October 11 - 17, 2026 · Chianti, Italy

Write Your Story in the Heart of Tuscany

A vacation from your day-to-day and a creative accelerator for writers, entrepreneurs, and storytellers ready to transform ideas into compelling narratives.

About

Where Your Story Comes to Life

Join us for seven transformative days in a private Tuscan villa, designed for writers, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs ready to make meaningful progress on their book, brand story, or creative project.

This is your chance to escape your routine and fully immerse yourself in your writing—with expert guidance that can go into the six-figure range when we ghostwrite books for our clients. Here, you get direct access to us through daily writing sessions, personalized one-on-one coaching, and expert workshops on voice, audience, and editing.

What this means for you: Getting professional instruction upfront means you'll need far less help—and spend far less money—on editing and revisions after the retreat. You'll write it right the first time.

Between morning yoga, wine tastings, and visits to Florence and Lucca, you'll experience the perfect balance of focused work and cultural inspiration. Yes, you'll work hard. But you'll also be so well cared for that it will feel like the productive vacation you've been craving.

7

Transformative Days

8-12

Intimate Group

What You'll Gain

More Than a Workshop — A Creative Accelerator

Led by bestselling ghostwriters who are often in the six-figure range when writing a book, this intensive provides everything you need to succeed—at a fraction of the cost.

Daily Guided Writing

Structured writing blocks with prompts and accountability to keep you producing pages, not just thinking about them.

What this means: You'll make more progress in one week than most people make in six months of "finding time" to write at home.

Expert Workshops

Three focused sessions to find your authentic voice, understand your audience, and edit with confidence.

What this means: You'll learn skills that last beyond this week, allowing you to finish your book independently without hiring expensive editors.

One-on-One Coaching

Personalized sessions tackle your specific challenges and unlock new possibilities for your project.

What this means: Direct access to professionals who charge $100K+ for ghostwriting—answering YOUR specific questions about YOUR book.

Pre-Retreat Group Check-Ins

Connect with fellow participants before you arrive, share your goals, and come prepared to hit the ground running.

What this means: You'll arrive with clarity, meet your cohort early, and maximize every writing session from day one.

Nightly Sharing Circles

Constructive feedback, genuine connection, and creative breakthroughs in a supportive community.

What this means: Real-time feedback that catches problems early, saving you months of rewrites later.

Publishing Guidance

Q&A sessions demystify traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing paths so you can make informed decisions.

What this means: You won't waste time or money pursuing the wrong publishing path for your goals.

Bonus Resources You'll Take Home

  • Chapter tracking template to stay organized through completion
  • Comprehensive self-publishing guide
  • Post-retreat support group for accountability

What this means: Even after you leave Tuscany, you'll have everything you need to finish and publish your book confidently.

What You'll Gain

A Thoughtfully Curated Writing Experience

Everything taken care of so you can focus on your writing—and yes, write it off as a business expense while experiencing the trip of a lifetime.

(Okay, we know this isn't really a vacation since you’ll be working hard on your book, but it will certainly feel like one!)

Chef-Prepared Meals

Wine Tastings

Florence & Lucca Visits

Your Hosts

Learn From the Best

Your retreat is led by two accomplished ghostwriters who have helped countless leaders find their voice and share their stories with the world.

Deanna Novak

Award-Winning Author & Founder of The Write Journeys

Deanna Novak is an award-winning author and ghostwriter with more than 20 years of experience writing about leadership, business, policy, law, genealogy, and culture. After exiting her first company, kidsHeritage, where she authored four award-winning books based on heritage and world culture and partnered with Walt Disney World, she founded The Write Journeys, a company dedicated to helping executives, transformational entrepreneurs, and thought leaders turn their insights into compelling narratives that capture attention and drive results.

Deanna has ghostwritten nearly 30 books, many of which have become Amazon Best Sellers, landed on “Best of” lists, or both, and has provided developmental editing for countless more. Whether she is ghostwriting thought leadership books or crafting memoir or self-help narratives that build personal brands, Deanna consistently transforms ideas into influence. Her ability to deeply connect with clients and blend creative insight with analytical rigor brings authenticity, clarity, and strategic impact to every project she touches.

