Snow Patrol's Jonny Quinn and Muswell Press unveil Mallorca-based writing retreats

Snow Patrol musician Jonny Quinn has partnered with Muswell Press on a new programme of retreats, Deià Writers’ Camps, to help authors develop their skills under the guidance of industry experts in “the artistic haven of Deià, Mallorca”.

Set up by the drummer, music publisher and founding member of Snow Patrol, the artistic retreat will open this spring, “bringing together likeminded creative people to explore their talents alongside experienced artists and industry specialists”, the company said.

The first in the series of camps will take place in May (18th to 23rd) at an artists’ residence on a mountain resort on Mallorca’s northwestern coast, focusing on creative writing for writers in the early stages of their career. 

The first five-day Writers’ Camp will be led by Kate and Sarah Beal, co-owners and directors of Muswell Press, with guests including Andrew Meehan, author and lecturer in Creative Writing at Strathclyde University whose forthcoming book, Best Friends, will be published by Muswell Press in May.  

Quinn said: “I’ve worked in the music industry for over 30 years and I know how important it is to find out what type of artist you want to be – and know the value of taking time out to find peace and let creativity flourish. Having moved to Deià in recent years, it’s undeniably creative to its core. I loved the thought of bringing a group of creative people together who may, for whatever reason, be struggling to find the time, inspiration or support they need to follow their path. 

“Lots of people are setting themselves goals or projects for the new year and our camps offer a fantastic opportunity to escape everyday life and connect with your own creativity in a beautiful, peaceful location. I think this is the start of something special in a unique part of the world that has inspired poets, writers, painters, musicians for centuries.”

Beal added: “We are delighted to be delivering the first Deià Writers’ Camp in partnership with Jonny Quinn, an exciting opportunity designed to help writers of all stages discover their style, unlock their potential and learn about all aspects of writing and publishing. Lots of keen writers might be thinking: ‘2025 is the year I finally start my book’ or indeed ‘finally finish my book’, or they may simply be trying to find their voice. We hope our camps will empower them to do so.” 

For more information, visit deiawriterscamps.com.