Stories & Songs: A Writing Retreat in Italy ~ September 10-16, 2024
An immersive and generative retreat for people who write—or want to write—stories that sound like songs and songs that tell stories.
The Vision
Carolyn Flynn and Karen Leslie’s Vision: The Stories & Songs Writing Retreat offers generative workshops in two tracks, Storyteller or Songwriter, aimed at triggering new writing and songwriting, individual feedback, and a cross-genre look at the shared elements between stories and songs: musicality, lyricism, rhyming action, compression, voice, recurring motifs, “flashbulb” images, co-writing, patterns, arc, and repetition. With Grammy-nominated hit songwriter Clay Mills leading the Songwriter Track, all of us will explore creativity, craft, and process. The schedule is carefully built with dedicated writing time for you—all while living and eating in Tuscany at the medieval Tenuta di Spannocchia, a historic, working farm, wildlife preserve, and educational center near Siena, Italy, at the height of grape harvest!
We are approaching this retreat the Tuscan way: throwing what creative things are within reach and ripe in the pot.
Choose a Track: Storyteller, Songwriter or Hybrid
If you’re a Storyteller, you’ll focus on your craft and writing project in workshop with Carolyn Flynn and Karen Leslie. If you are a Songwriter, whether beginner or advanced, you’ll focus on your song craft in daily workshops with Clay Mills. As a group, we’ll cross paths during Welcome & Arrivederci Receptions, at meals, three “Open Mic” Nights to share what you’re creating, a “Writer’s Excursion” to Siena, and during special Spannocchia activities, like a history tour, wine harvest or pasta-making lesson. What if you want to do a little of Storyteller and a little of Songwriter tracks? Yes, you’re a Hybrid! Simply contact us below and inquire.
The Tuscan Experience
We’ll eat, wine, and commune under a Tuscan sky. Immerse ourselves in Spannocchia history, Italian culture, and language. And, we’ll keep the retreat small so everyone has a chance to share and get individual attention. To top it off, you’ll have the option to write, relax or learn during workshop-free blocks. Though, we hope you’ll mostly write. Check out these Spannocchia activities: pasta-making class, wine tasting or olive oil-making tour, the now-legendary “pig” tour, winemaking and more.
(A whisper from Karen: Personally, I loved the “Pig Tour & Tasting!”) (A whisper from Carolyn: I loved the moonlit walks by the vineyard and writing on the terrace.) Plus, we’ll never forget that limoncello!
On Saturday, we’ll tour nearby medieval Siena, and you’ll have time on your own to tour, write, shop, and dine.
Our Origin Story
“Spannocchia is like stepping into a painting.” We felt that way in 2011 when we came with the Spalding MFA in Writing program (now, The Naslund-Mann School of Writing), lived, and wrote here. From that magical time writing in our community and guided by stellar mentors, we both harbored a dream to return. We just didn’t know it until we continued to meet at AWP and Alumni events.
One day we realized we both love songs, and that our prose is filled with lyricism and musicality. We love the compact narrative of a song, resonating images that move the heart. We were doing that on the page.
One night in Santa Fe, Carolyn, Karen, and Clay gathered for a dinner and started talking about pooling our talents and passion. It turned out that Clay is fascinated by telling a complete story in three minutes, loves words married to melody, and shoots for the heart every time he writes a song. We thought, “What if…”
A year later, we launched the Stories & Songs Retreat in Tuscany. So, whether you choose the Storyteller Track or the Songwriter Track, we hope you’ll join us in Tuscany in 2024. Imagine the treasures you’ll bring home.
Carolyn features singer-songwriter characters in her work (her novel, Searching for Persephone; her ‘hermit crab’ piece, “Scarlet’s Set List”) and blends song techniques in her prose; Karen writes novel-length fiction, short stories, AND lyrics. Clay is a Grammy-nominated, multi-#1 hit songwriter and Co-founder of Songtown USA.
The takeaway? New friends. New words. New ways of looking at writing—and yourself as a writer.
Our ONE Focus? Your Creative Life.
