Applications for our June 2025 workshops are now open!
Workshop Dates:
May 31st - June 5th, 2025
Applications are Required for this workshop. Apply Now by Clicking Here.
Writing Workshops Iceland 2025, led by New Yorker-contributor Justin Taylor and award-winning novelist and Electric Literature editor Kelly Luce, invites you to an extraordinary week of creativity under the spell of Iceland’s legendary literary tradition. Set amidst rugged lava fields and awe-inspiring waterfalls, our intimate program brings together fiction writers for dynamic workshops, craft seminars, and one-on-one mentorship.
Our intentionally small cohorts—limited to a maximum of 10 participants per workshop—ensure focused attention on your unique voice and vision. You’ll submit two separate pieces: one for an in-depth group critique, and a second for a private conference with your instructor, tailored to your individual goals. Between daily craft lectures, interactive discussions, and the welcoming spirit of Iceland’s literary scene, you’ll discover new ways to sharpen your storytelling skills and explore the business side of writing.
This workshop is for fiction writers eager to strengthen their craft, cultivate their creative community, and step confidently toward publication. We believe in the transformative power of storytelling—and that there’s no better place to nurture it than in the birthplace of the sagas. Our mission is to bring your writing from solitude to fellowship, set against the breathtaking beauty of Iceland in June (watch a video reel here).
Instructors
Fiction Workshop Instructor Justin Taylor is the author of the novel Reboot, a New York Times Notable Book of 2024 and a Washington Post best novel of the year. He is also the author of the memoir Riding with the Ghost, the novel The Gospel of Anarchy, and the story collections Everything Here Is the Best Thing Ever and Flings. His fiction and nonfiction have appeared in The New Yorker, Harper's, N+1, Bookforum, BOMB, and Granta, among other magazines and journals. He is a contributing writer to the Washington Post Book World, and the director of the MFA program at Sewanee, the University of the South. His website is here and his Substack is here.
Fiction Workshop Instructor Kelly Luce is the author of Three Scenarios in Which Hana Sasaki Grows a Tail (A Strange Object), winner of Foreword Review’s Editor’s Choice Prize for Fiction, and the novel Pull Me Under (Farrar, Straus, and Giroux), a Book of the Month Club selection and one of Elle’s Best Books of the Year. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Chicago Tribune, The Sun, Salon, O, the Oprah Magazine, The Southern Review, and other publications; her digital short story "Between the Lines" went viral in 2022.She is the editor of the Electric Literature’s Commuter and was a 2016-17 fellow at Harvard’s Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. In 2023, she was awarded the Wachtmeister Prize from the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts.
Lodging at Hotel Kriunes
Immerse yourself in both comfort and inspiration for 6 days, 5 nights at Hotel Kriunes. Overlooking Lake Ellidavatn, this 4-star hotel is located just outside of Reykjavik and only 15 minutes from the city center. The hotel is one of the best kept hideaway secrets in the city area, where we'll combine the benefits of city and country.
Class Size
Workshop Schedule
4:00PM: Hotel check-in (if you arrive early you are welcome to drop off your bags at reception).
5:00PM: Meet-and-greet happy hour followed by introductory dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Sunday, June 1st - Wednesday, June 4th, 2025
Mornings: Workshops and one-on-one instructor meetings.
Afternoons/Evenings: Lunch Break & free time. Optional afternoon seminar, led by faculty or staff. Optional afternoon activity and dinner.
Thursday, June 5th, 2025
11:00AM: Final check-out at Hotel Kriunes.
Included Optional Evening Activities
Get your bearings and take in the main attractions of Central Reykjavik on the Walk with a Viking Tour led by Your Friend in Reykjavik Tours. The tour lasts approximately two hours and will go rain or shine.
Visit to Öxarárfoss Waterfall and hike in Þingvellir National Park (Monday)
Öxarárfoss Waterfall sits on the edge of the boundary line between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and was featured in Game of Thrones. After visiting the waterfall we will take a hike through Þingvellir National Park in Iceland's "Golden Circle."
Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa (Tuesday)
Apply Now
- Brief bio informing us of your involvement in the writing and literary community, as well as any prior or forthcoming publications (500 words max).
- Purpose statement explaining why you would like to participate in Writing Workshops Iceland. You can also discuss current manuscripts or writing projects that you might choose to workshop. (1000 words max.)
- Writing sample excerpt. This does not have to be published work, though that is acceptable, nor does it have to be a piece you plan to workshop. Complete works under the word count are not required; excerpts are acceptable. (writing sample should be no more than 5000 words max.)
- Early applications are encouraged.
Applications are Required for this workshop. Apply Now by Clicking Here.
Tuition
Tuition is $3,495.00 and includes the following:
- Lodging in your own room at Hotel Kriunes for 6 days, 5 nights.
- 4-day writing workshops in small groups of no more than 10 writers, led by program faculty.
