From Nina: "Learn to write with glee again. Cause writing shouldn’t be a stuffy academic classroom exercise. It can be a place of open-mouthed surprise, an amusement park ride, a quest into the unknown with no flashlight to see in the dark. At this retreat, we’ll learn to trust this place, even when it takes us into shadowy corners…

Because I'm a creativity coach, I know how vulnerable it can be to write and read your work aloud. The retreat will be a place to bring your whole self and all your vulnerable feelings, and receive support and coaching tools that will help when you're in the throes of an inner critic moment.

This will be the place for you to learn new ways!"

June 10, 2025: Our coach will pick us up from Edinburgh City Centre and drive the short way to Rosslyn Chapel and Glen. The enigmatic chapel is always a tour favorite and our friend, Neil, will take us through the glen while sharing his wisdom. Next, we head to the charming village of Dunkeld on the banks of the River Tay and settle into our hotel. We'll enjoy a group dinner and chat about the days ahead.

June 11, 2025: After breakfast, we'll meet Nina for a toe-dipping into our time together before taking a stroll to historic Dunkeld Cathedral, with portions built in 1260. Then we'll cross the bridge to see the old oak tree that has stood since Shakespeare visited, and walk along the river to catch a glimpse of the house where Beatrix Potter's family used to summer and A Tale of Peter Rabbit was born. We'll find the perfect spot along our walk for writing and sharing. Dinner on your own with local suggestions. Afterward, we'll have a private concert next door to our hotel.

June 12, 2025: After breakfast, the coach will take us to the Birks of Aberfeldy for a gorgeous waterfall hike. At the trailhead, there's space for a writing session and you may choose to stop and write other places along the way. We will lunch in Aberfeldy then return for an afternoon writing session in the "boat house" on the river, across from our hotel, then dinner in Dunkeld.

June 13, 2025: After breakfast, we'll spend the day in Stirling, visiting the Castle and land of heroes such as William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. You'll have time for a meander in town and lunch before heading back to Dunkeld. Depending on our level of energy, we may have a writing session or share stories around the fire down by the river. 

June 14, 2025: After breakfast, we'll meet Nina in the boat house for a session, then break for a long leisurely lunch before meeting back at the boat house for our afternoon writing session. Dinner is on your own, with music suggestions at local pubs, all within walking distance.

June 15, 2025: Free time in the morning for your own strolls and contemplation, then the coach will take us to nearby Pitlochry after lunch where you'll have time for shopping or tasting some scotch and we'll have a group dinner in town, with writing and sharing by the fire at night. 

June 16, 2025: This is a surprise day and the weather will dictate which surprise it is! Rest assured, there will be writing time. 

June 17, 2025: We'll take the coach to Dunfermline, the old capital of Scotland, filled with history. Enjoy old churches and graveyards? We've got you covered. You'll also want to stroll the popular Pittencrieff Park, or 'The Glen' as it's more commonly known by locals. The 76-acre park is beautiful and known for its resident peacocks and peaceful nooks. It was originally part of the Carnegie estate and was gifted to the city by Andrew Carnegie in the early 1900s. Nina will hold a writing session in the Abbey ruins. 

June 18, 2025: After breakfast, we'll meet for a writing session at a coffee shop in town, then break for lunch. In the afternoon, we'll take a leisurely walk across the bridge to Birnam Arts Center to see the wee Beatrix Potter exhibit and time for writing in the garden there or inside the Arts Center if the weather is unfavorable. Afterward, we'll have a visit from a local author.  That afternoon, Nina will gather with us for our final writing session together in Dunkeld.

June 19, 2025: Travel day back to Edinburgh, where you'll have some time on your own before our group dinner and sharing for the final night together.

June 20, 2025: Flights home or onward journeys

ABOUT NINA

Nina Hart is a writer, performer, and Kaizen-Muse creativity coach based in Asheville, NC. She is also a certified Gateless Method writing teacher – “a method of teaching the art and craft of writing using creative brain science, ancient non-dual teachings, and highly-effective craft tools…allowing writers to access the creative genius inside.”

Her first collection of surreal short fictions called “Somewhere in a Town You Never Knew Existed Somewhere” was selected as a Short Stories category finalist in Foreword Reviews’ prestigious IndieFab Book of the Year Awards. Nina was an original member of the iconic SF dance troupe Contraband, and, playing a purple electric bass, has recorded and performed with numerous bands.

She is the founder of Writing from the Top of Your Head workshops, which combines group creativity coaching with creative writing. The work has helped to free what she calls “the heartbroken artist” from the shackles of perfectionism. Nina is passionate about helping artists find their voice and reclaim the hooligan kid spirit that most people have buried under an “adult” veneer. Her workshops have also been inspired by the work of Paulo Freire and his philosophy of education for liberation, and the work of Brene Brown.

She offers a signature online workshop, writing retreats, group programs, premium 1:1 coaching, and is planning a facilitator training for teaching artists. Her sold-out shows, retreats, and workshops have transformed creative lives across the US and beyond.

Visit https://www.writingfromthetopofyourhead.com/