Prepare for a renewed, refreshed, reinvigorated you after a week in Tuscany at the Stories & Songs: A Writing Retreat In Italy. We can’t wait to welcome you into one of our favorite writing places.
Tenuta di Spannocchia: A Tuscan Treasure. Nestled in 1,100 of natural reserve a short distance from Siena, Italy, Spannocchia is a creative’s dream. Maybe it’s the legend of the concrete angel that landed on the chapel’s roof during a storm. Or its medieval history. Or its dedication to organic farming. Or wine on the grass terrace overlooking the picturesque countryside…the surreal feeling of stepping into a backlit landscape…the cooking lessons and homemade, local fare…eating under a viney terrace…the stillness in the midst of beautiful scenery—let’s pause there. Spannocchia is all this and a large part of our “origin story” as creatives and friends. Ever since we spent an inspiring MFA residency at Spannocchia a decade ago, we’ve dreamed bringing our writing retreat here for creative inspiration, renewal, and community.
Small Group daily workshops on writing craft, creativity, and process
Time to write, write, write!
Daily ENTER THE DAY WRITING prompts
Customized writing prompts
1 cross-genre workshop in songwriting
Stories & Songs “Cross-genre” Open Mics to share with the group what you’re creating during the week
SONGWRITER TRACK (Total: 6-8 participants)
Small Group daily workshops on songwriting craft, including melody and lyrics, co-writing instruction, process, songwriting prompts, tips on writing for pleasure versus pitching
Clay’s exclusive methods for developing melodies
Listening sessions with constructive feedback
1 Cross-genre workshop in Fiction writing
Stories & Songs “Cross-Genre” Open Mics to share a song with the group from the week
Detailed retreat schedule for the Storyteller and Songwriter Tracks coming soon!
FEATURING A Writer’s Date in Siena
On Saturday, we will go as a group to nearby Siena, Italy, a spectacular medieval city. In the afternoon, we will take a guided tour. After that, you will be released to your own devices to shop and eat your dinner…and your gelato and drink cappuccino. The magnificent Spannocchia kitchen takes the night off every Saturday, so this meal is on your own.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN TUSCANY – GUIDED TOURS & ITALIAN CULTURE
Spannocchia History Tour
1 Year Membership in Spannocchia Foundation
Siena Walking Tour
Art-inspired writing (ekphrastic writing)
Basic Italian language lessons
Specialty tour or lesson Spannocchia
LODGING, FOOD, AND ACCOMMODATIONS
Single Occupancy so you have a dedicated creative space
6 nights/ 5 full days lodging at Spannocchia in Tuscany, Italy (Arrive to Spannocchia on Tuesday between 2-4pm, check out Monday morning)
Authentic Tuscan meals with a local, organic focus: Breakfast, Lunch, Supper (Saturday evening on your own in Siena)
Tuesday Evening: Welcome reception
Nightly Wine on the grass terrace before dinner (We’ll move inside if it’s raining)
After registration, more information will be provided on optional Spannocchia activities.
TRANSPORTATION & TICKETS
Transportation to Siena for the Writer’s Date Guided Tour on Saturday is included.
Your options for transportation from Siena to Spannocchia on arrival and departure days:
Rent a car
Take a taxi or Uber.
Or… We are seeking to arrange a shuttle that will be available to participants who arrive and depart at the Siena train station within a limited time window. We will endeavor to secure this service during a limited time window on Tuesday early afternoon and Monday morning—IF enough registrants are interested. This will include a fee set by the transportation service.
* Airfare to Italy NOT included!
We recommend flying into Florence, Italy, or Rome, Italy and either renting a car to drive to Spannocchia or taking the train to Siena, Italy.
We Are Writers With a Passion for Inspiring
Thanks, Carolyn, for creating such an impactful retreat. Your care, professionalism and kind spirits left me stronger in every way. I made eight extraordinary new friends. Kind of speechless.
Prose storyteller and poet
If it wasn’t for Karen Leslie, I don’t know that I would have finished writing my first novel. Her open, honest editing feed back gave me the confidence to keep writing and make the necessary changes to finish my book. I’ve continued my writing journey with a couple of dozen short stories and a 4-book psychological thriller series. And, yes, you guessed it, Karen is my go-to editor…She wants to help you succeed!
