From the creators of the medieval Book Of Kells to the Scottish Colourists and beyond, the magical island of Iona has long been a place of pilgrimage and cradle of inspiration for artists.
Now, the Rock Retreat and Accord Literary invites aspiring writers and illustrators to make their own journey to this ancient Scottish isle for a six-day, seven-night residency focusing on the creation of books for today’s young readers.
This retreat offers a special opportunity to develop the craft of writing and illustrating, with expert guidance. It will be facilitated by experienced professionals in the world of children’s books: Publisher, Author and Illustrator Ken Wilson Max, Publisher Sarah Odedina, Literary Agent Victoria Wells Arms and Illustrator Eleanor Dobbs – who all share a passion for teaching, learning and encouraging talent.
Structured around workshops and small group activity, the Iona retreat programme allows plenty of time for one-to-one and shared working in a safe and supportive environment. An immersion in creating literature for readers from pre-school age to young adults will encourage experimentation with form and genre, helping participants find their voice and discover exciting new ways of expressing themselves in words and image. The retreat is taking place at the historic Bishop’s House, close to Iona Abbey, where
accommodation is provided and delicious food will be enjoyed, including their famous “daily bake”.
TIMETABLE
Arrive Saturday 25th October 2025 - free day and settling in.
Sunday 26th October - activities that will include guided walks, Abbey visit, a sharedevening meal and lots of 'getting to know each other' time.
Monday to Friday 27th-31st October - writing and illustrating creative sessions
Saturday 1st November - depart by 10:00 am
COST
Cost of retreat £1750. (one thousand seven hundred and fifty pounds) This covers a single room bed and board in The Bishops House as well as daily refreshments. We are offering a 25% discount for people in a shared twin room.
If you want to travel to Iona with family etc we can direct you to suitable accommodation on the island. The cost of attending the retreat on a daily basis will
be £1200 for the week.
* These prices don’t cover travel to and from Iona.
Part of the Inner Hebrides archipelago, the tiny island of Iona is situated south-west of the Isle of Mull off the west coast of mainland Scotland. Getting there involves two ferries, and Iona does not permit visitors’ cars.
October is usually a very beautiful month on the west coast of Scotland, but the West Highland weather can be exhilarating at any time of the year so waterproof and warm clothing is advised, as well as sunglasses and swimming gear. Famous for its stunning white sand beaches, blue seas, Highland wildlife and nature, Iona also has a rich history that makes it the perfect venue for contemplation and learning.
http://www.welcometoiona.com/visiting-iona/how-to-get-here/
https://www.nts.org.uk/stories/the-book-of-kells
https://mullandiona.art/scottish-colourists-peploe-and-cadell-on-iona/
https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryMagazine/DestinationsUK/Isle-of-Iona/
HOW TO APPLY
Please send us a brief bio and a synopsis of your work along with the first 2000 words of long form writing, your full picture book text or three jpegs or pdfs of your illustrations. Please use the heading IONA CREATIVE RETREAT on your emails and label your image files with your name. Send your illustration work in jpeg or pdf format and send your writing embedded in the body of your email not as an attachment.
Applications to be sent to sarah@accordliterary.com
OUTCOMES
Since starting our retreats in 2022 we have hosted over 80 writers and illustrators from around the world who work in the area of literature for young readers. Our goal is to provide five days of guidance, advice, mentoring and experimentation allowing the creatives the opportunity to try new things and expand their artistic vocabulary. We also aim to remain a valuable and positive part of the careers of the participants going forward and do this by continuing to offer professional advice as well as to support the creation of online communities that build bridges with members around the world.
The outcomes of our retreats are numerous. Attendees have gone on to secure book deals for projects, get places on publishing degree courses, get jobs in publishing houses, nurture projects with other members of their cohorts, secure representation by literary agents and so much more. We are goal oriented in terms of our outcomes. We want people to be inspired and encouraged in their publishing journeys and we will continue to be part of getting their stories into the hands of readers.
