FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below are all of the extra details you may need about the retreat. Got a question that's not on the list? Email us at entrelinhaswritingretreat@gmail.com and we'll respond as soon as possible.

GENERAL

WHO IS ORGANISING THE RETREAT?
The retreat is organised by poet and creative non-fiction writer, Lucianna Chixaro Ramos, and Caribbean crime writer, Olivia de Santos. Learn more about them on our About page.

HOW MANY WRITERS WILL BE ATTENDING?
We have space for ten writers.

WHO IS THE RETREAT FOR?
The retreat is for beginner or intermediate writers of any genre who would like a peaceful place to work. Join an inclusive community of writers from every background and field. You don't have to be a published or professional writer to attend. 

DO I NEED TO WRITE IN ENGLISH?
You can write in whatever language you like. For the closing Sarau (group reading and party), we ask that you read a piece in English if you'd like to share. 

DO I NEED TO BE A PUBLISHED WRITER TO ATTEND?
Not at all! Unpublished writers are welcome.

DO I NEED TO HAVE WRITING EXPERIENCE TO ATTEND?
The retreat will be most beneficial to you if you have some writing experience or already have a project you can work on during the free writing periods. We'll have an opportunity to learn at the Sunday workshop led by Maureen Medina.

CAN I WRITE IN ANY GENRE/FORMAT?
Yes! We welcome anyone of any genre or format. Poetry, non-fiction, screenwriting, songwriting, novel writing, and/or hybrid formats: it all counts.

PROGRAM

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
Each day will be a little different, but you can expect plenty of free time to write plus one planned activity on Saturday and Sunday. Refer to the program page for more details.

WILL THERE BE STRUCTURED WRITING SESSIONS OR JUST FREE WRITING TIME?
The workshop on Sunday will serve as our structured writing time. Otherwise, you have free writing time throughout the day. 

WHAT WILL THE WRITING WORKSHOP INCLUDE?
The workshop will be led by writer, educator, and activist Maureen Medina, author of My Fears Out Loud. Readings and additional supplies will be provided, but please bring your favorite notebook and writing utensil.

ARE THERE GROUP ACTIVITIES/EXCURSIONS?
On Saturday, we've planned a group trip to the local grutas (caves) followed by a picnic lunch. However, this is optional for an extra €15 per person. There will also be a closing party on Sunday evening.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
We recommend bringing:

• Whatever you use to write (laptop, tablet, pen and paper, etc)

• Comfortable, warm clothing

  • • Although your room will be climate-controlled, April in Portugal tends to be cool and rainy. Warm sweaters and a rain jacket are recommended.

• Slippers or sandals

• Water bottle

• Medication (if applicable)

• Antihistamines (if applicable)

We'll also be sending a packing list to attendees nearer the time.

WILL PHOTOS AND VIDEOS BE TAKEN DURING THE RETREAT?
Yes, the organizers will be taking photos and videos during the retreat. On the registration form, there is a section to give consent or not for those photos and videos to be shared on our marketing materials.

MEALS

ARE MEALS INCLUDED?
Food for all meals is included. We'll be laying out a continental-style breakfast each morning. For those attending the grutas trip on Saturday, we'll be bringing a picnic lunch. On Sunday, we'll be ordering a pizza lunch for the group. Every evening, we'll have a volunteer lead the meal and other attendees will help with prep or cleaning. We believe one of the best ways to create community is by breaking bread. If you're interested in leading one of the evening meals, please let us know on your registration form.

WILL THERE BE SNACKS AND DRINKS AVAILABLE?
Yes, we'll be providing plenty of snacks, soft drinks and wine for the Sarau. You can purchase extra snacks and drinks from the nearby supermarket just a 5 minute walk from the house. If you have any special requests, let us know on the registration form.

CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS (E.G VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE ETC)?
Yes. Let us know your dietary requirements so we can plan accordingly.

CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD AND DRINKS?
You can, however, bear in mind that we have limited fridge space.

ARE THERE RESTAURANTS NEARBY?
Yes, there are plenty of restaurants a short walk or drive away from the Quinta.

ARE THERE SUPERMARKETS NEARBY?
Yes, the main local supermarket is Intermaché, which is a short walk from the Quinta. There is also a Pingo Doce a short drive away.

LOGISTICS & ACCOMMODATIONS.

WHERE ARE WE GOING TO STAY?
We are staying at the Retiro do Bosque Country House in the Ribatejo region of Portugal. The address is Retiro do Bosque Country House, Rua da Lagoa do St.º, 2395-187 Minde, Portugal.

WHEN AM I EXPECTED TO CHECK IN/CHECK OUT OF MY ROOM? 

Check-in is at 17:00 on Friday, 10th April. Check out is at 11:00 on Monday, 13th April. 

CAN I HAVE MY OWN ROOM?
Yes! We have 4 solo rooms available with double beds. You can request a solo room on the registration form.

ARE THE ROOMS ENSUITE?
Yes, all bedrooms whether shared or solo have private bathrooms. So there's a maximum of two guests per bathroom.

IS THERE WI-FI?
Yes, there is Wi-Fi available throughout the house and some parts of the outside. 

I'M TRAVELING ALONE. CAN I SIGN UP FOR A SHARED ROOM?
Yes, you can sign up for a shared room if traveling alone. We'll pair you with another solo traveler.

IF I BOOK A SHARED ROOM, WILL I GET TO CHOOSE WHO I ROOM WITH? 

We will try our best to accommodate you if you choose to book a shared room and share it with a friend. Please send us an email at entrelinhaswritingretreat@gmail.com as soon as you and your roommate complete the registration form and attach the payment receipt, including the contact information of each person.

CAN I BRING A PARTNER OR FRIEND WHO ISN'T A WRITER?
As this is a writer's retreat, we'd prefer to keep it to writers only.

IS THE RETREAT ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE WITH REDUCED MOBILITY?
Yes, there are rooms on the ground floor that don't require climbing stairs. There is also a wheelchair-accessible toilet.  

IS THERE PARKING ON SITE? 

Yes, there is plenty of parking on the grounds of the Quinta and just outside of it.

IS TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED FROM THE NEAREST TRAIN/BUS STATION?
No, we will not be providing transport from the nearest train or bus station. However, we will create a WhatsApp group to arrange carpools nearer the time.

HOW DO I GET TO THE VENUE?
Please refer to our Location page for guidance.

BOOKING

HOW DO I BOOK?
We're thrilled that you're interested in joining us! Head to our registration page to put in your details and request your room. Then, we'll send you a follow-up email confirming your room and providing the deposit details. 

IS THERE A PAYMENT PLAN?
Yes, you can pay 50% as a deposit and 50% on or before 1st February.

WHAT'S YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
Initial deposits are non-refundable. However, cancellations made more than 45 days before the retreat start date are eligible for a refund of 50% of the total payment. To cancel, please send a written request to entrelinhaswritingretreat@gmail.com. Refunds will be processed within 30 days of receiving your cancellation request.

Cancellations made within 45 days of the retreat start date are completely non-refundable. 

DO YOU OFFER REFUNDS?
If you cancel 45 days before the retreat, you'll be eligible for a 50% refund. We will also issue a refund if the retreat is cancelled for any reason. Otherwise, there will be no refunds offered during or after the retreat.