- Critical feedback on two writing submissions. Your two manuscript submissions should be no more than 5,000 words each, double-spaced, 12-point font, Times New Roman font (for a total of 10,000 words between both manuscript submissions).
- Several craft of writing and/or business of writing seminars.
- One-on-one conference with faculty.
- Free optional afternoon activities including entrance to The Blue Lagoon and walking tour of Reykjavik.
- Free use of kayaks at Hotel Kriunes.
- Daily breakfast is included in your tuition. However, the cost of lunch and dinner are not included in your tuition.
Writing Workshop Testimonials
"This workshop exceed my expectations. I am a former journalist and an academic and it is sometimes hard to get out of my own head. I want to write for a wider public while still showing some of my expertise. I think the times demand it. We must care about the next person. Your workshop gave me some skills that will help me toward that end. I met some incredible writers and Isaac Fitzgerald. What to say? Not only is he an incredible writer, he is an amazing human being. I feel blessed to have met him. He's the world's biggest cheerleader/community builder and knows the craft of writing takes work but is doable." -Sharony G.
"I loved the Iceland workshop! Christine was so amazing and helpful. I loved meeting so many new people and getting a chance to really connect with my writing again. Iceland is incredibly beautiful and the Blue Lagoon was stunning. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience." - S. Bandi
"In 2023, I went to Iceland to work with Writing Workshops — it was there the secret to landing essays and interviews was shared. I swear by Writing Workshops, but as a past participant I am under strict confidentiality to not share what we were taught. One must attend for themselves and learn secret handshakes etc." - Y. Conza
"Coming to Iceland for the Workshop helped me achieve an important breakthrough in a project I've been trying to finish. The beauty of the location, the support of the writing cohort, and the quality of the instruction made all the difference!" -Lori F.
"Writing Workshops Iceland allowed me to reconnect with myself as a writer and to be in community with others who naturally understand my love for my craft. I learned. I had fun. I grew as a writer and a person. It was a perfect experience. I can't wait for the next trip!" -Bowie R.
"If you've ever thought about taking time to focus on your writing and building your writing community, don't hesitate to consider one of these writing workshops. The community we built over the week in Iceland was incredible. I'm calling this a 'trip of a lifetime' because it truly was an unforgettable experience. I will cherish this week for years to come. I cannot wait to participate in another workshop in the future. Thank you to Mike and Blake for creating such a unique and rewarding experience." Christine G.
"Writing Workshops is the perfect balance of inspirational travel and classroom camaraderie—a wonderful option for any writer with a sense of adventure who is looking to explore their work in a group setting." Isaac F.
"The Iceland Workshop was creatively inspiring. It's situated in an incredible location, the writers in attendance were present and came prepared for workshop and the facilitator was generous and accessible." -Meghan F.
"The Iceland Writing Workshop was a wonderful experience. Christine, our instructor, was so nice and gave thoughtful feedback. The cohorts in my group were also so generous and helpful with their critiques. I have so much valuable information with which to improve my manuscript. Our guides, Danielle and Crystal, were amazing and made everything run smoothly. Even better, we got to see some of the sights of Iceland: downtown Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon, and the Oxararfoss Waterfall. It was like a workshop and retreat combined. Would definitely recommend." -Leslie C.
"The Iceland Writing Workshop is a unique opportunity to hone your craft in the company of other dedicated authors, while immersed in the beauty of this intriguing island." - Jennifer C.
"I gained encouragement, inspiration, and plenty of wonderful memories during my time in Iceland!" Brenna H.
"Do this if you are serious about writing." -Jeannette B.
"I loved thoughtful constructive feedback from the writing cohort. Everyone came prepared. The selected group of writers were diverse enough that they brought a wide range POV but not too wide that our themes felt too foreign." -Mary B.
"Hands down the best workshop feedback I’ve ever received. I felt so lucky to be a part of this workshop and really enjoy the friendships I forged." - Ben H.
"The participants selected were friendly, open and positive. I don't know if there's some secret formula to picking out people who are agreeable, but you all did an excellent job. The rooms were large and comfortable, the restaurant dinners were excellent and there was enough scenery to remind us we were in Iceland. I liked that it was near enough to Reykjavik and the afternoon excursions, and the airport. The combination of the workshops, the hotel, the excursions and restaurants were all very good and seemed to have good value for the what we paid." - Lori G.
"For me, as a yet-unpublished writer, it was a great introduction to the world of workshopping. I felt comfortable sharing my stories with this helpful, diverse and dedicated group. And even though I'm daunted by the amount of work I have ahead of me, I'm inspired to start combining my stories into a memoir--something I hadn't considered before." -Sue P.
"This workshop exceeded my expectations. The classroom critiques and instructor one-on-ones were extremely helpful, the people were wonderful, and the atmosphere was inviting. It was an experience I'm so glad I didn't miss." - Carissa C.
Program Staff
FAQ
What is the application deadline?
Applications for our June 2025 Iceland Workshop are open and will close on January 31st, 2025. Due to volume, early applications are encouraged.
What will my application include?