ATTENDEE TESTIMONIALS
Going to a writing retreat for the first time can be incredibly intimidating for a shy writer like me, but when I arrived it was like walking into a warm hug. We were in small groups, each day centered around a taught theme in which we had free writing time and group discussions, all the while feeling completely supported and encouraged to share. I loved being able to share a part of myself but also listening to my fellow attendees and their incredible writing voices. It was truly inspiring.
It was one hundred percent a positive experience, and one that has changed my outlook on my writing career and the publishing industry, for the better. My only complaint was that it was ove too fast! I cannot thank Ellie, Sarah, Victoria, and Ken enough for this incredible experience that
has forever changed my life moving forward as a writer.
Laura O'Brien
To assess the impact of the 2023 Creative Retreat, you have to first understand that it is rare to find workshops devoted to creators of children's literature on the continent. This retreat filled that void and then some.
The writing and illustrating exercises we did were as fun as they were intense, and the discussions we had with our mentors and peers were illuminating. I have grown so much as a storyteller, and I now have a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to my craft.
Akumbu Uche, Nigeria/Ghana
This trip was for me what I imagine an electric socket is to my phone after a long day of use.I feel brand new and I have gained a confidence in my writing that I don't think I could've found on my own. I'm ready to face the world as a writer and should I stumble, I have made connections here that can help me back up.
Denyse Bayingana, Rwanda
The value of all I learnt is priceless and would be cherished throughout my writing journey. I am also excited about the amazing community I have gained. The experience of the retreat left an indelible impression on me as a creative.
Blessing tarfa, Nigeria
Spending almost a week just doing things related only with literature… being around writers, editors, mentors, poets was simply magical for me. Time to just sit, think and listen to voices from within and write was something I’ve been longing for.
Hiwot Walelign, Ethiopia
I cannot say “thank you” enough to Sarah, Ellie, Chris and Ken for the amazing experience at The Retreat. Everything about it was inspiring and informative.
Carol Bennett
I gained a huge deal from the Retreat. Sarah was an incredible teacher – patient, wise and encouraging. Through the week, I learned so much about the publishing industry and what makes a book work.
I even came away with several ideas for new books, which I hadn’t been expecting! The group was so open to giving and receiving feedback – and it felt like an incredibly safe and respectful space in which we could share our words.
Every writer in the room taught me something, and I got to make friends with writers from around the world – something I would never have been able to do without the Retreat. We all learned from each other and encouraged each other. And throughout we had Sarah’s expert guidance in helping us to channel our thoughts down on to the page.”
Iqbal Hussain
Thanks to you and all the people who were there, I am back in France with more confidence and I am all the more motivated to go back to my manuscript.
I don’t think I can begin to tell you how thankful I am for welcoming and guiding us the way you did”
Lou-Josephine Landais
It has been a transformative experience for me. I am now more comfortable embracing the title of writer, and I am committing to doing the hard work that this entails.”
Rochelle Smith
It really unclogged some of the creative blockages I had been dealing with and I was able to complete two chapters of my WIP quickly when I returned home
Anne Elicano-Shields
My retreat experience was positively informative, interestingly unique and packed with gems of artist lessons that I did not know I needed. Not only did I learn about the publishing world, but I was also taught the practical side of children’s books and how they are made.
As Ken, our very helpful masterclass illustrator instructor says, “A sketch is a picture that tells part of a story.” I discovered how important it is to criticize positively and take criticism well for the improvement of your craft. The Retreat made me privy to one on one’s with renown illustrators and authors who were very concise and helpful with their advice. I will never forget my time there and the people I met.
Michelle Bryan
It was just great being part of and surrounded by a group of such talented people. I tried my best to soak everything up and really listen and learn about what it might take to one day become a children’s book illustrator. In a short space of time I learnt some really valuable lessons and brought home ideas about new ways to work and create stories/ characters.
Spending time with the group and working with Ken really helped to push me outside my comfort zone for the first time in a while.I found the whole experience inspiring and even though I know it all happened I still think it might’ve been some kind of dream!”
Jonny Kirkwood
TIMELINE
Deadline for submissions March 10th 2025
Announcement to attendees of places March 30th
Creative retreat dates October 25th to November 1st.
