Iceland Writers Retreat

The Iceland Writers Retreat is a one-week international event for writers that takes place in Reykjavik, Iceland.

The Iceland Writers Retreat was founded in 2014 by Eliza Reid (Iceland) and Erica Jacobs Green (U.S.).^[1]

History

The Iceland Writers Retreat (IWR) was founded in 2014 by Eliza Reid, of Iceland, and Erica Jacobs Green, of the United States.^[2] It has been held annually since 2014 in Reykjavik, Iceland.^[3] Iceland is known for its literary tradition, and Reykjavik is the world’s first non-native English speaking UNESCO City of Literature.^[4][5] The Iceland Writers Retreat was named one of the world's best writers' retreats in The Sydney Morning Herald.^[6] Spring 2016 will mark the third annual Iceland Writers Retreat, taking place 13–17 April 2016.

Schedule

The retreat is an international gathering, bringing together authors from many different countries.^[7] The Retreat consists of several small-group writing workshops led by acclaimed authors from around the world.^[8] There are opportunities to explore Iceland between workshops, which introduce participants to Iceland's rich literary tradition and beautiful landscapes. The Retreat includes Q & A Panels with all faculty, and social events to allow participants to network with an international group of writers.

Funding

The retreat's founding sponsors are Icelandair and Icelandair Hotels. It is also supported by the Icelandic Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, Reykjavik UNESCO City of Literature, the City of Reykjavik, the US Embassy in Iceland, and the Icelandic Literature Center.^[9]

Featured Authors

• 2016: Cheryl Strayed, Elina Hirvonen, Mark Kurlansky, Vincent Lam, Neel Mukherjee, Miriam Toews, Adelle Waldman, Andrew Westoll, Kate Williams, Gerður Kristný
• 2015 Alison Pick , Marcello Di Cintio, Adam Gopnik, Barbara Kingsolver, Ruth Reichl, Taiye Selasi, Sjón, Linn Ullmann, John Vaillant (2015)
• 2014 Randy Boyagoda, Joseph Boyden, Geraldine Brooks, Andrew Evans, Susan Orlean, Iain Reid, James Scudamore, Sara Wheeler

Icelandic authors who have participated in the IWR through presentations and readings include: Einar Kárason, Ari Trausti Guðmundsson, Ragna Sigurðardóttir, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, Jónína Leósdóttir, Andri Snær Magnason.

External links

• Iceland Writers Retreat

References

1. http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/main/newsitems/alumna-authors-icelandic-retreat Eliza Reid
2. CLARA CHOW. "Land of fire, ice and literature". The Straits Times.
3. "Iceland Writers Retreat".
4. "City of Literature".
5. "A Land Where Writers Are Revered". The Huffington Post. 21 May 2015.
6. Rachael Oakes-Ash (28 April 2015). "The world's best writers' retreats". Executive Style.
7. https://www.grubstreet.org/grub-daily/the-ice-palace-storming-the-iceland-writers-retreat/
8. "It's Your Book And Your Voice - The Reykjavik Grapevine". The Reykjavik Grapevine.
9. Lisa Gail Shannen. "Iceland Writers Retreat". reykjavik.com.