- Brief bio informing us of your involvement in the writing and literary community, as well as any prior or forthcoming publications (500 words max).
- Purpose statement explaining why you would like to participate in Writing Workshops Iceland. You can also discuss current manuscripts or writing projects that you might choose to workshop. (1000 words max.)
- Writing sample excerpt in fiction. This does not have to be published work, though that is acceptable, nor does it have to be a piece you plan to workshop. Complete works under the word count are not required; excerpts are acceptable. (Fiction: 5000 words max)
- Early applications are encouraged.
When will I know if I've been accepted to the workshop?
We cap our workshop participation at 10 writers in each fiction cohort for the week. Our goal is to provide an intimate, rigorous workshop environment so that participants can come to Iceland and find meaningful connections and excellent feedback on their work. Due to the volume of applications and competitive acceptance, writers are encouraged to apply early. We employ a reading committee of professional writers and editors, and applicants will be notified after the application window closes.
How much does the Iceland Workshop cost?
Tuition is $3,495.00. If your application is accepted, full tuition is due within 14 days. Upon acceptance, you will have the option to pay your tuition in full or opt for a payment plan by selecting Affirm at checkout.
How late can I sign up?
You can sign up for this retreat until all spots are full. Once the retreat is full, enrollment will be closed. You can join our waitlist or be notified when the trip is back on the schedule by entering your contact info under the "Sold Out" button at the top of this retreat web page.
If I want to attend the retreat with a friend, spouse, or partner and we share a room, can we get a discount?
Yes, if you attend with a friend, spouse, or partner and share a room we can give you a discount on the price. Inquire with Mike@SideDoorTravel.com for details.
Are Payment Plans Available?
You can opt for a payment plan divided into equal monthly payments by selecting Affirm or Shop Pay at checkout.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Given the intimate nature of our destination retreats and our own non-refundable deposit schedule as organizers, our refund policy is as follows:
90+ days before your trip, tuition payment minus a $900 deposit is fully refundable.
60+ days before your trip: 50% of your tuition is refundable.
30+ days before your: 25% of your tuition is refundable.
Less than 30 days before your trip: no refunds can be offered.
Are Scholarships Available?
Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to offer scholarships for this retreat. However, we do have payment plans available at checkout.
I have a question not answered here.
Please contact us and we’ll reply promptly. You can call us at 888-688-5411, chat with us (lower left of your screen), or send an email to Mike@SideDoorTravel.com.
Terms & Conditions
Side Door Travel is dedicated to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants during our retreats. These events are not places for behavior that is inappropriate, off-topic, disruptive, abusive, or illegal. Inappropriate behavior includes any conduct that undermines the integrity of the retreat, such as written, verbal, or physical abuse or threats; the use of derogatory or discriminatory language, gestures, or actions; any form of harassment, racism, sexism; or any other targeted comments that may violate local, state, federal, or international laws or cause harm to another participant. This applies before, during, and after the retreat, whether in person at the retreat location, at associated events, through the Side Door Travel website or social media channels, during any online components, or through any other method of communication.
Side Door Travel reserves the right, at its discretion, to take appropriate action against any individual(s) or group(s) that do not meet the standards set forth in this Code of Conduct, including, without limitation, revoking admission without refund. During in-person sessions, we expect all attendees to adhere to public health guidelines relevant to safety, hygiene, and any identified pandemic-level communicable illnesses (including COVID-19), such as social distancing, handwashing, staying home if feeling unwell, and other disease prevention measures. If you observe or experience a violation of this Code of Conduct, please contact Side Door Travel. We are committed to assessing the situation and responding promptly. Notifying Side Door Travel does not substitute for notifying local law enforcement of suspected legal violations. All such suspicions should be reported to local authorities. For emergencies, dial the local emergency number immediately. Non-emergency local law enforcement contact details will be provided in the retreat materials. By registering for the retreat, participants agree to abide by these terms and contribute to a welcoming and productive environment for all.
By participating in a Side Door Travel retreat, you waive all rights to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with any use, exhibition, streaming, webcasting, televising, or other publication of materials, regardless of the purpose or sponsorship, and irrespective of whether a fee for admission or sponsorship is charged. You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video, or audio recording taken by Side Door Travel or its designated agents. You have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release before participating in the retreat. By registering, you agree to these terms.
By paying your tuition to attend a Side Door Travel retreat, you acknowledge your participation in the event. You understand and agree that Side Door Travel, its organizers, affiliates, and agents (collectively, the "Organizers") are not responsible for any injuries, illnesses, damages, theft, or loss of life that may occur during the retreat or related activities. You recognize that participation involves certain risks and engage in these activities voluntarily and at your own risk. You hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue the Organizers from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, rights, or causes of action arising from or related to any injuries, death, or damages, both physical and emotional, that may occur during or as a result of your participation. You have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release before participating in the retreat. By paying your tuition, you explicitly agree to these terms. For more information or inquiries, please contact Side Door Travel.
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