Mersaidee Soules
Fiction writer/Novelist
“Clay’s talent and knowledge of melody is matched only by his desire to teach and help up and coming songwriters.”
Partial Scholarships Available: Email through contact form below for more information. Scholarship range from $250-500 per registrant. A limited number are available. (Naslund-Mann School of Writing Alumni, Songwriter, Emerging Writer)
VIP Upgrade $399 with Carolyn, Clay or Karen (First come first serve):
Spannocchia Fare: 1 bottle of red or white Spannocchia wine, 1 canister of Spannocchia Extra Version Olive Oil, Gift Voucher for Spannocchia Shop
1 Hour 1-on-1 Mentoring/Feedback with Carolyn, Karen, or Clay
1 Hour 1-on-1 Mentoring/Feedback Session after retreat concludes (With page review OR song reviews. Valid for 1 year)
Value: $600
You must be registered for the Stories & Songs to purchase this item.
DEPOSIT: $200 for Storyteller Track or $995 for Songwriter Track. This locks in your rate for the Stories & Songs Retreat.This is NON-REFUNDABLE. See Shop and FAQ for more details. *All rates are based on single occupancy.
FAQ
What’s included with registration?
When you choose the STORYTELLER TRACK: FICTION & MEMOIR, Prose… Small Group daily workshops on writing craft, creativity, and process Time to write, write, write! with mentored support Packet with Enter the Day Writing prompts
1 cross-genre workshop in songwriting Several open mics to share with the group what you’re creating
When you choose the SONGWRITER TRACK… Small Group daily workshops on songwriting, including melody and lyric writing, co-writing, and “writing the song in the room,” tips on writing for pleasure versus writing to pitch
Time to write, write, write! with mentored support 1 cross-genre workshop in short story writing Several cross-genre open mics to share a song with the group
HYBRID TRACK – You get a mix of both workshops the entire week! A true cross-genre experience.
GUIDED TOURS & ITALIAN CULTURE Spannocchia History Tour 1 Year Membership in Friends of Spannocchia Foundation Siena Walking Tour
Art-inspired writing in Siena Basic Italian language lessons.
LODGING, FOOD AND ACCOMMODATIONS 6 days/nights lodging at Spannocchia in Tuscany, Italy (Plan to arrive to Spannocchia Tuesday between 2-4:30pm, c/o Monday morning) Authentic Tuscan meals with a local, organic focus: Breakfast, Lunch, Supper (except for Saturday evening) Welcome & Goodbye receptions Nightly Wine on the grass terrace before dinner (weather permitting! We move inside if rain.) Optional activities during free time (Spannocchia offers wine, olive oil, and pig tasting tours, culinary classes, and more. These are on your own. More information after registration.)
TRANSPORTATION & TICKETS Transportation for writer’s date to Siena on Saturday
Optional: (stay tuned) transportation upon arrival/departure from Siena to Spannocchia IF WE HAVE INTEREST after registration.
* Airfare to Italy NOT included!
What’s NOT included in registration?
* Airfare to Italy NOT included!
Transportation to Spannocchia from Siena (but stay tuned, we’re working on providing an option. See above.)
*Saturday evening dinner
*Additional wine beyond the 1-2 glasses on the terrace and at dinner. If you desire more wine, you may purchase in the Spannocchia shop.
Tell me more about the accommodations.
“The primary goal of the entire estate of Tenuta di Spannocchia is the preservation of its historic and rustic character; as a consequence, visitors will enjoy one of the most beautiful and tranquil spots on earth, but should understand that Spannocchia is truly rural and not a vacation resort–it is a working historic farm, a wildlife preserve, and an educational center.” ~Spannocchia
Spannocchia is a working, organic farm. The accommodations are authentic and traditional, with many antiques gracing the bedrooms and buildings. Some rooms may have the bathroom adjacent to the room, rather than ensuite. Some showers are combined with the bathroom itself. Linens are changed daily. This is a 12th century estate. It does not have an elevator or room service.
