WARWICK, UK — Secret Writing Retreats has announced an exclusive, one-day writing retreat on Saturday, 11th July 2026, featuring Sunday Times bestselling and award-winning crime author Jo Callaghan. The event will take place at the atmospheric and rarely open-to-the-public Guy's Cliffe House in Warwick, offering aspiring and established fiction writers a rare blend of professional mentorship and dedicated creative space.

The immersive day-long event is designed to help writers escape daily distractions, set personal craft goals, and delve into the mechanics of writing a hit novel. Attendees will benefit from uninterrupted writing blocks, a guided tour of the historic grounds, and an intimate, one-hour Q&A session with Callaghan.

Jo Callaghan's debut crime novel, In the Blink of an Eye (the first in the Kat and Lock series), was a BBC Two Between the Covers pick, a Waterstones Thriller of the Month, and won both the prestigious 2024 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year and the CWA ILP John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger awards.

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Jo Callaghan to headline this retreat," said the Founder of Secret Writing Retreats. "The mystery and deep historical narrative of Guy's Cliffe House are baked into the very walls, making it the ultimate, hauntingly perfect backdrop for writers looking to uncover the hidden depths of their own crime, suspense, or mystery plots. This is the very definition of a 'secret' writing retreat."

Steeped in myth and legend, Guy's Cliffe House features hidden rock-cut caverns and historic halls that have served as a sanctuary for the secret ceremonies of the Freemasons for over a century. Writers will have the unique opportunity to explore these inspiring spaces to fuel their own narratives.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, 11th July 2026
• Time: 09:30 – 16:00 BST
• Location: Guys Cliffe Centre, Coventry Rd, Warwick, CV34 5YD
• Inclusions: Morning tea, coffee, and pastries; a full historical tour of the grounds; a spectacular buffet lunch provided by Guy's Cliffe catering; a masterclass Q&A and book signing with Jo Callaghan; and structured, self-directed writing sprints.
• Age Restriction: 18+ only.

Spaces for this exclusive retreat are strictly limited to maintain an intimate environment. For ticket details, pre-ordering books for the signing, or more information, visit www.secretwritingretreats.co.uk.