An annual series of select residencies led by award-winning storytellers
Rosemary’s House offers rare access to award-winning authors, poets, journalists, musicians, playwrights, and film and TV creatives. Under the guidance of a distinguished fellow, each cohort, limited to twelve attendees, will explore storytelling in depth. Our residencies will help you build creative community, develop your craft, and advance your career. Our admissions process is rolling; we invite you to apply at your earliest convenience to ensure that our team is able to review your application. Our first selection of admitted writers will have their choice of mentor and secure early-bird pricing. Spaces are limited. There will be a 2025 waitlist.
The 2025 Mentors
August 30- Sept. 6
Fatimah Asghar
Fatimah Asghar is an acclaimed poet, novelist, and screenwriter. A South-Asian American Muslim writer, they prioritize story over genre and are the author of If They Come For Us, When We Were Sisters, and the chapbook After. In 2017, they were a recipient of the Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowship from the Poetry Foundation, and listed on Forbes’s 30 under 30 list.
August 30- Sept. 6
Safia Elhillo
Sudanese by way of Washington, DC, Safia Elhillo is an award-winning poet and novelist. She is the author of the books The January Children, Girls That Never Die, Home Is Not A Country, and Bright Red Fruit. Elhillo received the 2015 Brunel International African Poetry Prize, and was listed in Forbes Africa’s 2018 “30 Under 30.”
September 28- Oct. 5
Maggie Smith
Maggie Smith is an acclaimed poet and NYT bestselling memoirist. She is the author of seven award-winning books: Dear Writer: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life, You Could Make This Place Beautiful, Lamp of the Body, The Well Speaks of Its Own Poison, and Good Bones, named by the Washington Post as one of the Five Best Poetry Books of 2017, Keep Moving, and Goldenrod.
Sept. 28- Oct. 5
Megan Stielstra
Megan Stielstra is the author of three collections: Everyone Remain Calm, Once I Was Cool, and The Wrong Way to Save Your Life. Her work appears in the Best American Essays, New York Times, The Believer, Poets & Writers, Tin House, Longreads, LitHub, The Rumpus, and elsewhere.
Sept. 28- Oct. 5
Adam Leipzig
Adam Leipzig, a filmmaker and former executive at Walt Disney Studios and National Geographic Films, has been involved in a prolific catalogue of award-winning films and plays, which have won or been nominated for 10 Academy Awards.
Oct. 6- 13
Jonathan Katz
Jonathan Katz is an award-winning journalist and author, known for his fearless reporting on politics, history, conflict, and disaster. He earned the Medill Medal for Courage in Journalism for his coverage of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Katz has contributed to major publications like the New York Times and the Guardian, and authored two award-winning books.
Oct. 6- 13
Andre Dubus III
Andre Dubus III is a #1 NYT bestselling novelist. His nine books include New York Times bestsellers House of Sand and Fog, The Garden of Last Days, and his memoir, Townie, a #4 New York Times bestseller and a New York Times “Editors’ Choice.” His most recent novel, Such Kindness, was one of Amazon’s “The Best Books of 2023, Top 100.”
Oct. 14- 21
Chloe Dulce Louvouezo
Chloe Dulce Louvouezo is an author, narrative strategist, and advocate, currently serving as a Senior Communications Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She is author of Life, I Swear: Intimate Stories from Black Women on Identity, Healing, and Self-Trust (HarperCollins).
Oct. 14- 21
Sally Bayley
Sally Bayley is a writer of fiction and non-fiction. She is particularly interested in the shifting relationship between genres. Girl with Dove (William Collins, 2018), is a literary coming of age story. It has been lauded as a completely original work that invents a new genre. Sally also hosts and performs the highly successful immersive podcast, A Reading Life, A Writing Life, which offers innovative forms of storytelling set to music and soundscapes as well as creative prompts for writers, readers and creatives. She is currently a Lecturer in English at Hertford College, Oxford.
Life at Rosemary’s
Life at Rosemarys
Villa Views
Homegrown Stories
What’s Included
Our tuition is all-inclusive, ensuring that once you land in Greece, there are no unexpected expenses. Our early-bird tuition rate is €3995— with limited spots remaining, so apply soon! Our standard tuition rate is €4995 euros. Here’s what your tuition covers:
Accommodation: 7 nights in a stunning villa or hotel, overlooking the Aegean Sea. Standard housing includes a shared room (with one other attending writer), with upgrade options available here.
Private Transportation: Transport to and from the Thessaloniki airport upon arrival and departure.
Professional Mentorship: Receive unparalleled guidance from our fellows and mentors, deeply experienced in their fields and committed to your personal and professional growth.
Writing Workshops: Engage in multi-genre workshops led by pioneering mentors and writers-in-residence. To learn more about our programming options, head here.
Locally-Sourced Meals: Enjoy all meals included and catered by award-winning taverns and chefs, with options for various dietary needs and restrictions.
Yoga and Pilates Classes: Participate in restorative yoga and Pilates sessions included in our weekly programming.
Evening Readings: Share your work during open mic nights under the Greek stars with the Aegean as your backdrop.
Cultural Excursions: Explore ancient ruins, neighboring islands, and local vineyards.
Alumni Community Access: Gain lifetime access to our vibrant alumni community for continued support and networking opportunities.
Rosemary’s House was founded by Angelica Rose Toumbas in celebration of her mother Rosemary (1966-2015). Born in Thessaloniki Greece, Angelica is a songwriter and writer. She graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Political Science and Nonfiction Writing, studied History and Politics at the University of Oxford, and completed an MSt in Writing at the University of Cambridge. She received BMI’s Nashville Songwriting Award, which was selected byKacey Musgraves. Her debut EP is forthcoming.
Testimonials
“Rosemary’s House was the best writing retreat that I have ever attended. The group was so positive and inspiring, and I’m leaving this residency feeling energized and excited to create and write.”
— Writer, Cohort 1, 2023
“I learned so much during my time here at Rosemary’s House. Every writer was so generous and forthcoming with their work, and I truly feel like I’ve been able to grow and learn so much through the community that was created”
— Writer, Cohort 3, 2023
“Loved it. Best experience ever. Attention to detail was impressive. Amazing kitchen, professionalism & quality of experience. The best I have had”
— Writer, Cohort 6, 2023
This place was so incredible for my growth, the community, and just finding my voice. I felt like such an imposter coming in and was overwhelmed with kindness and grace in a way that has made me feel inspired.”
— Writer, Cohort 3, 2023
“I feel like I found my people here! Spending a week at Rosemary’s House with my cohort and the fellow was such an intensely transformative and inspiring experience.”
— Writer, Cohort 6, 2023
“I’m going to miss my family! This was such an amazing experience, both socially & creatively! ”
— Writer, Cohort 2, 2023
