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In the summer of 1953, John Steinbeck, following the exhortations of his friend Alberto Moravia, hired a driver named Bassani Bassano and braved the heat (and the Italian traffic) to travel to Positano from Rome, where he was living at the time. It left an impression. “Positano bites deep,” he wrote in a column that appeared in Harper’s Bazaar later that year. “We went to the Sirenuse, an old family house converted into a first class hotel, spotless and cool, with grape arbors over its outside dining rooms.”
Exactly 70 years later, the hotel is still first-class, still spotless and cool, and still run by the same Sersale family. One has the distinct impression that not much changes at Le Sirenuse.
Established in 2007 by authors Dani Shapiro, Michael Maren and Hannah Tinti, along with Antonio and Carla Sersale, owners of Le Sirenuse Hotel, Sirenland brings writers together in Positano, Italy each spring to learn, create, and be inspired while forming a unique, supportive community.
Sirenland has hosted many wonderful authors to Positano over the years, including Jim Shepard, Karen Shepard, Susan Choi, Meg Wolitzer, Richard Russo, Tobias Wolf, Karen Russell, Saïd Sayrafiezadeh, Mia Alvar, Nam Le, Anthony Doerr, Andrew Sean Greer, Andre Dubus III, Susan Orlean, Alexander Chee, Lila Azam Zanganeh, Jennifer Finney Boylan, Andre Aciman, Jess Walter, and Elizabeth Gilbert.
But the most important part of Sirenland has always been the students who come to Positano and take part in this special week. Deep friendships have been formed here, as well as closely-bonded support groups and the first seeds of manuscripts that have become award-winning books.
Each day at Sirenland begins with intensive writing workshops focused on fiction or memoir, led by experienced and motivating instructors. Participation is limited to ten students in each workshop to ensure individual attention and create a close, friendly community. Afternoons include generative writing sessions, craft lectures, and free time for writing, resting or exploring Positano. Evenings include student and instructor readings and presentations, as well as fantastic meals overlooking the beauty of the Tirreno Sea.
Now here’s the rub….not sure we could go to that price even with an “elaborate” breakfast!
The cost for Sirenland 2024 is $5,600*, which covers the conference as well as:
- Six nights in a luxury room with ocean views
- Elaborate breakfasts each morning
- Sponsored cocktail hours and three group dinners at Le Sirenuse Hotel
- Five intensive morning writing workshop sessions with your instructor
- A one-on-one meeting with your instructor
- Evening readings, generative writing sessions, panels and presentations
Upon acceptance in December we will require a $1,000 non-refundable deposit.
The balance will be due by February 1, 2024.
Though the Sirenland Writers Conference is run in conjunction with One Story, the two are separate entities. Fees paid to Sirenland, Inc. are not charitable donations. Deposits and fees are not refundable.
* This does not include transportation
