The Protagonist’s Den
The Coziest Writing Retreat North of Hadrian’s Wall
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
October 25 - October 29, 2027
“There is something magical about coming to a special place with intention and being led y Marina and other authors.”
- Victoria C.
Overview
At the Protagonist’s Den, we’ll meet on the cusp of Samhain (Halloween), when the veil is thinnest, to write together in the coziest space north of Hadrian’s Wall. Take a breath here, leave the noise of life behind, and become your main character in the heart of Aberdeenshire.
We’ll lap up all the experiences on site along with Return to the Wild’s signature wild walks, daily craft workshops, & ample time to write.
Nestled in the gentle hills and ancient woodlands of Glen Dye, this writing retreat with Return to the Wild offers a focused, restorative week for writers ready to deepen their craft and inhabit their stories. We’ll keep cozy in luxe shared and private accommodation, settle into a rhythm of daily writing and workshops, and step fully into your main character.
What’s Included?
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Lodgings
Our coorie accommodations are shared in single and shared rooms (with 2 people) in self-contained, fully-equipped lodges.
Upon signing up, you’ll have the opportunity to tell us a little bit about yourself. If you’re joining solo or with a friend, we’ll be sure to match you with like-minded writers!
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Writer's Craft Sessions
Our adventures will be complimented by daily writer’s craft sessions where our faculty will give inspired talks during group workshops.
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Cozy Side-Quests
While we’ll go on wild writer walks every day, we’ll also have ample opportunity to keep our hands and minds busy with activities fit for your main character! Think cuttlefish casting, movie nights, archery, and more!
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Food
Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, and Dinner! You’ll be well fed and nourished during your stay with us. All dietary restrictions and allergies are also taken into serious consideration. Be at ease and fuel up for the coziest week ever!
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Local Storytellers & Authors
We’ll be joined by local storytellers, authors, along with a literary agent. You’ll have plenty of time to meet and make connections!
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Goody Bag
Each writer will be greeted by their own brimming goody bag to help inspire and bring a little extra magic to your stay.
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Transportation
Worried about getting from the big city to our little village? Have no fear! For this retreat, your local transportation is fully covered. We’ll take you to and from Edinburgh to our forested corner of Aberdeenshire.
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The Meadow Writer's Club Membership
You’ll have three months of membership to The Meadow Writer’s Club! A veritable writer’s treehouse for storytellers from all experiences and genres.
Scotland.org
“Coorie comes from an old Scot's word meaning to nestle or snuggle. However, coorie means much more than this today. It encourages us to appreciate the simple pleasures in life, embracing the great outdoors (no matter what the weather) and enjoying the cosy feeling of coming back to home comforts afterwards.
“Toasted marshmallows, hot chocolate, mulled wine and hot toddies all exude warmth and comfort - the perfect treat after a day of stunning country walks or perhaps a bracing loch swim. If you have found the time to disconnect from work and digital life and have found yourself more connected with nature, family and the home, then congratulations - you are already practicing the art of coorie.”
The Writing Workshops
Our workshop sessions are designed uniquely for each retreat and location. From writing on black sand beaches to cozying up by a newly built fire, we’ve done it all.
At the Protagonist’s Den Writing Retreat, we’ll be venturing into new territory exploring and embodying our main characters. Whether your MC is a dragon-riding Queen or a heartbroken corporate assistant, we’ll explore what makes them tick, how to use your characters to grab agent and editor attention, and, most importantly, how to write ourselves into our pages with a little bit of magic and a truckload of catharsis.
We’ll meet every day and workshop or writing together with talks from storytellers near and far. Even our retreat activities will give you first-hand experience in what it’s like to be your MC!
“It felt incredible to discuss my passion and love with people who understand it so deeply. It was encouraging, humbling, and validating in a way. Makes me feel like I’m less alone. "
— Tilly P.What You’ll Take Home
Or as we like to say How you’ll grow.
Confidence in your own storytelling abilities and a fresh reservoir of inspiration to carry back into your everyday.
Root with your main character. From writing workshops to experiential activities, you’ll feel closer to your MC’s than ever before.
A Renewed Sense of Magic. An unforgettable Halloween spent in Scotland!
Tools to use the dramatic natural environment (mountains, lochs, glens) as a living character and atmospheric driver.
Hundreds or thousands of words written (or many naps taken, if rest is what you need most to nurture your craft) during dedicated, distraction-free writing time.
A supportive, like-minded coven of writers who share your passion.
Reconnection with nature through a grounded experience in the wild Highlands (while the veil is thinnest!) to recharge your creative spirit.
