Tove Fasting of Kairos Holidays discusses how creative writing courses can inspire your writing
Kairos Holidays
In the fourth of our interviews with the people behind writing retreats and holidays, we speak to Tove Cecilie Fasting who runs Kairos Holidays in northern Greece, with a cultural programme including writing courses run by bestselling Irish author Tracy Culleton. The hotel also serves as a retreat for writers to escape to.
What made you decide to run creative writing holidays abroad?
I’m married to a Greek man and have lived here for 15 years. When my husband got an early retirement at 50, we decided to turn part of our home into a holiday rental and to build a small restaurant (a decision partly made because all these years we had lots of guests, but only a rather cramped room for them).
The place suits a small group of people working on a common project. As a writer myself (I’ve published two books about Greece and worked as a newspaper journalist) I love to meet other writers and aspiring writers.
Though I don’t teach the courses, I know how it is to have writing ambitions and to follow a dream! I’ve loved creating a centre where creative people from all over the world can meet up to work, learn and discuss - and hopefully leave rejuvenated and with loads of new ideas and inspiration.
I also offer accommodation on special price to writers who want to get away and concentrate on their work.
Why did you choose northern Greece for the location of your cultural centre?
Well, I lived here already!
Actually, when we first started discussing this, I was sceptical to the idea as this isn’t a touristy area. Now I realise that this may be the main attraction! There is an authenticity here that is getting harder and harder to find.
I run the only accommodation for visitors in the village and though there are several hotels in the villages down by the sea five minutes drive away they’re mainly visited by Greeks on holidays.
What particular qualities does your location offer?
This really is a getaway. Here you’re not one of the crowd and you’re not treated like one of the crowd.
It’s extremely peaceful and safe here. We don’t lock doors. That makes it very relaxed.
In everyday life it’s easy to build up a lot of stress, but here you can take a deep sigh, relax - and let your creativity flow. I love it when my guests, after a day or two, tell me how they have started to take siesta. I think this totally laid-back atmosphere is creative; it should aid you getting into the flow of writing.
Add the nature of this area - stunning high mountains and fantastic beaches that are great all year around. It’s great for hiking, walking, cycling and rock climbing - all great for getting the imagination started!
Do you think your location appeals to a particular kind of holidaymaker?
We tend to attract people who like to meet new people, to see and experience new things during their vacation, people who enjoy good food and good wine and who find what’s served on your plate and in your glass in a restaurant is more important than whether the napkin matches the colour of the chairs and the wallpaper, people who like to read, listen to good music, who enjoy being creative.
What do you find most fulfilling about running the course?
We meet so many nice people - it seems like all guests become new friends. The ultimate kick would be to see the book of one of my guests in print! And hopefully having the author coming back to work here as a tutor…
What you think your guests find most fulfilling about taking part in the courses?
Hopefully they feel they learn a lot from Tracy and burn to work. And I do believe all my guests love the warm and familiar atmosphere here - at least everyone says they want to come back!
For further information, please visit www.kairos-holidays.com
Other writing courses and retreats interviewed in this series include 7daywonder, and The Watermill at Posara and Llano de la Luz
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