(there is no public transport across Mull on Sunday 26th October)
Deposit for places due April 15th £750
2nd payment due June 30th. £500
Final payment due September 1st £500
Total £1750
Terms and conditions.
As we have to pay a deposit for the accommodation on Iona which is non-refundable we are unable to offer refunds. We recommend taking out travel insurance to cover you in the event of any change of plan. If we, the organisers cancel the retreat your
deposit and any subsequent payments will be repaid in full.
MEET THE TEAM
Sarah Odedina
Sarah sees her work as a publisher and as a Director of Accord as an opportunity to bring African writers telling their stories of life on the continent to readers worldwide. Sarah Odedina has worked in publishing for more than two decades. As the Publishing Director of the children’s list of Bloomsbury Publishing, she oversaw the publication of the Harry Potter series as well as published many other best-selling prize-winning novels and picture books. In 2011 Sarah founded the successful and award-winning Hot Key Books. Sarah is now Editor-at-Large for Pushkin Press commissioning titles for the children's and YA list. Sarah travels around the world giving talks and hosting workshops about publishing and children’s literature. She also teaches creative writing focusing on books for young readers.
Kunmi Odueke
Kunmi Odueke, who lives in Lagos, Nigeria, is a seasoned content writer and author of the eBook, ‘Good Writers Wanted!’ She’s deeply passionate about supporting writers with the practical knowledge and tools needed to excel at their craft, and regularly organises content writing workshops. She brings her many talents to support Accord authors on all fronts from running our social media to helping organise workshops and retreats.
AUTHORS
We are proud to be working with the following authors.
Ruby Yayra Goka
Writes issue-centred books for teenagers
What is your book about?
Even When Your Voice Shakes is a story about family, sacrifice, sexual abuse and finding the
power to stand up for yourself.
Where is it set?
It’s set in two locations, Teshie and East Legon. Both locations are found in the capital of
Ghana, Accra.
Who is most like you in your book?
I probably have bits of Amorkor and Amarkai in me. I can get lost in a good book for hours
and I’ve done my share of patching up wounded/ sick pets.
What was your favourite book as a child, and now as an adult?
I have lots of favourites.
As a child, I loved everything Enid Blyton but I especially loved Mallory Towers, Famous
Five and Secret Seven. I also loved the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys Series. My first young
adult book by an African writer was The Jasmine Candle by Christine Botchway which I still
adore.
As an adult, my top five favourites are The Gods Are Not to Blame by Ola Rotimi, The Great
Ponds by Elechi Amadi, Spears Down by Christine Botchway, The Book Thief by Markus
Zusak, and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
What do you do on your day off?
Stay in bed, eat, read, sleep, repeat.
What happens if you have a great book idea at three in the morning?
Will myself to remember when I wake up in the morning. I never do.
P Ochieng Ochieng
Writes voice-driven literary fiction for young teens
What is your book about?
Playing a dangerous Game is a coming of age novel. A story of four friends who live in a railway estate. And whose bravery leads them into exposing a coffee smuggling gang, that uses a deserted house - believed to be haunted - as their hideout.
Where is it set?
The book is set in a railway estate, in a Nairobi of the 70's
Who is most like you in the book?
Like the lead protagonist, Lumush, I too lived in a railway estate as a child, and could have shared some of his experiences, while coming of age.
What was your favourite books as a child, and now as an adult?
My favorite book as a child was Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain. I still smile when i remember Tom's pranks. And as an adult Disgrace by JM Coetzee & Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo.
What do you do on a day off?
On my day off I swim or read a book..
What happens if you have a great book idea at three in the morning?
When I have a great book idea at three in the morning, i grab my phone and duck into the bathroom to write. I've done quite some writing on my phone while perched on the toilet seat.
Erhu Kome
Writes speculative fiction
What is your book about?
My book is about Naborhi, a girl who wants nothing more than to leave her tribe before she is married off at sixteen. This leads her to take on Moyo's offer to train her to be part of her king's elite soldiers with the freedom and noble purpose Naborhi yearns to have. But as time passes, it starts to dawn on her that her training might just be the machinations of a mad man. So when a god sends her on a rescue mission, she jumps on the chance to finally go out into the world not minding all the dangers that may come with it.
