Summer Immersion in Sardinia
This August, New York Writers Workshop returns to Sardinia to initiate a partnership with the Deledda Master in Creative Writing & Translation, a dynamic new low-residency program based in Oristano and featuring a stellar international faculty. We're deeply honored by this partnership. New York Writers Workshop has always been committed to low-cost, high-value literary instruction and mentoring, and to working with international communities of writers. A summer home base with the Deledda Master enables us to expand on and formalize our international endeavors, and offers students a new place to develop literary communities.
NYWW Summer Sessions in Sardinia
Going forward, New York Writers Workshop will hold annual summer sessions at the Deledda Instituto, home of the Deledda Master in Creative Writing & Translation. These sessions will:
be open to Italian and international students
take place in Sardinia, within a unique cultural and natural setting
combine intensive writing workshops, seminars, public readings, and networking opportunities
be led by NYWW faculty members and affiliated writers
As home base for the summer sessions, Sardinia provides the nucleus for an intersection of Mediterranean and European languages, literary traditions, and creative practices with the English-speaking world.
August 2026 Literary Immersion Program - Oristano, Sardinia
We have two accommodation options for participants, and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make the right choice for you.
Option 1: The Convent (Deledda Instituto) — $1,850
At the convent where the program is based, we have seven single rooms, five bathrooms (no ensuite). There will be some sharing of showers and toilets. The convent rooms have been fully renovated. Italian breakfast (pastries, muesli, fresh fruit, coffee, and juices) is included each morning. Linens and towels provided, common areas cleaned regularly. And because we'll be holding our workshop sessions here as well, you'll be steps away from the heart of the program.
write newyorkwritersworkshop@gmail.com for details
Please note: because space is limited, convent spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Option 2: Local B&B — $1,050
If you prefer an ensuite bathroom and a bit more privacy, Oristano has numerous charming local B&Bs very close by, and we're happy to point you toward some options. Should you select this option, we ask that you pay for your lodging directly so that you have full control over your accommodation experience, as we can't take responsibility for individual bookings.
write newyorkwritersworkshop@gmail.com for details
**Limited spots remaining. Reserve your spot now**
August 2026 Literary Immersion Program - Master Class Faculty
Tim Tomlinson
Author, Poet, Professor
Tim Tomlinson is the author, most recently, of Listening to Fish: Meditations from the Wet World, a hybrid collection of poetry, prose, and photography concerned with the splendors of, and the perils facing, the world's coral reefs. His other books include This Is Not Happening to You (fiction), Requiem for the Tree Fort I Set on Fire (poetry), and the chapbook Yolanda: An Oral History in Verse. He is the founder and director of New York Writers Workshop, and editor/co-author of its popular text, The Portable MFA in Creative Writing, which has been used in graduate and undergraduate writing programs from Australia to Iceland, as well as in India, the Philippines, the EU, and the US.
Ravi Shankar
Author, Poet, Translator, Professor
Pushcart-prize winning poet, author, editor, translator, and professor, Ravi Shankar, PhD is the author and editor of 18 books and chapbooks of poetry, including W.W. Norton's Language for a New Century and the Memoir Magazine book prize finalist Correctional. He currently teaches creative writing at Tufts University and helps direct immersive international writing retreats for the New York Writers Workshop.
New York Writers Workshop returns to Athens for seven nights in May/June 2025, w/workshops at the Old University, directly below the Acropolis. Following the Athens leg of the conference, we ride and ferry over to Corfu for six more nights of conference, cultural exchange, and island life, in conjunction with Ionian University in Corfu.
Costs
Full package: $2875
Early Bird Discount: $2475 (good through Jan 15, 2025)
Included: accommodations Athens & Greece, all workshops/readings/panels/conference events; one dinner in Athens, one dinner in Corfu; travel RT Athens-Corfu (coach & ferry)
Airfare and airport transfer not included
New York Writers Workshop returns to Athens for seven nights in May/June 2025, for a literary conference featuring workshops at the Athens University History Museum (formerly the Old University) directly below the Acropolis, and the American College of Greece, and for cultural events (readings, performances) throughout the city. Following the Athens leg of the conference, we ride and ferry over to Corfu for six more nights of conference, cultural exchange, and island life, in partnership with Ionian University in Corfu.
WORKSHOPS in Athens
@ Athens University History Museum (formerly the Old University), in the shadow of the Acropolis. Workshops in poetry, prose, and translation — two per day, alternating between mornings and afternoons. Panels and readings take place each late afternoon and evening, with two additional off-site readings scheduled.
WORKSHOPS in Corfu
@ Ionian University, located in the city center, in collaboration with the Departments of Audio & Visual Arts, Music Studies, and Foreign Language, Translation & Interpreting. Sessions will focus on generating new work and exploring the literary and cultural history of the island.