The grounds are grass and gravel. Spannocchia sits near the top of a mountain and is generally level.
Visiting Spannocchia is a chance to experience modern day (and medieval) Tuscany at its most pure. If you are in good health, can eat a variety of simple, organic meals, walk and climb steps, you’ll enjoy all it has to offer.
What if I have food allergies?
“We cannot provide for special diets for group meals, but if there are non- meat eaters in the group, we can try to provide more non-meat options in our menu, as long as we know well in advance if there are vegetarians in the group.”
“We have one cook, Pietrina, who is responsible for creating meals for all of our guests, staff and interns. For this reason,we cannot cater to guests with specific food preferences. Vegetarians, for the most part, will have plenty of food to enjoy, simply by opting out of our meat main course. Our starters do not usually contain meat and we always serve a meat-free vegetable and salad course. If a member of your party has a food intolerance or allergy, we will do our best to provide suitable meals for this person. However, please be aware that we only have one kitchen and that we cannot prepare these meals in isolation. We recommend that guests with serious intolerances and allergies bring some food items for their own consumption at dinner as we cannot guarantee a meal entirely free from those foods that pose a risk. WE CAN PROVIDE A GLUTEN FREE OPTION FOR AN EXTRA FEE. THIS NEEDS TO BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE.” ~Spannocchia
A Note from Karen: I generally eat gluten-free in the U.S. To be clear, I do not have an allergy. However, when in Europe–and especially Italy–I can eat all foods as long as I don’t overeat. The ingredients are less modified in Europe, which eases a lot of digestion issues when combined with organic origins. This is simply my personal experience. So, if you are worried about what you will eat, look over the notes again about the types of meals served at Spannocchia (See next question below). If you can tolerate (and, we hope, enjoy) this fare, then please come! If you cannot, then it would be best to wait until we offer this retreat in another location.
What kinds of foods are served at Spannocchia?
Breakfast
Coffee and tea Assorted fruit juices
Milk and butter
Yogurt
Sweet breads
Breakfast in the villa
Organic cereal and Tuscan bread
Fresh fruit in season
Jams and honey made at Spannocchia
Homemade granola
Hardboiled eggs
Lunch
Wine and water
Pasta or soup
Rice or pasta salad, cheese
Vegetables
Bread
Green salad or seasonal vegetables
Fruit
Omelette
Vegetables
Sandwiches (tomato and cheese, etc.)
Bread
Tomatoes in season, or olives/ pickles
Supper
Dinner begins at 7:30 with the primo piatto (first course), a pasta, soup or risotto made with
seasonal vegetables or meat. The secondo piatto
(main course) is a meat, usually pork, beef, venison,
or chicken, served with a contorno (side
dish) of seasonal vegetables from the Spannocchia
vegetable garden and insalata (green salad)
that can be dressed to taste with Spannocchia-produced
olive oil and vinegar. Dolce (dessert),
panna cotta, tiramisu, cantucci, and vin santo
for example–is served at the end of the meal.
Bread, wine, and water are included in the
meal as well.
“On Wednesday evenings we have special dinners,
alternating each week between
Pizza Night and Nostra Cena (Our Dinner). Both
are Spannocchia-wide events including houseguests,
program groups, residents, interns and
family members. Weather permitting, we eat
outside and both evenings are festive affairs.
The primo piatto is often a homemade or specialty
pasta, or a soup ravioli, tagliolini with
ragu, or wild mushroom soup, in season. We
use Spannocchia meat for the secondo piatto,
including lamb, venison, beef, wild boar or
pork, served with a contorno of vegetables from
Spannocchia’s garden.
Dessert might be salame dolce, tiramisu, baci
di serpiolle or zuppa inglese. Dinner concludes
with coffee and after-dinner drinks, limoncello,
crema di limoncello, nocino or mirto, Tuscan
favorites for helping to encourage the digestive
process after large meals, all made at Spannocchia.”
WOW!
When should I arrive?