Where is it set?
It is set in a fantasy world mostly inspired by Urhobo culture and mythology.
Who is more like you in the book?
No particular character is most like me. I think there is a little bit of me in some of the characters.
What was your favourite books as a child, and now as an adult?
I didn't have a favourite book as a child. But I'll tell you my favourite romance book of all time which I read as a child- The Concubine by Elechi Amadi.
What do you do on a day off?
As a mom I have no day off. Lol. But in between mommying and writing, I watch a lot of anime and supernatural TV shows.
What happens if you have a great book idea at three in the morning?
If I have a great book idea at 3 in the morning, I'm forgetting sleep and writing it down on my phone immediately. I'll even start a rough outline and come up with an ending. That always calms my excited over working mind.
Elizabeth-Irene Baitie
Writes family-focused middle grade adventures
What is your book about?
Crossing the Stream is a story about family love and the overcoming of fear.
When twelve-year old Ato’s lifelong dream is in danger of being crushed by a fearful force, he needs to turn to someone. Can he trust his mysterious grandmother? The one his mother warned him about? The one with an empty grave in her garden?
Where is it set?
In Ghana’s humid, colourful and vibrant capital, Accra.
Who is most like you in your book?
Scratching my head…. Nope, can’t think of anyone here who can stay on the phone as long as I can.
What was your favourite book as a child and now as an adult?
Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women – hands down. I bonded with Jo, respected Meg, sympathised (sometimes) with Amy, and wept over Beth.
In adulthood, one of my most entertaining reads has been Jonathan Stroud’s The Amulet of Samarkand (Book 1 in the trilogy) with his wise-cracking character, the djinn Bartimaeus.
What do you do on your day off?
Party like it’s 2099. Take a very long walk. Chat on the phone (for the entirety of aforementioned walk)
What happens if you have a great book idea at three in the morning?
As any writer knows, 3am marks peak business hours at The Office of Creative Muses. I’ve given up negotiating friendlier hours. My pen, notebook, and neck-light are always on hand.
Blessing Tarfa
Writes fantasy inspired by Yoruba mythology
What is your book about?
My book is the coming-of-age story of Ajeji, a teen imbued with a form of the power wielded by the immortals of the Yoruba pantheon. Along with Ina-Orun, a girl descended from Obatala the immortal of light, and Olupitan the tongue-tied son of a storyteller, they must uncover why the immortals favoured him with power. They must also confront a healer turned to darkness who seeks to relieve him of his power and wield it for evil while threatening the land and the fabric of existence.
Where is it set?
It is set in a fantasy world populated by the mythical creatures of Yoruba folklore and some Yoruba hero-gods and immortals.
Who is most like you in the book?
A little bit of the lead character.
What was your favourite book as a child, and now as an adult?
As a child that is extremely difficult. I will have to settle for a tie: Christoph von Schmid’s The basket of flowers and Gerald Durrell’s My family and other animals. Now: J.R.R Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.
What do you do on your day off?
Two things: Play with the kids. Beyond that, obsess about time (one of my muses) and future characters yet to be fleshed out.
What happens if you have a great book idea at three in the morning?
Drift to the basement like a ghost and let it all out on my desktop pc for the next couple of hours.
Blessing Musariri
Writes across genres but loves magical realism
What is your book about?
My book is about family, loss, growth, and the wonder that lies in looking beyond what we think we know about ourselves.
Where is it set?
It is set in the Uk, Zimbabwe and an inter dimensional space reserved for superheroes and fantastic fabulous persons who require regular people to be more aware of themselves.
Who is most like you in your book?
I think Mati is most like the me I’ve imagined myself to be on occasion— a kind of arrested development genius with Meticais as a counterbalance but to be honest I couldn’t truly say because I’d have to first tell the story of myself to see who I think I am and that wouldn’t necessarily be who I appear to be to others. I think I’m parts of everyone in the story.
What was your favourite book as a child and now as an adult?
My favourite book as a child is probably The Magical Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton and now it’s Marvin K Mooney by Dr Seuss simply because of the opening line: “The time has come.” It’s very dramatic.
What do you do on your day off?
