Words & Wonders Writing Retreat takes place in the peaceful Belgian countryside, where writing and exploration come together. ​
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Words: Enjoy dedicated time to write, reflect, and connect with fellow writers. Whether you're deep into a project or just starting, this retreat gives you the freedom to do what your story needs.
Wonders: Explore Zoersel and its surroundings through guided excursions. Let the natural beauty, local culture, and hidden gems inspire new ideas and open your mind to creative possibilities.
Curiosity
At Words & Wonders, progress comes from curiosity rather than word counts. The retreat offers a mix of dedicated writing time, creative sessions, and inspiring excursions. These sessions include exercises and worksheets designed for writers of any genre, writing stage, or age category, ensuring that every participant can apply what they learn to their own unique projects.
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Through guided exercises and exploration, you'll discover stories hidden in the everyday and integrate newly found inspiration into your writing. All this happens in a very initimate setting in a group of only nine writers.
Location
Mushoeve is a beautifully renovated, traditional Belgian farmhouse that combines rustic appeal with modern comfort. Nestled in the tranquil Belgian countryside, it offers an ideal setting for relaxation and creativity in an intimate group of only nine writers.
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What to expect
Words & Wonders is designed to provide an enriching yet relaxed experience, with plenty of room for creativity and reflection. Here’s what you can expect during your stay:
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Slow mornings for writing or other leisure activities
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Slow evenings dedicated to social time and connecting with eight fellow writers
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A mix of homecooked and catered meals to keep you nourished
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Excursions to explore both the countryside and the historic city of Antwerp
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Personal time to write, relax, or chat with other writers
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Daily exercises designed to spark inspiration and help you dive deeper into your projects
What to expect at the mushoeve
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Shared Rooms: Rooms are shared with one other guest, providing a cozy and communal atmosphere.
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Shared Bathrooms: Bathrooms are shared between guests, designed to be comfortable and conveniently located.
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Scenic Surroundings: Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscape and serene ambiance of the countryside.
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Charming Architecture: Enjoy the character of a classic Belgian farmhouse, thoughtfully updated to blend historical charm with modern amenities.
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Common Areas: Relax in inviting common spaces, perfect for unwinding after a day of writing and exploration.
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Outdoor Spaces: Take advantage of lovely outdoor areas for peaceful reflection or casual conversations.
​Hello! I’m Janne, and I’m excited to welcome you to Words & Wonders. I grew up in Zoersel, where our retreat is set, and my passion for writing began early. I was addicted to books before I could read and started writing at the age of 14.
I’m published in Belgium with a non-fiction book and a children’s picture book, though fantasy across all age groups is where my heart truly lies. Outside of writing, I’m a tea lover, an early riser, and I enjoy spending time with my family and fellow writers.
With a background in animation film and experience as a production process coordinator in publishing, I have a comprehensive understanding of both the creative and production aspects of the industry. I’m eager to share this retreat experience with you and help inspire your creativity in the beautiful setting of Zoersel.
Meet your host
Costs & Enrollment
Retreat Price: €1450
The cost covers accommodation, all meals, activities, and materials.
Not included are travel and insurance, as well as personal expenses and drinks (other than water, tea and coffee).
Enrollment Details
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Enrollment: November 9th, 2024 at 4pm CEST
Early Bird: November 8th, 2024 at 4pm CEST (for newsletter subscribers)
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Deposit: €500 (nonrefundable) due at enrollment in November to secure your spot.
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Invoices: Participants will receive an invoice in January.
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Payment Options:
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Full Payment: If you choose to pay in full, you will receive a request for the full balance in January (payment due by January 31st).
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Installment Payments:
First Installment: €500 due by January 31st, 2025.
Second Installment: €450 due by April 15th, 2025.
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If possible, we encourage you to pay in full by January 31rd, after receiving the invoice. This allows us to plan additional activities and ensure everything is arranged for your best experience.
Please Note: All payments are nonrefundable. We recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
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For the best chance to secure your spot and stay updated, sign up for my newsletter HERE. ​
Travel information
Zoersel is easily accessible from several major airports:
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Brussels Airport (BRU)
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Antwerp International Airport (ANR)
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Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)
All these airports are well-connected to Antwerp by train. From Antwerp, it’s just a 30-minute bus ride to Zoersel.
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Travel Tips:
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By Train: Take a train from the airport to Antwerp. For schedules and tickets, visit the Belgian Railways website.
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By Bus: From Antwerp, catch a local bus to Zoersel.
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By Taxi: Taxis are available at all airports for a direct transfer to Zoersel. ​
For any specific travel questions or further assistance, feel free to contact us at janne.wordsnwonders@gmail.com.
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Is this retreat suitable for writers of all levels?Yes! Writers of all experience levels are welcome. Our focus is on sparking inspiration and cultivating creativity, not on specific writing techniques. So, whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, you’ll find valuable insights and support here.
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Do I have to share my work with others?Sharing is entirely up to you! There’s no obligation to share your writing if you’d rather keep it private. But if you feel inspired to share your work, we’ll gladly support you. Whether you share or not, you’ll be surrounded by a creative, encouraging atmosphere.
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What should I bring to the retreat?We’ll send you a full packing list a few weeks before the retreat, so you’ll have everything you need. Expect to bring your usual writing essentials and a few personal items to make your stay comfortable.
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Should I book an extra night before or after the retreat?Arriving early or staying longer is totally optional. We’ll kick off with a welcome dinner on the first evening and end with breakfast on the last day, giving you plenty of travel time both ways. If you’d like to explore Belgium further, feel free, though accommodations outside the retreat dates will be on your own.
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Can I room with a friend?Definitely! When signing up, you can request to share a room with a friend if you’ve both selected a shared accommodation option. We’ll make every effort to accommodate your request, so be sure to choose the same shared room preference during registration.
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What is the cancellation policy?Once the deposit is made, it’s non-refundable if you need to cancel. However, we’ll open up your spot to the next person on our waiting list and, if we’re able to fill it, we’ll do our best to work out a deposit refund. Refunds beyond the deposit can't be guaranteed.
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What if I get sick or have an emergency and can’t attend?We understand that things can come up unexpectedly. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover any emergency situations.
Zoersel, Belgium
16 – 21 June, 2025