We begin promptly at 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 10, with a welcome reception, featuring readings and music by our co-facilitators. We strongly recommend arriving in Siena, or a nearby city like Florence earlier, at least a day or two early, because of challenging air travel in the apres-pandemic world—and because Italy is worth it! All guests must arrive between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. per Spannocchia’s arrival guidelines. You will have time to settle into your room before we meet at 6 p.m. for the welcome reception, followed by wine on the terrace and our first meal together.
May I check in late?
Unfortunately, we do not have flexibility for late check-ins or late check outs. If you decide to stay longer at Spannocchia, you should arrange this with them directly.
When I arrange the flight, what’s my best city destination?
How to get your writerself from Siena to Spannocchia?
Train or car rental to Siena from airport. From Siena to Spannocchia (about 25 minutes), you can find taxi and ride share transportation. If you rent a car, we suggest arranging it through AAA or an American company like Hertz, and securing an International License in advance (AAA, approx. $30).
We are working on a group shuttle to and from Siena Train station to Spannocchia on Tuesday afternoon and Monday Morning. If there is enough interest, it will include a shared, time restricted, and pick/up and drop/off at one location. Information coming soon.
Is Spannocchia a resort? Should I get Travel Insurance?
No. Spannocchia is a working farm.
Yes, we strongly advise you secure travel insurance. I’ve worked in the travel industry for almost two decades. I’ve had flights cancelled, lost luggage, watched friends break bones, etc. Most of the time, everything goes fine, but while in a foreign country, you don’t want to take chances. We do! If you don’t know where to start, consider AAA. They do travel well. ~Karen
What should I pack?
September in Italy is considered the shoulder season. It’s a lovely time to visit–less crowded, less hot, and harvest season!
Spannocchia is a working, organic farm. We are living in a 12th-century villa, eating under the stars, taking tours, swimming, and maybe, making pasta. Since we will be inside and outside, think of packing layers.
Walking shoes. Or, shoes you can walk in across grass or gravel, on a hike, on a medieval, cobbled street.
Bring a swimsuit if you want to take advantage of the pool at Spannocchia.
Pack sunscreen, and a portable water bottle that you fill up and drink from constantly. It’s vital to stay hydrated. And, the water at Spannocchia is super clean.
What kind of physical condition do I need to be in?
As mentioned, Spannocchia is a working farm. The terrain is level and grassy in most places. The paths are gravel. We will tour Siena and have a working tour of Spannocchia. This is a 12th-century tenuta; therefore, there are stairs, but no elevator. So, if you need assistance or handicapped accommodations to move about, this may be a deal breaker.
At the very minimum: If you are over 50 or have a medical issue, it’s advisable to get travel insurance.
What are the other amenities on the site?
Spannocchia has a pool and walking paths. There is a store where you can buy their wine, olive oil, brandy, meat products, cookbooks, etc. Spannocchia offers optional classes centered around the Tuscan lifestyle.
What are your COVID practices and policies? [Updated Post-Pandemic]
We expect you to understand that we want to provide everyone at the retreat with a safe experience. Part of that experience is making sure facilitators can present, participants can get the full experience of the program and the staff of Spannocchia are able to do their jobs.
Best practices:
*Test if you are symptomatic.
*Secure Travel insurance and read the “sickness” policy.
*Mask on long plane rides so you don’t arrive sick. It’s your choice, of course.
What is your refund policy?
While we recognize that life has its disruptions, we have a strict refund policy. We must do this because we commit to a contract for accommodations, food and other costs once bookings are taken for a retreat. In addition, we incur costs when we are required to re-advertise the retreat when bookings are cancelled.
So here’s the policy, and make sure you read carefully!
All deposits are non-refundable and cannot be held over to future retreats.
If you cancel within three months of the retreat, the remainder of your payment (minus the deposit) will be refunded ONLY if a replacement is found to take your place. Naturally, you probably know that it becomes increasingly difficult and less likely as a retreat approaches to find substitutes who can both pay and travel at short notice.
No refunds are possible if you cancel within two weeks of the retreat.
If you register as an early bird, you do have more options. Though we cannot refund your deposit, you may receive a one-hour consultation with one of the retreat mentors.
If we have to cancel, all payments will be returned in full.
Will we have leisure time?
You will. Relaxation, stillness, and solitude are part of sinking into the experience.
