All about writing great stories
Since 2012, we've been helping writers develop their craft, get published and get their writing noticed.
Whatever length story you’re writing we’ve got all you need to get started and get to the end.
Sign up for craft development articles, courses, competitions and lots more great writerly stuff!
Workshops, courses, challenges, writing sessions, feedback sessions and more to get you writing.
We have members from all around the world who write more, get published more, get long and shortlisted, and win prizes more. Because we're alway developing our craft!
We have lots of great courses that can help you take your writing to a new level.
Join a group, work by yourself, or work 1-1 with a tutor to get new insights and inspiration for your craft.
Take your writing to a new level and book an editorial meeting with award-winning author and publisher, and Retreat West founder, Amanda Saint.
We have lots of Zoom workshops where you can learn about all different aspects of writing. Some are included with our community membership and tickets for all can be bought on our Ticket Tailor page.
Our online literary magazine, WestWord, launched in 2022 and we publish nine editions a year.
Some of the nice things people have said about us
"Not only does Amanda give valuable advice about the nuts-and-bolts of storytelling, she digs so much deeper into what your story is about, exposing what is missing but also revealing hidden layers to be explored."
"The encouragement from other community members has been incredible and so helpful, especially when I’ve been feeling doubtful."
“I feel lucky to have taken this course. The tutorials and exercises were excellent; the mentoring truly outstanding. If you are serious about the craft of writing novels, I can’t recommend it highly enough.”
"I love being a member, it’s pushed me to write and submit a flash every month."