This summer Product will host a creative writing course on the magnificent island of Iona, off the west coast of Scotland. The retreat offers a fantastic opportunity for beginner or early career writers of short stories, journals, novellas and novels to learn how to write fiction and non-fiction, or to hone their craft and creativity in a spectacular setting. Beginning with an introduction to writing fiction, this course will lead you through the essentials of the craft – including characterisation, plotting, description, dialogue and editing – towards an enhanced understanding of how novels and short stories are created. It will give avid readers and beginner writers the skills and confidence to turn a love of the written word into practical habit. It will introduce you to the key characteristics of creative writing with clarity and playfulness, with stage-by-stage guidance to assimilate and practice a range of creative methods.

There will be time to write alone, read aloud in a supportive group, receive one-to-one feedback and wander amidst the breathtaking beauty of Iona. We also offer an optional workshop with qualified hypnotherapist Elizabeth Dunne, on writer’s block and the functioning of the brain in the creative process.

The Isle of Iona and the Argyll hotel is the perfect place for a summer wilderness adventure – offering great food and exceptional views overlooking the bay in the heart of Iona’s village. From there you can explore the island’s secluded beaches, hushed coves and wildflower meadows amidst the extraordinary changing light of sea and sky.

Venue: Argyll Hotel, Island of Iona, Scotland
Dates: Tuesday 4 – Sunday 9 August, 2026
Course Leaders: Luca Serra and Patrick Small

Our friends at the Argyll Hotel are offering a five night package for £1,500 (room upgrades available at an extra cost.) This covers your retreat fee and five nights’ excellent dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation. Treat yourself or gift the retreat to a friend or loved one you know needs time to create. Book here while places are still available: Creative Writing Iona

ABOUT THE LEADERS
Luca Serra is an experienced creative writing tutor and mentor. His debut novel This Is Home is an exploration of friendship, belonging and what it means to forge your place in the world far away from home. Patrick Small is the editor of Product, has mentored scores of debut writers to hone work for publication, and has previously run writing workshops on Iona.

If you have any questions about the course please contact Product on info@productmagazine.co.uk
For questions about the hotel please e mail reception@argyllhoteliona.co.uk or telephone +44 (0)1681 700334.

See you on Iona!