Workshops and events will alternate between mornings on/afternoons off and vice versa, offering a balanced and inspiring rhythm to the week.
NYWW HOSTED DINNER in Athens
@ Ama Lachei at Nefeli's
TOURS in Athens
Exarcheia graffiti tour
Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounio
ACCOMMODATIONS
In Athens: Hotel Phaedra
In Corfu: Contessa Bianca
Conference Details
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If you cannot participate in the full conference, please write to newyorkwritersworkshop@gmail.com requesting details for the days/nights that you can attend. We can accommodate Athens only, Corfu only, or a mix of both.
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New York Writers Workshop offers one full scholarship and two partial (50%) scholarships for writers without a book, of any age, gender, nation, ethnicity, or faith. The full scholarship covers all costs, except airfare, for the Athens leg of the conference only*. The partial scholarships cover 50% of the (full) cost, for the Athens leg of the conference only, with no assistance for airfare. To apply, please send samples of work to newyorkwritersworkshop@gmail.com. Poets: include up to five poems (eight pages maximum). Prose: submit up to eight pages of a story, novel, memoir, lyric essay/s. Translation: up to five poems (eight pages maximum). Attach your work in docx or pdf; no other files will be opened. Include a 250-word cover letter discussing your work, and how you see it fitting into and benefiting from participation in the conference.
*Scholarship participants are welcome to attend the Corfu leg of the conference at an additional cost, depending on availability of space.
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Full package: $2875
Early Bird Discount: $2475 (good through Feb 15, 2025)
Included: accommodations Athens & Corfu, all workshops/readings/panels/conference events; one dinner in Athens, one dinner in Corfu; travel RT Athens-Corfu (coach & ferry). Airfare and airport transfer not included
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
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New York Writers Workshop is a nonprofit literary organization based in NYC, founded in 2001, offering workshops, conferences, consultations, mentorships, and guidance for writers at all levels, from anywhere. NYWW has hosted three highly successful international conferences: NYWW-Sardinia, 2020, NYWW-Athens/Hydra, 2022, and NYWW-Kathmandu, 2024. Our model is, generally, one week of workshops/panels/readings and cultural exchange events in an urban environment, followed by a week at coastal or rural locations. This year, we return to Greece for NYWW Athens-Corfu, May 28-June 10. Our partners are the American College of Greece, in Athens, and Ionian University of Corfu. Daily workshops in poetry, prose, and translation will be held in Athens University History Museum (formerly, the Old University), and at American College of Greece, and on Corfu, at Ionian University. Readings, panels, and other events will occur in various locations throughout Athens and Corfu.
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The May/June NYWW Greece sessions begin on with an orientation session on Wednesday, May 28. The following morning, the work begins. Each day will feature panel discussions, craft-and-manuscript workshops, and free (writing and/or exploration) time. Most workshops will take place in the Athens University History Museum (formerly, the Old University) in Plaka. Several will take place off-site, including American College of Greece. On several evenings, conference participants will convene for readings, and/or discussions/lectures/keynotes, followed by cultural events that engage with local literary communities. NYWW will host one dinner (which is included in the tuition). Local and international writers will join the conference for events (readings/discussions/dinners). The group will go on a graffiti tour in Exarchaia. Other outings to local venues are in the works. On the morning of June 4, we’ll take a coach and ferry up to the island of Corfu, where we’ll be joined by faculty and students of Ionian University for more workshops—collaborative, innovative, generative. And more panels—with the NYWW faculty joining Ionian University writers and artists in dicussions concerning translation, hybridity, cross-pollination, and, more than likely, the state of the world today and its impact on literary arts. Workshops and panels on Corfu will take place at Ionian University. Off-site events will take participants into the town, and the water.
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Tuition covers all workshop and cultural activities listed above. Tuition does not include travel to and from Greece.
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Our REFUND POLICY† is:
Through April 1
§ Full refunds* issued until April 1 (and at any time should the program cancel due to geopolitical, biomedical, or meteorological eventsApril 15: 50% refund.
April 21: 25% refund
After May 1: No refund.
† 15% non-refundable deposit on all registrations.
* If wire/electronic transfer, minus $25 fee. If Paypal, minus the Paypal service charge. -
In Athens: Hotel Phaedra
In Corfu: Contessa BiancaThese are highly-rated, well-reviewed establishments with long track records of good service.
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Once accepted into the program, you might be able to apply for additional funding through your school or university. We encourage you to apply early, to leave more time for exploring additional funding options.
A small number of needs-based fellowships might also be available. Please send us a brief email outlining your financial circumstances, if you would like to be considered for one.
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Athens is an international city, very heavily visited. Many airlines service it.
