Reviews from students

"The Academic Writers’ Retreat held in Gränna from 23–27 June 2025 was an outstanding experience for my academic career. The retreat was both enriching and generative, and the feedback sessions stood out as the most valuable component.

These sessions offered thoughtful, tailored guidance that opened up fresh perspectives for me and enabled deep reflection on my own work. Through this structured yet open-ended support, I found clarity and momentum in my writing that I hadn’t anticipated.

I am thrilled to share that just a few weeks after the retreat, by late July 2025, I was able to submit a book proposal to a highly renowned publisher. The proposal has since been reviewed and endorsed by the editor and is now in the external review phase. I credit this milestone directly to the retreat’s power to accelerate and focus my writing process. I wholeheartedly recommend the Academic Writers’ Retreat, and especially Annette Hill and Joke Hermes, for cultivating a supportive, intellectually vibrant environment that truly transforms participants’ scholarly trajectories."

"The writer's retreat was an opportunity to put all other things to the side and focus entirely on my project for an entire week. Given my regular workload, being able to sit with my project, talk about my project, dream about my project was a rare privilege. The organized writing sessions, sipping a cup of tea and brainstorming with colleagues immersed in the same process, made my project enjoyable again and gave me the confidence that I actually have something interesting to say. There's nothing like being away from the daily grind to make one able to hear your thoughts again!"

"Taking part in the inaugural academic writing retreat in Gränna provided me with the invaluable time to make progress and get feedback on my book project. Not only did Gränna provide an idyllic location for deep and intentional writing, but Professors Hill and Hermes created a warm and supportive environment that allowed generative and thoughtful feedback amongst the participants. Moreover, attending the writing retreat also allowed me to connect with other media and communications scholars from across the globe, whom I otherwise may not have had the opportunity to meet and learn from. Overall, the retreat offered a rare and enriching opportunity that helped enrich both my writing and scholarly community."

"The academic writing retreat was an inspiring week in which I reconnected with my joy for writing. Through practical exercises, engaging group discussions, one-on-one feedback, and beautiful surroundings, I experienced real progress.

Annette Hill and Joke Hermes' highly experienced and genuinely engaged presence was both inspiring and encouraging. Their deep knowledge, expertise, and ability to offer positive, constructive, and individually tailored feedback significantly contributed to the development and advancement of my framework."

"This academic writing retreat was essential for me at a time when it was so challenging to balance the daily demands of academic life with what truly excites me: researching and writing. The warm welcome from Annette and Joke, the informal atmosphere of the workshop, the superb location, and the group itself were all decisive in making it an excellent experience. I liked writing exercises, immersing myself more deeply in the life of Gränna and its people and use that as inspiration for writing. June is the perfect time and five days is just the right amount."

"The Academic Writers’ Retreat in Gränna was an incredible experience. It created a space for academic reflection, creative exploration, and scholarly growth; something I had been longing for a long time. The hectic pace of the academic year, with teaching duties and administrative deadlines, makes it incredibly difficult to focus on writing or even reflect deeply on the topics I’m working on. I often find myself jumping from task A to B and C without pause.

Joke and Annette managed to create a safe and inspiring space to share and grow, to write and think, to relax and laugh. And it’s in those spaces that real growth happens. Gränna, with its charm and calm, is the perfect setting for this kind of retreat. I do recommend joining the retreat. I know I’ll be applying again for sure."

"I consider the continuation of an Academic Writing Retreat themed Research Spices valuable for future participants, especially since the retreat conveners successfully achieved their aim of engaging both the participants and themselves in an ongoing process of learning and feedback. This created atmosphere was greatly appreciated by the attendees, as the conveners demonstrated transparency in matters of scheduling and timing within this new format, while remaining open to further inputs regarding content and scope of future Retreat formats.

The duration of one-week (five days) is ideal for the Academic Writers Retreat. The conveners made a strong effort to foster a constructive writing environment for all participants, which included both individual and group feedback sessions. I personally valued Annette Hill’s feedback practice most: particularly the openness in sharing the inspiring spaces of their house, including the garden. This thoughtful blending of work and personal environments in view of the Retreat’s theme Research Spices, carried out with great care and attention, not only reflect the lived realities of many scholars and researchers but also served as a genuine source of inspiration for them."