A complete mental reset, with dedicated time and open space to step away from routine, recharge your creative well, and fall back in love with storytelling.
A Writer’s Day at Return to the Wild
Morning
Start the day with a nutritious breakfast, followed by a wild walk, and some much needed writing time (which you can also turn into nap time, if your heart desires).
Afternoon
After a scrumptious lunch, we’ll embark on a very main character-esque activity (like archery or cuttlefish casting) so you can take notes and make memories. You’ll also have time to write this afternoon before we settle in for dinner.
Evening
Supper will be filling and delicious! We’ll toast to our stories and break for a writing workshop as a group before heading to bed or getting lost in our own stories once again.
“I took away from this time more than I ever thought I would… I am taking home with me a spark, a new found hope for my future.”
Diana
Secure Your Spot
From lodging and activities to meals and memories, everything is included—no hidden fees or surprise charges.
Reserve your spot with a $750 deposit and begin the countdown to the coziest Samhain retreat. (Payment plans are always available.)
Solo Room (in a shared cottage) £2,995*
Shared Room (two people, two beds) £1,700*
Secure your spot with a £750 deposit
*prices do not include taxes, which will be added upon check-out
FAQ
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Yes. We highly recommend you do your best to attend the entire retreat. Arriving late or leaving early will mean you won’t get the full experience. This might mean you fly to Edinburgh a day early to ensure your timely arrival. Arriving early can also help you get through those worst hours of jet lag if you’re coming from a different part of the world.
Accommodations at Comrie Croft will only be available to you during the retreat, but you are more than welcome to book your own pre- or post-retreat yourself. Any travel you do before or after the retreat will be on your own budget and is not included or affiliated with the Return to the Wild Writing Retreat.
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Our daily schedule includes daily walks in nature. These are completely dependant on weather and will mostly be short. We will have an adventure day into the highlands which will require a low-to-moderate level of fitness.
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Yes! if you would like to room with your friend, please coordinate before enrollment so that you both choose the same type of room. After enrollment, you will be provided opportunity to disclose your chosen roommate! We will do everything in our power to accommodate roommate requests to the best of our abilities.
If you do not have a specific roommate in mind or if you do not get your requested pairing, don’t worry! You’re coming to a place with like minded people who you could very well make life-long connections with. You will also have tons of time during the day to spend time with all of your friends—new and old.
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We will provide a detailed packing list this coming summer 2027. If you like to prepare extra, extra early, think mid-autumn in Scotland. Cool gusts of wind, mud, rain, and (hopefully) some sunshine. Among other things, Marina will be bringing her waterproof hiking boots, an umbrella, and (waterproof) jackets to layer.
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Depending on where in the world you’re coming from, you can opt to drive or fly to the retreat. If you choose to fly, consider arriving at Edinburgh International Airport.
We will depart roughly around noon and return around the same time as check-out is at 10am. Please plan your flights and arrival accordingly. Exact timing of our departure from and return to Edinburgh will be provided this coming summer.
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You must be at least 19 years old to participate.
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Life happens. Don’t we know it. We highly recommend you purchase good travel insurance to protect against rare incidents like this!
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Your ticket includes:
Private coach transfer to and from Edinburgh & Comrie Croft as well as transport to and from our highland adventure day.
4 nights of accommodation in either a private room or a single in a shared room of 2 writers.
All of your meals and snacks with options for any writer with dietary restrictions and/or preferences.
All included and optional activities: wild walks, workshops, cuttlefish casting, archery, movie night, and more!
Access to meet fellow writers before we head off on our retreat.
Access to a gallery of professionally shot images for you to download and share as well as a shared folder for writers to share their snaps!
A goody bag filled to greet you upon arrival.
And so much more!
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Flights - Flights and long-distance transport is not included in the retreat price. For this retreat, only specified local transport is covered. We will be taking you to and from Edinburgh to our accommodations in Crieff, as well as a frolic through the highlands on our adventure day. Any other transportation is not included and is up to attendee discretion.
Alcohol - You are welcome to bring your own drinks, but please partake responsibly and respect your fellow attendees. Water, tea, and coffee will be provided daily. If you have specific preferences as to how you caffeinate, you are advised to bring your own just in case.
ExtraSnacks - If you are an extra hungry hobbit like Marina, it’s advised that you bring your own snacks to munch on between our meals. While we will have snacks, don’t forget to bring a little extra just in case!
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If you have any other questions, feel free to contact Marina and the RTTW team here.