Deanna has been published and quoted in numerous magazines and has spoken at various business conferences and events. She currently serves as Chair of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Institute Board of Directors, a role that allows her to advance her passion for elevating entrepreneurship and women’s leadership nationally. A lifelong learner and committed advocate for entrepreneurship, Deanna was honored with the 2009–2010 NAWBO Spirit Award and the 2015 NAWBO Business Plan Competition. She also completed both the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Entrepreneurship Program (2016) and the Home Shopping Network American Dreams Academy (2018).

Originally from New York, Deanna received a Bachelor of Science in Communications (Journalism and Sociology) from the University of Miami. She received her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Nova Southeastern University, where she served as Articles Editor on the Law Review, and an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Miami.

Amelia Forczak

NYT Bestselling Ghostwriter & Founder of Pithy Wordsmithery

Amelia Forczak is a New York Times bestselling ghostwriter and the Founder of Pithy Wordsmithery. With 15 years of experience and numerous books, Amelia specializes in working with business leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs. She has a particular talent for translating complex business concepts and industry expertise into straightforward, engaging prose—and she’s known for being a strong personality fit with high-performing leaders who value directness, strategic thinking, and true collaboration.

Amelia has ghostwritten multiple national bestsellers, and her proposals have secured significant six-figure advances for clients. But the real measure of success? Her books have helped authors launch lucrative speaking careers, secure public board positions, build thriving consulting practices, and establish themselves as recognized leaders in their fields. Her clients have included C-suite executives from Fortune 500 companies like Nike, PepsiCo, Google, Starwood, and Disney, as well as serial entrepreneurs and industry innovators across sectors. Her books have earned endorsements from household names like Phil Knight and Marshall Goldsmith and received praise from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and other top industry publications. Her work has also appeared in Harvard Business Review and Forbes.

Amelia holds a B.A. in Journalism from Michigan State University and was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Chicago in 2022. She is also the host of the podcast Sticky: Stories That Stick.

Your Home for the Week

A Private Tuscan Villa in Chianti

Located in Chianti, the heart of Tuscany, this gorgeous villa is the perfect home for our retreat. Nestled into the countryside and only 20 minutes from Florence, you'll experience the best of Italy.

The spacious beauty invites deep work while chef-prepared meals featuring local cuisine eliminate decision fatigue. Every detail has been considered to support your creative journey.

9 Bedrooms

9 Bedrooms

Ensuite Bathrooms

Ensuite Bathrooms

5,600 Sq Ft

5,600 Sq Ft

360° Tower Views

360° Tower Views

Private Pool

Private Pool

Workout Room

Workout Room

Air Conditioning

Air Conditioning

Washer/Dryer

Washer/Dryer

Who Should Attend

Perfect For

  • Entrepreneurs building credibility and thought leadership platforms—getting your book published means finally establishing yourself as the go-to expert in your field
  • Executives establishing authority with business books or memoirs—because a published book opens doors to speaking engagements, board positions, and media opportunities
  • Professionals differentiating themselves with powerful personal brand narratives—so you can command higher fees and attract dream clients
  • First-time authors ready to stop planning and start writing—because expert guidance now prevents costly mistakes and rewrites later
  • Experienced writers craving fresh perspective and genuine community—allowing you to break through blocks and finish what you've started

While most participants are working on books, the frameworks and guidance apply equally to signature talks, article series, or brand narratives—any project where your authentic voice and clear message matter.

The Transformation

What You'll Leave With

  • A solid draft of a quarter to a third of your book—real, polished pages you're proud of (not just notes or outlines)
  • A clear roadmap for completion—you'll know exactly what to write next and how to finish
  • The skills to complete your book independently—saving thousands in editing and ghostwriting fees
  • Confidence in your voice and ability to finish—no more questioning if you "have what it takes"
  • Chapter tracking template and self-publishing guide—so you have everything you need to publish successfully
  • A support community of fellow writers—accountability partners who understand the journey and will keep you going
  • Lasting connections with bestselling ghostwriters—ongoing access to experts who typically charge $100K+ for their services

What this really means: You won't leave wondering "what now?" or "how do I finish this?" You'll have everything you need—the skills, the structure, the confidence, and the support—to complete and publish your book.

And because you received expert instruction from the start, you'll need far less help with editing and revision, ultimately saving you money while producing a better final product.

Questions and Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tuscany Writing Retreat?

