Writing That Grips: From First Page to Final Twist with Claire McGowan

Skyros Centre, Greece | 21–28 June 2025

Imagine writing each day in the heart of a Greek island town, sunlight, sea views, and expert guidance from bestselling crime author Claire McGowan.

Claire is especially passionate about helping people unlock their creativity, and overcome any blocks or barriers that may have stopped you from creating in the past, so the course will also look at ways to motivate and inspire yourself to start, keep going, and even finish a piece of work.

This course would suit anyone who wants to try their hand at fiction, get inspired to be more creative, or who has already done some writing and wants to make their work more gripping and suspenseful. As well as technique we will look at methods to spark creativity, write more, and harness and refine your ideas. ?

You will learn how to construct a gripping novel, including finding a strong premise, building suspense and pace, and working with viewpoint and characters. As well as technique we will look at the current market for fiction, and address the blocks and barriers that may have stopped us writing or finishing a book in the past. You will come away with all the tools needed to start or finish writing your work.

In each session we will do some timed writing and other exercises to shake loose your creativity. We will also look at topics and techniques such as:

What You’ll Learn

Led by Claire McGowan, author of 25 books and former director of the Crime Writers’ Association, this practical and inspiring course helps you:

Day 1

Story – how to choose and refine the right idea for your book.

Day 2

Suspense – how to make sure your work is gripping, pacey, and a real page-turner.

Day 3

Whose story is it? Working with character and viewpoint.

Day 4

Finding your voice – honing your own individual style and voice, discovering what you want to say, and using style to create a gripping and polished book.

Day 5

How to keep going – ways to continue your work past this course, overcome any blocks and barriers, and find time for writing in your daily life.

You’ll leave with new tools, fresh energy, and a clear sense of what your story needs next.

Why Skyros?

Set in Skyros Town, a maze of cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and sea views, this retreat is more than a writing course. It’s a chance to reconnect with your creativity in a place where time slows down and inspiration is all around you.

Every day starts with optional yoga, sea-view walks or meditation, followed by breakfast and your workshop with Claire. Afternoons are free for writing, relaxing on the beach, or joining:

Sing your heart out with Kate Daniels

Whether you only ever sing in the bath or sing regularly in choirs, this is the place for you to have a wonderful time learning glorious harmonies to some well-known and less well-known songs and tunes. We will look at popular jazz standards, world music, and some more contemporary songs and participants will be introduced to different rhythms, phrasing and given an opportunity to explore and experiment with their vocal range.

This is a course for all abilities. It is designed to be fun and relaxed. You don’t need to be able to read music or have any experience of singing in choirs, just come along to enjoy yourself!
Evenings might include live music, group dinners or a quiet glass of wine watching the sun set over the Aegean.

Traditional Skyrian design accommodation

Rooms vary, often reflecting the charming mix of local craftsmanship and modern convenience with displays of antique ceramics, Skyrian furnishings, and always with thoughtful touches such as:

Kitchenettes for preparing quick meals or snacks

Air conditioning for summer comfort

Bathrooms with showers to freshen up after a day of exploration

Food & Drink

Meals are half board - usually breakfast and lunch but sometimes dinner instead - and served as a buffet.
All diets are catered for. Tell us your preference when you book. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day.

Start writing with purpose and enjoy the process

This is a rare chance to focus fully on your writing, surrounded by fellow creatives and the peace of Greek island life. Leave the pressure behind. Let your story take shape.

or get in touch with any questions at holidays@skyros.com

Join Skyros