebirth Your Book has no control, Rebirth Your Book reserves the right to offer a substitute accommodation of similar category. When extenuating circumstances dictate, prices, conditions or schedule may be subject to change or amendment. Rebirth Your Book will notify participant of any said changes within 48 hours of disclosure.
CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY:
Once a deposit has been rendered and a Rebirth Your Book confirmation/invoice has been issued to client, any cancellation must reach Rebirth Your Book in writing. Cancellation penalties are as follows: If you are unable to attend, and Rebirth Your Book can fill your place from the waiting list, your deposit is nonrefundable but may be applied to a future retreat minus a $350 administrative fee. See retreat FAQs for more cancellation information.
If we can’t fill your place, we’ll provide you with documentation to support a claim to your travel insurance provider. Refunds in accordance with this policy will be processed within 30 days of receipt of notice of cancellation; deposits are non-refundable. Rebirth Your Book reserves the right to cancel the retreat in the event of civil unrest, natural disaster, pandemic or Act of God. In the event of such cancellation of the retreat in its entirety, you will receive a full refund of any fees paid, less bank/PayPal/transfer fees. You agree to release Rebirth Your Book and its agents and/or representatives from any liability, including consequential expenses you may have incurred in planning to attend. We will provide you with documentation to support a claim to your travel insurance provider for flights and other expenses not paid to Rebirth Your Book.
HEALTH AND TRAVEL:
Participants with physical mobility issues must make these known at the time of application, to ensure compatibility with planned locations and events. Accommodations and some activities may feature steps, steep hills, uneven pavement, and may cause problems with accessibility.
All participants are expected to purchase trip/travel insurance, including medical evacuation cover, before departure, at their own expense.
Participants are advised to check and comply with the CDC website for any recommended medications and/or immunizations .
Rebirth Your Book is not responsible for any travel other than that mentioned previously or any expenses associated with the Participant’s travel outside the scope of the Retreat.
Participants arriving later than 6PM on the day before the start date of the retreat or leaving earlier than the last scheduled day of the retreat must arrange transportation to/from the arrival airport at their own expense.
DISCLAIMER:
Rebirth Your Book makes every effort to ensure that the information provided to participants is correct and that properties are properly maintained, clean, functional and safe for occupancy, however, Rebirth Your Book assumes no liability for any errors or inaccuracies or external circumstances beyond its control such as, but not limited to staff cancellations, weather conditions, events which do not achieve the required retreat/program minimum, maintenance work, mechanical faults which may result in some amenities or scheduled events becoming temporarily or permanently unavailable. Rebirth Your Book reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary or facilitators.
RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT & LIABILITY WAIVER:
By registering with Rebirth Your Book, I accept and acknowledge that there are risks associated with any foreign travel experience and I will use appropriate caution/discretion when traveling/residing in a new area. I agree to leave the premises in clean, good, working order. I also agree to release Rebirth Your Book and its officers, employees and agents from any and all liability for consequential damages or complaints resulting from any incurred loss, injury or death, accidents, damages, theft, grievances, extra expenses due to delays, damages or cancellations, schedule changes, sickness, quarantine, acts of nature, strikes, civil strife, war or warlike conditions or other circumstances beyond its control or for any of the above arising due to my participation in Rebirth Your Book retreats.
I further acknowledge and accept a) that Rebirth Your Book acts only as a facilitator, and assumes no responsibility or liability in connection with the services of any property owners or their employees; b) that Rebirth Your Book reserves the right to decline to accept or retain participants in its retreats and events, and to withdraw a scheduled retreat should conditions warrant or necessitate, in which event the amount paid by the participant may be fully refunded; c) that in the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort and well-being of participants, or for any reason whatsoever, Rebirth Your Book reserves the right to alter announced arrangements without penalty; d) that Rebirth Your Book accepts no liability for any travel provider or carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable airline or other ticket to the destination and return; e) that I am solely responsible for obtaining any necessary visas; f) that I acknowledge the advisability of obtaining travel insurance to cover the various risks associated with foreign travel. I agree that it is the intention of Rebirth Your Book to provide services as described on the Rebirth Your Book website, and by registering for a Rebirth Your Book retreat I accept the arrangements as described and certify that I am mentally and physically capable of full participation in this program. I have carefully read the above and agree to abide by these conditions. I have also read and understand fully the Disclaimer and the conditions of the Cancellation Policy.
PRIVACY POLICY:
All information shared by individuals on the registration form is used solely by Rebirth Your Book's administration and faculty. Rebirth Your Book does not and will not ever share, sell or trade personal information to any third party.