It's a week-long intensive for writers and storytellers held in a private villa in the Tuscan hills. You'll work on your book, brand story, or creative project with expert guidance, daily structure, and the kind of inspiration only Italy can provide.

Who should attend?

Authors working on business books or memoirs. Entrepreneurs developing thought leadership content. Executives crafting their brand story. Anyone with a story to tell who's ready to stop planning and start writing.

What's included?

Six nights in a luxury villa (private or shared rooms), chef-prepared meals, optional morning yoga sessions, wine tasting, transportation to Florence and Lucca for creative inspiration, daily guided writing sessions, three focused workshops, one-on-one coaching, nightly feedback circles, publishing Q&A, pre-retreat group check-ins to discuss goals and meet your cohort, chapter tracking template, and self-publishing guide.

What's NOT included?

Airfare and personal travel, travel to/from villa from airport/origin, museum or other tour tickets or packages, one lunch (on own in Florence), and one dinner (on own in Lucca).

Attendees responsible for passports, visas (if needed), and travel insurance (highly recommended).

What will I actually accomplish?

Most participants will complete a solid draft of a quarter to a third of their book during the week. More importantly, you'll gain clarity on your audience, confidence in your voice, and a concrete plan to finish your project. You'll leave with momentum, not just ideas.

Do I need to be an experienced writer?

No. You need to be ready to commit to the work. Whether you're on your first chapter or final edit, the retreat is designed to meet you where you are and move you forward.

Will this be work or a vacation?

Both! Your writing will be better and you'll enjoy the process more when you get into the right headspace. This retreat will make the work feel light. You'll be cozy, well-fed, and surrounded by a great group of people. Sidequests to Florence and Lucca will help you stretch your legs and come back recharged.

Will I have everything I need to finish my book after the retreat?

Yes. Beyond the significant manuscript progress you'll make, you'll leave with:

  • Professional writing skills that reduce your need for expensive editing later
  • A chapter-by-chapter roadmap to guide you to completion
  • A tracking template to stay organized
  • A comprehensive self-publishing guide
  • A support group of fellow retreat participants for ongoing accountability
  • Continued access to your retreat leaders for questions

Because you'll receive expert guidance upfront, you'll write more efficiently and need less help finishing—saving you both time and money in the long run.

What’s the Cancellation Policy?

We understand plans change. Here's our policy:

More than 90 days before retreat: Full refund minus $500 administrative fee

60-90 days before retreat: 50% refund

30-59 days before retreat: 25% refund

Less than 30 days before retreat: No refund

All cancellations must be submitted in writing to accounting [at] pithywordsmithery [dot] com 

We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your investment against unforeseen circumstances including illness, family emergencies, or travel disruptions.

Transfers: You may transfer your spot to another person up to 30 days before the retreat with written notice. The new participant must meet all retreat requirements.

Retreat cancellation by organizers: In the unlikely event we must cancel the retreat, you will receive a full refund or the option to transfer to a future retreat date.

In cases of documented medical emergency or family crisis, we will work with you on a case-by-case basis to find a fair solution, which may include transferring to a future retreat.

This is not a tour. This is a retreat focused on creative development through inspiration, time, and expert guidance.

Your Investment

Reserve Your Spot

An unforgettable creative experience awaits. Limited to 8–12 participants to ensure personalized attention and intimate community.

What you're really getting: Direct access to ghostwriters who are often in the six-figure range when writing a book, comprehensive instruction that will save you thousands in editing fees, a quarter to a third of your book completed, and a supported path to publication—all while experiencing the beauty of Tuscany.

We Curate the Room with Care

This retreat is intentionally intimate.

We’ll be writing, coaching, dining, and living together in one beautiful home — sharing ideas, breakthroughs, quiet mornings, and celebratory dinners. The energy in the room matters. The people in the room matter.

To create the most aligned, inspiring experience possible, we begin with a brief discovery call before registration.

This isn’t an interview — it’s a conversation.

We want to:

  • Understand what you’re working on
  • Make sure this retreat is the right container for your goals
  • Ensure the group dynamic feels collaborative, generous, and growth-oriented
  • Answer your questions so you feel fully confident joining us

We are thoughtfully curating a small group of serious writers who are excited to make meaningful progress and contribute to a supportive creative environment.

If it feels like a mutual fit, you’ll receive a private registration link along with a special access code to reserve your spot.

Because when the right people gather in the right space, something powerful happens.