Here are our key members of our team:
Sarah Bullen
Founder, Writing Coach, and Literary Agent
Sarah Bullen is a seasoned writer, writing coach, and literary agent with a deep passion for helping writers bring their stories to life.
With over 17 years of experience in the publishing industry, Sarah has worked closely with authors across various genres, guiding them through the writing process and helping them achieve their publishing goals.
Her expertise lies in both the creative and business aspects of writing, making her an invaluable mentor for aspiring and established writers alike.
Sarah's commitment to fostering creativity and providing personalized guidance is at the heart of our retreats.
Emma Dhesi
Book Coach and Mentor
Emma Dhesi is a book coach and author mentor who specialises in helping beginner authors write their first novel. She is the host of the podcast Turning Readers Into Writers, which focuses on the challenges new authors face when trying to balance ‘all the things’.
Through her 12-month coaching programmes, she helps new authors start and finish their first novel. Emma also provides personal written feedback on their pages and guides them through the emotional rollercoaster that is writing a novel! She lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, with her husband, 3 children and 3 cats.
Tara Rose
Writer
Tara Rose is a poetry lover and writer who has facilitated 30-day poetry journeys for the past few years and hosts Poetry Open Mic events.
In past lives she has been a copywriter, freelance features writer, copy editor and press release writer.
Tara Rose holds sacred containers where people can become curious adventurers of their inner and outer world. She has presented at international online events and runs local and international workshops and retreats.
Elizabeth Casanova
Partner and Retreat Organizer
Elizabeth Casanova brings a wealth of experience in event coordination, creative retreats, and international travel to our team. Her background of 15 years running a successful film production company and her love for creativity, adventure, and cultural exploration have led her to curate unforgettable retreat experiences.
Liz is responsible for the logistical planning, coordination, and overall experience of our retreats. Her attention to detail, warm personality, and dedication to creating a welcoming environment ensure that participants feel supported and inspired throughout their journey.
She is passionate about living with joy and natural health.
Lisa Pulitzer
New York Times best selling Author and Coach
Lisa Pulitzer is a former correspondent for the New York Times and author/coauthor of more than fifty nonfiction titles, including New York Times bestsellers Stolen Innocence, Beyond Belief, Imperfect Justice, and Mob Daughter. Lisa also serves as a ghostwriter to high profile personalities, among them celebrities, prosecutors and judges. For the past ten years, she has enjoyed teaching the craft of writing to others. She is a longtime writing instructor at Long Island University’s Hutton House Lecture Series, where her most popular courses are Writing a Chapter from Your Life and I Think I Have a Book in Me. Lisa also offers private instruction, both in small groups and one-on-one.
Over the years, she has helped dozens of writers bring their books to publication.
Who are we?
At International Retreats, we believe in the transformative power of words, in the magic that unfolds when pen meets paper, and in the untapped potential within every storyteller. We're here to inspire, guide, and empower you on your writing journey, wherever you may be in the world.
Our story begins with a deep-seated passion for the written word and the profound impact it can have on our lives. We've embarked on countless literary adventures, navigated the intricate landscapes of storytelling, and discovered the profound joy of helping others unearth their narratives. It's this unwavering dedication to the craft of writing and the desire to connect with fellow wordsmiths that led to the inception of International Writing Retreats.
Our Vision: Crafting Dreams, One Word at a Time
Our vision is simple yet profound: to create a global community of writers, where creativity knows no boundaries. We envision a world where every aspiring author, from the novice to the experienced, can find their voice, refine their skills, and transform their ideas into compelling narratives.
Our Mission: Your Success, Our Commitment
At International Retreats, our mission is to provide you with a nurturing and immersive environment where your writing can flourish. We're here to offer mentorship, guidance, and unwavering support, ensuring that your unique story finds its way to the page. Whether you dream of crafting a best-selling novel, sharing your life's experiences in a memoir, or creating a transformative online course, we're committed to helping you achieve your writing goals.
Our Core Values
Connection
You want a personal, honest and upfront connection while your formulate your story
Community
Writing is a solo journey, but being able to reach out to others who are on the same journey is important
Transparency & Trust
A mentor who can guide you and bring out the best in you, and your book.
Guidance
You want a personal, honest and upfront connection while your formulate your story
Results
You want to go from thinking about your book, to writing it and getting it published. I like books to be commercially viable - and over 100 published authors will show you that it works. At the end of our process, and if you really commit to it, you will have a book ready to publish.