Unleashing Your Stories

8-13 JUNE 2026

Workshop in creative prose writing led by Connie Guzzo-McParland.

While planning this year’s creative workshops, Luigi is already preparing for 2026!

No matter your level of experience or the genre you’re drawn to, this workshop is designed to deepen your understanding of the craft and expand your awareness of the tools available to you as a writer. Our goal is to give the stories within you the space, structure, and support they need to flourish on the page.

Whether you’re just beginning or already immersed in a work in progress, the workshop will meet you where you are. We welcome writers of short and long fiction, memoir, and autobiography. For those inspired to explore heritage, memory, and personal history, we offer guidance on how to harvest lived experience and transform it into a compelling, resonant narrative.

Each session begins with a focused discussion of a key element of writing, followed by a workshop period dedicated to reading, critiquing, and reflecting on one another’s work. In a supportive, non-academic, and non-judgmental environment, we offer constructive feedback, practical advice, and encouragement to help you strengthen your voice and refine your craft.

This workshop may serve as a continuation of the previous session, Taming the Beast, for those wishing to further polish their writing, but it can also be taken entirely on its own.

YOUR WORKSHOP FACILITATOR

Open to writers of all levels with an existing writing practice who want to create new work and exercise their writing muscles in poetry and prose.

Connie Guzzo McParland

Connie Guzzo McParland is President and Co-Director of Guernica Editions. She holds a BA in Italian Literature and an MA in Creative Writing from Concordia University. She is the author of the novels The Girls of Piazza d’Amore (2013) and The Women of Saturn (2017), the latter translated into Italian as Le donne di Saturno (2019). Her nonfiction work includes the biography An Opera in 3 Acts and its French translation Un opéra en 3 actes (2021). She is also the translator of The Twelfth Room, the English edition of La Dodicesima Stanza.

Her writing has been recognized with numerous distinctions, including the Concordia University David McKeen Award in Creative Writing (2008) for her thesis Girotondo; a shortlist nomination for the Quebec Writers’ Federation First Book Award for The Girls of Piazza d’Amore (2013); the Premio Vetruvio Special Jury Award and honorary mention for Le donne di Saturno (2023); and both the Special Jury Award and Second Place Award from the Concorso Letterario Internazionale Città di Crucoli for the same translated novel (2023).

LOCATION

Vasto, a historic hilltop town just three hours from Rome, is an ideal location for a writing retreat.

With its breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, ancient landmarks like the Palazzo d’Avalos, and vibrant cultural offerings, Vasto serves as an endless source of inspiration.

The region is also rich in literary heritage, being the birthplace of famous writers such as Ovid, Ignazio Silone, and Gabriele D’Annunzio.

Participants will enjoy a guided tour of Vasto, using its historical sites as inspiration for their writing sessions.

Workshop Highlights:

Pre-workshop
Participants submit materials for review and outline writing goals.

Monday-Wednesday
Focus on writing—fiction, memoir, non-fiction, and poetry. Includes writing exercises, workshops, and group discussions.

Thursday
Dive into editing (and playwriting/screenwriting if there’s interest), with practical workshops and peer feedback.

Friday
Learn the publishing process—relationship between author and publisher, crafting query and
cover letters, tips on submitting to agents and publishers, followed by a public reading of participants’
work.

accommodations

Choose from various options, including Villa Monteferrante’s LA TAVERNA and LA TORRETTA near the beach, or its new NAU 28 Residency in the town center.

Meals and accommodations are not included, allowing flexibility to choose according to your preferences, budget, and needs.

Founder Luigi Monteferrante, a Montreal expat, writer and visual artist, is available for advice and assistance to ensure a comfortable, inspiring stay.

Travelling to Vasto:

The nearest airport is Rome, with convenient direct buses to Vasto from both the airports and city center.

Dates (to be confirmed): 8-13 June 2026

Fee: EUR 925
(Includes workshop as above, a welcome BBQ, a guided tour of Vasto, studio visits. Not
included: travel, insurance, meals, accommodations.)

Prepare to transform your writing journey in an authentic, southern Italian town, guided by an experienced Canadian author, editor and publisher.
The Muses await you!

Maximum: 12 participants

Join Us!

We would love to speak with you.
Feel free to reach out using the below details.

Villa M offers special rates to writers and artists working on independent projects.

Query with dates, length of stay.