Every writer faces blocks—whether it’s the whisper of "I’m not good enough," the frustration of a stubborn plot, or the struggle to stay motivated. At Unmasked Words, we don’t just acknowledge these challenges—we transform them. This retreat is designed to help you move past what’s holding you back and write with freedom, skill, and joy. What You’ll Overcome & Achieve 1. Silence Self-Doubt Release the fear that you don’t deserve to be a writer. Replace hesitation with confidence—because your story does matter, and your voice is needed. 2. Solve Practical Writing Struggles Start strong: Craft an opening that pulls readers in and sets your story in motion. Conquer the middle: Turn confusion into clarity with tools to structure your plot and deepen your characters. Finish with power: Write an ending that feels inevitable, satisfying, and true to your vision. 3. Build Skills & Motivation Fill the gaps in your craft—whether it’s character development, pacing, or dialogue—with practical, actionable techniques. Reignite your motivation and leave with a personalized plan to keep writing long after the retreat ends. 4. Navigate the Publishing World Demystify publishing and marketing so you can share your work without overwhelm. Learn strategies to stay inspired and productive, even when the path feels uncertain. How We Work This isn’t just another writing retreat. Unmasked Words is a safe, supportive space to: Unpack psychological blocks (like imposter syndrome or perfectionism) in a judgment-free zone. Tackle practical problems (like plot holes or weak prose) with expert guidance and hands-on exercises. Connect with a community of writers who get it—because we’ve all been there. Experience the Magic of Psychodrama: Bring Your Characters—and Your Confidence—to Life At Unmasked Words, we don’t just talk about overcoming blocks—we transform them. One of the most powerful tools we use is psychodrama, a dynamic method that blends theater, therapy, and creativity to help you break free from self-doubt and dive deeper into your characters than ever before. What is psychodrama? Psychodrama is a hands-on, experiential technique where you step into the roles of your characters—or even parts of yourself—to explore their emotions, motivations, and conflicts in real time. It’s not about acting; it’s about embodying. By physically and emotionally inhabiting your characters, you’ll uncover layers of their personalities (and your own creative process) that traditional writing exercises simply can’t reach. Whether you’re struggling with a flat protagonist, a tangled plot, or your own inner critic, psychodrama helps you see, feel, and resolve what’s holding you back. Why psychodrama for writers? Unblock your creativity: If you’ve ever felt stuck—whether by fear, self-doubt, or a stubborn scene—psychodrama helps you move through it by externalizing the problem and finding new solutions. Deep character development: Struggling to understand why your character makes certain choices? Become them. Through role-play and guided exercises, you’ll discover their hidden desires, fears, and contradictions—making your story richer and more authentic. Boost your confidence: Many writers battle feelings of inadequacy or imposter syndrome. Psychodrama helps you confront and rewrite those narratives, so you can write with courage and conviction. What does a psychodrama session look like? Picture this: You’re working on a pivotal scene where your protagonist faces a life-changing decision. Instead of staring at the page, you step into their shoes. With the support of the group and facilitators, you act out the moment, speaking as your character, reacting in real time. Suddenly, their motivations become clear. The scene writes itself. And just like that, what felt impossible is now alive and vivid on the page. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to explore. By the end of the retreat, you’ll leave with: ✨ A deeper connection to your characters and your story. ✨ Tools to silence self-doubt and trust your creative voice. ✨ A renewed sense of excitement for your writing journey.

Retreat Date(s)

Unmasked Words: Where Your Story—and Your Confidence—Come Alive 27th April — 2nd May 2026 | A retreat for writers ready to break free and write fearlessly. Write by the Wild Atlantic Perched in the sun-drenched Sintra region, our retreat space is a modern, light-filled sanctuary where creativity thrives. Inside, you’ll find plenty of room to write, reflect, and connect—whether in cozy corners, spacious work areas, or the expansive outdoor spaces. Outside, the dramatic cliffs and golden beaches of the Atlantic coast inspire stories as vast as the ocean itself. Here, the serene beauty of Portugal meets the comfort of a thoughtfully designed home, giving you the perfect balance of focus and freedom. This is where your words—and your confidence—will flourish.

Itinerary

Workshops: Spark Your Creativity Each morning and afternoon, our workshops and discussions are designed to ignite your imagination, whether you’re a meticulous planner or a wild pantster. From character clustering to binge-writing challenges, these sessions will give you tools, techniques, and fresh perspectives to take your writing to the next level. But here’s the best part: If the muse strikes and you’d rather write, wander, or rest, you’re free to follow your flow. Workshops start on time, so if you’re not there, we’ll assume you’re off creating magic elsewhere. Psychodrama: Step Into Your Story Every afternoon, psychodrama becomes your playground. This is your chance to embody your characters, confront creative blocks, and unlock emotions that will bring your story to life. Whether you’re exploring your protagonist’s deepest fears or your antagonist’s hidden motives, these sessions are where breakthroughs happen. And if you need extra time to process or write afterward, the schedule gives you space to let the insights sink in—or dive straight into silent writing. Free Time: Wander, Write, or Connect The free blocks in the timetable are yours to use however you wish: Find your nook: The retreat space is filled with cozy corners, sunlit patios, and quiet outdoor spots—perfect for curling up with your laptop or notebook. Explore the wild beauty of Sintra: Let the Atlantic cliffs, golden beaches, and lush landscapes inspire you. A solo walk or a chat with a fellow writer on the shore might be just what your story needs. Connect with your tribe: Use this time for one-on-one sessions with Kaya or Marina, or simply to share ideas, swap stories, or brainstorm with your new writing community. Evenings: Unwind & Dream After dinner, the evenings are yours to relax, reflect, and recharge: Daydreaming sessions: Join an optional walk, play solitaire, or chat about characters under the stars. Campfire stories: Share your favorite books, laugh about “worst first draft” moments, or just soak in the warmth of good company. Closing circle: On the final night, we’ll come together to celebrate breakthroughs, share tools, and set goals for what comes next—so you leave with momentum, clarity, and connection. Your Space, Your Pace This retreat is about more than just writing—it’s about reconnecting with your creative self in a space that feels like home. Whether you’re diving deep into psychodrama, stealing away for silent writing, or exploring the magic of Sintra with new friends, every moment is an opportunity to grow, create, and shine.

What's Included

ALL-INCLUSIVE RETREAT FEE Your All-inclusive Retreat Fee Covers: All content and coaching including daily community sessions Pre and post retreat Zoom orientation calls Private one to one consultation that addresses your greatest blocks Plenty of down time for writing, walking, swimming and community Plus Accomodation for 6 days ​/​ 5 nights Three delicious, locally sourced vegetarian meals per day (beginning dinner on 27th April ending with breakfast on 2nd May).

What's Not Included

Travel to​/​from Portugal Transportation to the venue (although we can help you coordinate with fellow retreat attendees). Health ​/​ travel insurance (we highly suggest you have this).

Food (if applicable)

Three delicious, locally sourced vegetarian meals per day (beginning dinner on 27th April ending with breakfast on 2nd May).

How to get there (if applicable)

From the airport in Lisbon you can take the metro to a train to a bus. We suggest that you skip the last bus and get an Uber. We estimate that an Uber from the airport will be around $70 depending on time of day etc.

Other Cancellation Policy (refer this if "Other" is chosen in Cancellation & Refund Policy section)

Full refund until February 28. No refund after February 28.

Past Reviews (optional)