Writing Adventures

with Leilani Barnett

Writing from Your Roots: The DUBLIN, IRELAND Writing Adventure

Come to Dublin for a reading, writing, sightseeing, pub-hopping good time and return home with a lifetime of memories, a notebook full of new writing and novel-sparking ideas, and a new circle of supportive writing friends! Leave much of the planning to us and spend your energy soaking in this historic literary city! Limited to ONLY 8 participants, this affordable tour offers a unique small-group experience that fosters individual growth as a writer as well as new confidence as a world traveler. We'll use short pieces of Irish literature combined with experiences in this Irish city as a springboard for writing from our unique roots.

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Spark Your Own Renaissance: A FLORENCE, ITALY Writing Adventure

Write your way to a creative new life in the beautiful, ancient, spiritual city of Florence, Italy, birthplace of the Renaissance! Reside in a family palace as you emerge anew with Michelangelo, soar with Brunelleschi, and create like Leonardo da Vinci. Participants receive inspirational writing prompts, delicious Italian meals, and activities to spark a personal Renaissance as you delve into your dreams for living your best life. Determine what you want out of life in a location designed to remind us we are God's highest form of creation!

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A Year of Magic for Teachers

Bring Leilani to your school to inspire, train, and retain teachers! Start with her keynote speech, "A Year of Magic for Teachers" or talk to Leilani about her work through TeachingSpark.com--fun online training for new teachers paired with live weekly coaching. Leilani also works in tandem with your English Language Arts teachers to enliven lessons for maximum engagement and student achievement. Bring the magic to your school!

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The KYOTO, JAPAN Writing Adventure

Details coming soon for this 2025 workshop!

United States

✅WHO AM I?
I’m Leilani, and I help writers and teachers reach the next level!

Working as an editor, writing and teaching coach, and workshop leader, I show others how to enliven their work and produce readable, error-free writing.

Using the power of some of the most beautiful places in the world, I pull stories out of travelers and help writers break the chains keeping them from living their most creative lives.

I work with beginning writers as well as published authors to skillfully craft and edit marketable publications.

✅WHO ARE YOU?

You are an aspiring writer who dreams of someday publishing a book.
…a self-published author who wants to land a mainstream publisher.
…a published novelist who wants to follow in the footsteps of, say, James Joyce or Oscar Wilde to produce a modern classic!

The finer things appeal to you—the luxury of international travel, the charm of a 250-year-old hotel, the warmth of a cozy Irish pub.
Visiting an ancient cathedral, seeing a brilliant painting, and viewing a lush green landscape…? Just the thought of it sets your soul on fire!
You’re interested in connecting to your roots or understanding a bit of history.
You understand that travel and working with a writing coach can give you the “creative whack on the head” you’ve been looking for.
You know that writing workshops and international travel are well worth the investment of time and money. You’re glad our Writing Adventures occur during spring, summer, or holiday breaks—carefully chosen dates that fit your vacation time! You’re glad I offer an option of dividing tuition and fees, including airline travel and hotels among six or 12 payments, making your dream trip easy to budget.

✅ WHO ARE YOU NOT?
My workshops are probably not for you if…

You suffer withdrawal symptoms if you skip a McDonald’s value meal. 😉
Your idea of a good hotel is Motel 6 or your buddy’s sofa. 😉
Your dream vacation is visiting your cousin Becky in Poughkeepsie. 😉

✅HOW DOES THIS WORK?

Check out information and pricing for our next Dublin Writing Adventure by clicking here.
Check out Leilani’s editing and coaching packages by clicking here.

✅WHERE HAVE YOU HEARD ME SPEAK?

Institute of International Education
Toyota Cooperate Headquarters
Texas Writers Guild
Write Now Meetings
National Council of Teachers of English Conferences
International Reading Association Conference
Dallas ISD Teacher Trainings
Texas Regional Workshops at Region VIII, X, and XI
Alabama Council of Teachers of English

✅ WHO ARE SOME OF THE PEOPLE I HAVE WORKED WITH?
These are a few of the folks who have attended one of my workshops, benefited from
my feedback or editing, or called on me to write materials to go along with their work:

Pat Cunningham Devoto, author of My Last Days as Roy Rogers, The Summer We Got Saved, and Out of the Night that Covers Me
Valerie Solosky, author of Monday Morning Leadership for Women and Do It Right: The New Book of Business Etiquette
Talya Tate Boerner, author of The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee

