Reykjavik from above by Johannes Martin via Creative Commons

Iceland Writers Retreat is offering one talented writer plane tickets to Iceland and a free delegate’s ticket to its April program.

In addition to a round-trip airfare, the winner will receive a full retreat package including accommodation, tours, most meals and all workshops for the duration of the retreat which runs from 13 to 17 April 2016. The flights must be from a direct destination and the package does not include airport transfers, travel insurance or visas (if required).

The successful candidate must demonstrate that he or she does not have the financial means to attend the conference without this award. Candidates do not need to be professional writers, but should be serious about the craft and interested in developing their skills and contacts.

In order to apply writers need to provide:

a short statement about themselves including their background, goals and professional experience

a short statement about why they wish to attend the Iceland Writers Retreat

an explanation of their financial status

information about whether they have applied to other funding sources to contribute to the costs of the trip

details about how, if successful, they would share their experience with other writers

two writing examples (which may be published or unpublished)

two written references (to be sent directly to the organisers)

Applications close on Friday 6 November and all supporting materials, including written references, must be supplied by this date. There is no entry fee. For full entry information visit the Iceland Writers Retreat website.

IWR Writing Competition

The Iceland Writers Retreat is offering a second prize for its 2016 event. This competition is open to everyone, regardless of financial status or writing experience. This prize also covers accommodation, tours, most meals and all workshops but does not include flights to Iceland or transfers

To enter, contestants are asked to write a short story, essay or poem on the theme “Iceland – A Land of Storytelling.” Any and all ideas on this theme are welcome.

Only one entry person is permitted and there is no entry fee. Entries close at midnight on Friday 13 November – click here for further details.

About the Iceland Writers Retreat



Held for the first time in April 2014, the Iceland Writers Retreat is an event composed of a series of small-group writing workshops and cultural tours designed to introduce participants to Iceland’s rich literary heritage. In 2016, there will be ten featured authors from five different countries leading workshops, including Cheryl Strayed, author of the bestselling memoir Wild, prolific non-fiction writer Mark Kurlansky, and Icelandic poet, author and playwright Gerður Kristný. The Iceland Writers Retreat was named one of the world’s best writers’ retreats by the Sydney Morning Herald, and one of the top 10 events to travel for in 2014 by Four Seasons Magazine.

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