We also want you to come with a commitment to your writing. You will receive mentoring and support around how to structure your dedicated writing time.
If your true aim, though, is to see Italy and everything outside of Spannocchia, park that time on the front end or back end of your time here.
This is our invitation to you to invest in yourself, your creativity, and your writing.
I don’t know any Italian. Am I going to be OK?
It’s always respectful to learn basic, polite (and necessary!) phrases. Anytime I travel to another country, I learn these words or phrases:
“Please, thank you, I’m sorry, where is the bathroom, help, please, good morning, goodnight, help, how are you, good, my name is…”
We can recommend two language learning apps — Babble (Karen) or Duolingo (Carolyn)
Other Beneficial Travel Apps – Tripit, Google Translate, Currency, Trenitalia (Train), Uber…
What should I bring for the Storyteller Track?
We will have workshops, talks and dedicated writing time, along with open mics a few times during retreat week.
Most writers write on paper AND on the computer. So, bring what you usually need to write. While we will have electricity in our rooms and at various places throughout Spannocchia, there is no guarantee that your workshop room will.
If you write ONLY on a computer, make sure you have a notebook and pen or pencil. If you write on paper, bring enough open pages so you can fill them up for the week. And many pens so you don’t run out of ink. (Carolyn, who is never without “ink backup,” actually did run out of ink when she spent a month in Ireland last year and had to go buy a whole new set of pens — she wrote that much!)
Besides the basics, we hope you’ll bring your curiosity, open mind, and good humor, so we can fully tap into your creativity.
What should I bring for the Songwriting Track?
We will have a dedicated writing time every morning, and then, a workshop in the afternoon…or maybe vice versa. I will have a guitar. There is a piano in one of the meeting areas. We can’t promise it’s in tune, but we’ll try! You could bring a guitar, ukulele, or a writing notebook if you are “lyrics only.” We will break into small groups for co-writing exercises from time to time. However, keep in mind, there won’t be guitars to borrow or guaranteed places to plug in electronic instruments. If you compose or write lyrics only on your computer, make sure you have a notebook and pencil or pen.
Bring your Muse as well!
~Clay Mills
I’m a total beginner. Can I join the retreat?
Storyteller Track: While this is not a retreat geared specifically to beginners, we welcome you to join us and start now. Workshops will be presented “down the middle,” with room for less and more experience. We are all on a solitary journey as a writer, and we don’t measure ourselves against others (or at least we try really hard not to do that!). You’ll find a mix of writers who have been at their craft a long time, and those who are finally ready to take time for themselves. A beginner could show up and say, “These are my first words as a writer.” So, if you’re ready to dive in with us at the “Stories & Songs Retreat,” we will all celebrate!
Songwriter Track: Clay is welcoming all levels of songwriters. Bring your most teachable self.
Hybrid Track: Yes, although the Storyteller portion asks for an application about your project or goals.
I don’t write. I don’t want to write. Can I still attend the “Stories & Songs Retreat” because Italy and Spannocchia are cool?Plus, we really like the “Speakers.” 🙂
#1. Come to write. #2. Our space at Spannocchia, both in total number of rooms, and gathering spaces as a group, are limited. “No” is rarely in our vocabularies…That being said, this is a writing retreat with limited spots. So, it’s hard to hide if you aren’t participating—or, paying attention. It’s also distracting and discouraging to the retreat participants who are attending for an immersive writing week in a new community of writers.
What if I’ve never traveled in Italy before?
Then you’re in for a treat. You are about to fall in love. No, you don’t need to know Italian. You just need to love Italy, and Italy will love you back. And, have a passport. If you don’t have one, check the turn around times and submit your application asap! Give yourself at least 6 months for a new passport. It will likely turn around much faster, but the speed of process has not been reliable since the pandemic.
Can my partner or child come along and stay in my room?
Your partner or adult child can register as a full participant in the retreat, paying full tuition. Adult children must be 21 years old or older. A discount will be applied for sharing a room. This is to protect the integrity of your time and attention. One focus: your writing life or project.
Sign up for Stories & Songs Interest List/Contact Form
