Writing Adventures

High-Inspiration,
No-Pressure Workshops
in the World's Most Beautiful Places

Our Trips

DUBLIN, IRELAND -- Write from Your Roots

DUBLIN, IRELAND -- Write from Your Roots

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 backgrounds--our roots!

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PARIS, FRANCE -- Live a Writer's Fantasy

PARIS, FRANCE -- Live a Writer's Fantasy

Paris nurtures and inspires writers, artists, musicians, and every other kind of innovator! It cradled America's "lost generation" after World War II and gave respite and respect to some of the world's top jazz stars. Today, Paris remains the place many authors most associate with creative freedom. Its charming streets are riddled with iconic landmarks from the Eiffel Tower to Notre-Dame to the Louvre. It is the ideal location for giving your creative life a reset! Every cobbled street evokes romance, intellectualism, and revolution. Let Paris become your muse as you join us for the Paris Writing Adventure, and experience a writer's Paris!

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FLORENCE, ITALY -- Spark Your Own Renaissance

FLORENCE, ITALY -- Spark Your Own Renaissance

Write your way to a creative new life in the beautiful, ancient, spiritual city of Florence, Italy, birthplace of the Renaissance! Reside in a luxury apartment created from a former palace that never lets you forget you are in a land where kings and queens, popes and poets trod, 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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KYOTO, JAPAN -- Breathe in Beauty

KYOTO, JAPAN -- Breathe in Beauty

In 2027, join us in the most beautiful time of the year in old Japan for a week of writing, meditating, sight-seeing, engaging in ancient practices that are good for the body, mind, and soul. More information is coming soon! To be put on the waiting list, e-mail Leilani@WritingAdventures.com

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About Leilani

✅MEET YOUR LEADER 
Leilani Barnett is passionate about helping writers reach the next level! Using the power of some of the most beautiful places in the world, she pulls stories out of travelers and help writers break the chains keeping them from living their most creative lives. 

Leilani works with beginning writers as well as published authors to skillfully craft and edit marketable publications. She's the author of Sacred Journaling: Ten Ways to Craft Your Ideal Life, and her work has also appeared in English Journal, Perceptions, She Speaks: An Anthology of Women's Voices, The Wanderlust Within: Travel Stories from All Around the World, Wanderlust: A Travel Journal, Raven's Perch, Tipping the Scales, The Westchester Review, and other publications. 

She holds a Bachelor's degree with a double major in English and journalism, an M.A. in literature, and an M.A. in educational leadership.

✅WHERE HAVE YOU HEARD LEILANI 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
  • H.E.R. Place -- Journaling for Women 
 
✅ WHO ARE SOME OF THE PEOPLE LEILANI HAS WORKED WITH?
These are a few of the writers who have attended a Journal Jumpstart or Writing Adventures workshop, contracted with Leilani to edit, or called on her to write materials to go along with their books:
  • 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
  • Roxanne Dunn, author of Murder Richly Deserved, Murder Unrehearsed, and Murder Undetected. 
  • Kate Mele, author of the forthcoming novel, Red Lipstick

Testimonials

 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 Schilling: Education Program Consultant at Istation

 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 Thomas: Artist and Photographer

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

Priyanka P.: Teacher

 . . . 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 again one of these days!" 

Christa Wininger: Attorney

 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 Woods

 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 Woods: Poet and Author of "Harnessing Darkness"

 “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: Southern Living Magazine

 "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 Logan: Novelist, Grant Writer, and Attorney

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

Melinda Seigler: Former National Children's Advocacy Center Logistics Coordinator

 "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 Davidson: Writer
  

Frequently Asked Questions

The short answer is YES! The prompts and activities we use offer you a lot of inspiration. Leilani ​works with professional authors to edit their manuscripts, but ​she is gentle and encouraging to "new" writers. 

You might be . . . 
  • a journal keeper or even someone who hasn't "written anything since high school." 
  • an aspiring writer who dreams of someday publishing a book.
  • a self-published author who wants to land a mainstream publisher.
  • a published novelist or English major who wants to follow in the footsteps of, say, James Joyce or Oscar Wilde to produce a modern classic!

On the Writing Adventure page for your location, take a look under "Housing," and you'll find a list of hotels near our workshop locations. We include a wide range of options so there is one to fit most budgets, whether you need a clean, cheap option or want to experience 5-star luxury. Most lunches and dinners, as well as other activities on the itinerary, are included in your workshop fee. If you have not traveled internationally, make sure you let us know! We will be happy to answer any questions you might have and guide you through the planning process, so all goes smoothly for you. 

We often use Booking.com because it offers an orderly way to keep your flights, hotels, and other activities and tickets in one spot. You also can earn greater discounts the more you use the website, so it repays you for your loyalty with discounts beyond the advertised price. 
You are certainly welcome to bring another writer with you. However, we suggest you leave family members and children at home for this tour so you can focus on your writing and your experience in the beautiful city you have selected for your next writing adventure. Family and friends are welcome to attend AS registered workshop participants. 
No. The Writing Adventure and tours are presented in English. Likewise, most venders and lots of other locals speak English in the other countries we visit. It's always nice, though, to learn a greeting and the words for please and thank you!
It varies from location to location, but in general lunch and dinner or an evening event are included each day except for your "free day," all tickets and event tours are included, and anything else that is part of the official itinerary are included. Most importantly, all the writing seminars and materials are provided, a welcome dinner and farewell dinner, and a one-on-one editing session are included. There are also a few special surprise gifts along the way! 
Your free day activities are not included, but we will suggest a wide range of activities for you to match all budgets. In fact, some of you will enjoy just writing over a glass of wine or cup of coffee at your favorite cafe. Likewise, your transportation to and from  the hotel is not included, but we will give you clear instructions on what to do to catch a taxi, bus, or train from your airport. If you choose to take an Uber or taxi to meet us at locations instead of making short walks, you will be responsible for the extra costs. Plan for a little souvenir money in case you find something you can't live without. And, that's it! 
YES! If you do not have a passport, please apply for one now. Contact your local passport office or your post office. You can also schedule an appointment using this link.

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Events

Upcoming Events

TitleDateLocation
Paris Writing Adventure: A Book Lover's Paris07 Sep 2025Le Marais, Paris, France
Paris Ekphrastic Experience: A Writing Adventure for Writers Who Love Art30 Nov 2025Le Marais, Paris, France

Past Events

TitleDateLocation
Dublin, Ireland Writing Adventure: Writing from Our Roots09 Mar 2025Dublin, Ireland