I wake up, I breathe and before I know it, the day is gone.
What happens if you have a great book idea at three in the morning?
If I wake up I will make a note on the closest available thing and write until it ends but if I get it while sleeping I usually wake up with a sense of knowing something really good and hope it finds a way back to me. When I’m working on something though, I don’t regulate office hours so I try to always write when the writing comes.
Edudzi Adodo
Writes science fiction and fantasy infused with African culture and mythology
Visit Edu's websites for himself and his book for lots of information, extra fun facts about the world of CHILDREN OF STARDUST and a monthly newsletter.
M. P Armana
Mical was born and raised in Eritrea but lives in different worlds of her creation. When not writing, she can be found teaching Political Science and advocating for women’s and disability rights.
What is your book about?
Magic, friendship, adventure and pranks. It is about two best friends, Mak and Nessa, who are excited to attend a school for magic, only to discover that they have been assigned to different Houses. Although their friendship does not survive the intense rivalry between their Houses, they have to set aside their differences when they both face attempts on their lives. They have to work together to discover who is trying to kill them and why before it is too late.
Where is it set?
It is set in a fantasy world inspired by Eritrea. The majority of the story takes place in the Roca Luna Academy of Magic. There are different Houses each founded by the Nine Sages. The Houses compete in a variety of competitions until one of them is declared Champion at the end of the school year.
Who is most like you in the book?
Rather than one specific character, I believe that I am most like a House. The Roca Luna Academy of Magic has nine Houses, all amazing in their own way. But my heart goes out to the House of Lyle, which is a house for outcasts and misfits. The students with the lowest scores in the entrance exam or who were rejected by the other Houses often end up here. Although looked down on by the other Houses, the Lylians are one big family.
What inspired your story?
If we remove the magical elements from the story, the book is essentially about friendship. It was inspired by the adventures (or should I say misadventures?) my best friend and I had when we were younger. I wanted the book to reflect that time in your life when your best friend is everything.
What is it about the fantasy genre that you like?
The escape it offers. As a child growing up in newly independent and war-torn Eritrea, fantasy books allowed me to escape my reality. As a sensitive teenager prone to depression, fantasy books were my lifeline. To this day, fantasy books are responsible for keeping me healthy. When I’m having a bad day, the thought that I will get to curl up with a book at the end of the day motivates me to keep going.
What was/is your favourite book?
My taste in books hasn’t evolved over the years. I still read the books I used to when I was a child. Most of my favourite books fall in the middle grade and young adult category. I enjoy the occasional picture book as well. The one thing all my favourite books have in common: magic! I’m obsessed with the magic boarding school genre, which I suspect originated from my love of the Harry Potter series. I love Kelley Armstrong’s YA book series, especially her Darkest Powers trilogy. I grew up reading (and still re-read) the Italian comic books Streghe and W.I.T.C.H.
What do you do on a day off?
I’ve been accused of being a workaholic so I dread days off. On the off chance that I do get one, I use it to obsessively plan more projects.
What happens if you have a great book idea at three in the morning?
I jump out of bed and bid sleep farewell. I pace around my bedroom and act out scenes, all while assuming different roles. That’s how I usually develop my ideas. Unfortunately, this has gotten me into quite the trouble with my family and other people I’ve lived with.
Hiwot Walelign
Hiwot is working on a YA novel of love, self-discovery, growing up and finding happiness. Two teenagers are strugglig through the summer between leaving school and starting university. That is until they meet one another and embark on a season of adventures, intimacy and learning to be yourself. Her beautiful writing ensures that Hiwot brings something special and original to a subject that has long occupied the minds and pages of the YA audience.
Hiwot Walelign Workneh is an Ethiopian who has been working for different news outlets and related companies as a contributor, editor, translator and anchor for over a decade. She has an academic background of English literature and finished her doctoral degree on African magical realist novels in 2020. She recently started creative writing and her first young-adult novella submitted for Code-Ethiopia’s 2017 competition won the Burt Awards at national level.
Her passion has always been literature and she likes collecting books. Hiwot is a coffee lover and does most of her writings in coffee
shops. She is married and a mother of three boys, currently living in Addis Ababa.