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🚕 €45-55 to hotel; €1-€2 tip
A taxi from Athens International Airport to the city center has a fixed price of €40 during the day (5:00 AM - 12:00 AM) and €55 at night (12:00 AM - 5:00 AM). This price includes all applicable surcharges, so no additional costs should be expected.
Key points about Athens airport taxi fares:
Fixed Price: The fare is fixed and does not depend on the specific location within the city center.
Day/Night Rates: The price is higher at night due to a night surcharge.
Surcharges Included: The price includes all applicable surcharges, such as tolls, luggage fees, VAT, airport charges, and the meter start.
Not Negotiable: It is not possible to negotiate the price with the taxi driver, as the fixed fare is enforced.
Taxis at Exit 3: Taxis are available outside Exit 3 of the Arrivals Level.
For a more detailed explanation, here's a breakdown:
Daytime Fare (5:00 AM - 12:00 AM): The fixed price is €40.
Nighttime Fare (12:00 AM - 5:00 AM): The fixed price is €55.
Flat Rate: The price is a flat rate, which means it's a fixed amount regardless of the exact distance traveled or traffic.
Important Notes:
Always check for fixed price signage:
At the airport, look for signs indicating the fixed taxi fare to the city center. This is especially helpful if you are unsure of the correct price.
Be prepared to pay:
The flat rate is a fixed price, so be prepared to pay the appropriate amount (€40 or €55).
Do not get tricked by luggage or toll fees:
The fixed price includes all applicable fees, so don't fall for any extra charges from the driver.
🚊🚍
The most common and convenient way to get from Athens Airport to the city center is by using the Metro Line 3 (blue line). This direct line connects the airport to central stations like Syntagma and Monastiraki. Alternatively, express buses (X93, X95, X96) provide a 24/7 service with non-stop routes to various destinations, including the Intercity Bus Terminal and Piraeus port.
Here's a more detailed look at each option:
1. Metro Line 3 (Blue Line):
Cost: A one-way ticket costs €9.
Frequency: Trains run every 30 minutes, 7 days a week, from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm.
Duration: The journey takes about 40 minutes.
Convenience: The metro station is located within the airport complex.
Tip: Check the exact timetable and the last train departure on the official STASY website.
2. Express Buses (X93, X95, X96):
Cost: A one-way ticket costs €5.50.
Frequency: Operate 24/7, including holidays.
Duration: Varies depending on the route and can range from 60 to 90 minutes.
Routes:
X93: Airport - Kifissos Station (65 minutes).
X95: Airport - Syntagma Square (60 minutes).
X96: Airport - Piraeus Port (90 minutes).
Tickets: Purchase at the ticket booth outside the Arrivals hall (between Exits 4 and 5).
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You will be staying at one of the hotels below. We’ll let you know which by May 24.
🏨 The Hotels
Hotel Phaedra / Cherefontos 16, Athens 10558 — tel: +30 210 3238461
Marina Hotel / 13, Voulgari Street, Athens, 10437, Greece — tel: 833-320-9406
Byron Hotel / Vyronos 19, Athens, Attica, Greece 10558 — tel: 210 323 0327
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An Orientation session is scheduled for 6PM May 28. Participants should plan to arrive late morning through afternoon of May 28.
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Rooms become available in the early afternoon of May 28. If you plan to arrive before that date, you’ll need to make your own booking.
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Yes. NYWW provides RT coach btw Athens-Corfu. The coach-ferry return leg will begin approximately 8:00 AM on June 10. Participants are advised not to book flights out of Athens until the evening (5:00 PM the earliest).
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You can find CDC Guidelines here: CDC Greece. Participants with particular health concerns should check with their physicians and get recommendations. At this point, there are no new Covid guidelines.
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We strongly encourage all participants to purchase traveler’s insurance. New York Writers Workshop and its co-sponsors of the conference, festival, and excursions, assume no liability whatsoever for illnesses contracted or injuries sustained during your visit to Greece.
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ATMs are readily available. It's good to have some cash, but not a lot. See this link for good advice.
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The hotels/resorts we're staying at will have some adapters. However ... you might want to err on the side of caution and bring one or two along. Check advice at this link.
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You need to be vigilant at all times, as you would be anywhere outside your home. Regarding water, see this link.
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For some inner-city, and for Athens-Corfu, travel will be provided. But be prepared to pay for modest inner city travel such as taxis or buses to museums, bookshops, other event venues.
NYWW expects that all participants will read up on local conditions and make decisions that are safe for them, based on their individual, specific needs.
If any of your questions are not answered here, you can keep returning to our FAQ section, which we frequently update with useful, important information. And you can always write to us directly at newyorkwritersworkshop@gmail.com