✅ WHAT ARE OTHERS SAYING?
“Leilani is a master of her craft when it comes to writing. I look forward to our next travels together!" (Caleb Woods, poet and author of Harnessing Darkness)

“Thank you, thank you, thank you for a fabulous workshop and trip!” (Mary Getty, Assistant Principal, Dallas ISD)

“Before we left and while we were there, Leilani took great steps to make sure the places we were seeing, the history we were learning, and the stories we were told would come alive then—and in the future when we retold them to others. She has a knack for planning creative travel opportunities, but her gift for combining it with learning and cultivating experiences exceeds all." (Kimberly Holland, author of Collagen Handbook: Recipes for Natural Living)

“Traveling with Leilani is like being transplanted into a film like ‘Midnight in Paris’ where we meet up at fabulous cafes for cocktails, see amazing art, and relax for a casual lunch to people watch!” (Karla Schilling, Education Program Consultant at Istation)

✅ HOW CAN YOU CONTACT ME?
Leilani@WritingAdventures.com

Traveling with Leilani is like being transplanted into a Film like 'Midnight in Paris' where we meet up at fabulous cafe for cocktails, see amazing art & relax for a casual lunch to people watch! Not to mention, meeting new & interesting people!"
Karla S.

From my New York trip, I learned that you're only limited by the horizon you set in life. Look forward and work hard. Nothing on earth is out of your reach."
Derrick T.

Traveling with Leilani is adventurous! I learned a lot from her!"
Priyanka P.

When I was 15, Leilani took me and about 25 other high schoolers to London, Pari, Dublin, and Holyhead. I had never been out of the country, but I KNEW I had to talk my parents into letting me go because Leilani's love of travel is infectious! She is responsible for opening my eyes to how different and beautiful other countries and cultures are. She taught me how to be a good traveler, respect local culture, and take it all in. I think back on that trip every time I travel, which is often, thankfully! The wanderlust is contagious! Hope we can travel together as adults one of these days!"
Christa W.

My first trip across the big pond was with Leilani Barnett! She is an amazing human and an even more amazing travel partner!! We had a group of more than 50, and she never flinched!!! We went from London, England to Paris, France to Rome, Italy, and she never missed a beat!! I can't wait for the day when we get to travel again!!!!"
Regina W.

I've had the honor of traveling with Leilani on two separate occasions. Not only does she possess massive knowledge of geography, she's a master of her craft when it comes to writing. Traveling to other countries is always a fun and fascinating adventure. I look forward to our next travels together!"
Caleb W.

Leilani took a group of high school students, including me, on a week-long European journey that stretched through Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Before we left and while we were there, Leilani took great steps to make sure the places we were seeing, the history we were learning, and the stories we were told would come alive then—and in the future when we retold them to others. She has a knack for planning creative travel opportunities, but her gift for combining it with learning and cultivating experiences exceeds all."
Kimberly H.

"Walking the cobblestones of Paris with you after dark was a blast! Any crazy idea I had, you were all in! Can't wait for the next time!!❤️"
Jude L.

"In my mind and heart, [Leilani's] a National treasure, and I’m grateful our paths crossed in Alabama."
Melinda S.

"Have you ever met somebody that touched your heart, that taught you so well that you apply that knowledge to this day, someone that inspires you… and someone that makes you feel blessed to be alive? Well that somebody for me is Leilani Barnett."
Ray D.

Dublin Hotels

Staunton's on the Green -- This charming 250-year-old hotel is the official Dublin hotel for your Writing Adventure. We'll meet here for our writing workshops and delicious, full breakfasts with fresh-squeezed orange juice and coffee or tea. The hotel is across the street from St. Stephen's Green; in ten seconds, you can be sitting in the park! Based on availability, this will be your hotel if you opt for the $3,997 option, which includes hotel, air, meals, and admission to activities as described on the Writing Adventures' website.

The Green -- If you like your accommodations a little more modern and have opted to make your own hotel and flight reservations, check out The Green, which is just down the road and a very easy walk from our official location, Staunton's on the Green.

Florence Hotels

Stay tuned for more information about our Florence hotel suggestions--all selected because they scream, "I am in Italy!" and leave you feeling like you are on vacation in a fairytale!