Upcoming gatherings
Nestled among olive trees and just a short drive from the Adriatic coast, Trulli Bouganville is more than a place to stay—it’s a place to slow down, reflect, create and connect. It is here that I host intimate gatherings for writers and anyone seeking the time and space to reconnect with their story, themselves, and one another.
Join a gathering
Upcoming dates
- 5-12 September 2026 – Memoir Writing with Jo Parfitt (SOLD OUT)
- 22-29 May 2027 – Memoir Writing with Jo Parfitt (4 spots left)
- 4-11 September 2027 – The Life Story Jar Writing with Jo Parfitt
Memoir Writing
What You’ll Experience
Throughout the 7-day gathering, you’ll enjoy:
- Daily writing workshops
- Two to four hours of uninterrupted writing time
- Individual editorial feedback
- Group sharing sessions
- Time to swim, rest and explore
- Guided visits to Monopoli and Polignano a Mare
- Shared meals beneath the stars
- A small group of just eight writers
A Typical Day
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8.30 | Breakfast |
| 10.00 | Writing class with Jo |
| 11.00 | Writing time |
| 13.00 | Lunch |
| 14.00 | Writing / one-to-one sessions |
| 16.00 | Group feedback |
| Evening | Aperitivo and dinner |
Some days include excursions to Monopoli or Polignano a Mare.
MEET THE TEAM
Your Host
Hosted by Sam Frearson-Tubito
As the author of Beneath A Borrowed Sky and someone who has spent a lifetime searching for the meaning of home, creating spaces where people feel welcome comes naturally to me. I’ll be your host throughout the gathering, taking care of every detail—from the warm welcome and delicious meals to excursions, conversations and creating an atmosphere where creativity can flourish.
My hope is that by the time you leave Trulli Bouganville, you’ll feel not only that your manuscript has grown, but that you have too.
Your Writing Mentor
Your Writing Mentor: Jo Parfitt
I’m delighted to welcome Jo Parfitt to Trulli Bouganville to lead the writing programme during each memoir gathering organised for September 2026, May 2027 and September 2027.
Jo is an award-winning writer, editor, publisher, teacher and mentor with more than three decades of experience helping writers bring their stories to life. She has authored more than 30 books and is the founder of Summertime Publishing, a publishing house renowned for championing the voices of expatriates, Third Culture Kids, globally mobile families and memoir writers from around the world.
Throughout the week, Jo will guide you through the craft of memoir writing with her trademark warmth, honesty and practical expertise. Her workshops are designed to help you strengthen your writing, uncover the heart of your story, develop your unique voice and move your manuscript confidently towards publication. Whether you’re just beginning, halfway through a first draft, or refining a completed manuscript, Jo has an extraordinary ability to meet writers where they are and help them take the next step.
One of the most valuable aspects of the gathering is the opportunity to receive personal editorial feedback from Jo. Through one-to-one consultations, daily sharing sessions and constructive group discussions, she’ll help you identify what is working, what can be strengthened and how to shape your memoir into the very best version of itself. Her thoughtful, encouraging approach has helped countless writers not only improve their manuscripts but also find the confidence to call themselves authors.
Having worked with Jo on my own memoir, Beneath A Borrowed Sky, I know first-hand the insight, encouragement and expertise she brings to every writer she mentors. It is a privilege to have her join me in Puglia to help others discover, develop and share their stories.
accommodation
accommodation
Guests stay in beautiful traditional Trulli and stone houses surrounded by olive groves.
Choose from:
L’Aia di Cucumo
- Six ensuite rooms
- Private pool
- Transfers included
Trulli Magnolia
- Two ensuite rooms
- Walking distance from Trulli Bouganville
- Shared kitchen
food
A Taste of Puglia
Food is a huge part of the experience.
Expect long outdoor lunches and dinners featuring the very best of Puglian cuisine:
- Burrata
- Orecchiette
- Parmigiana
- Fresh vegetables
- Local wines
- Homemade desserts
- Seasonal breakfasts
Every meal is freshly prepared using local ingredients, and dietary requirements can happily be accommodated.
Puglia veranda
Puglia Trulli
Puglia Terrace
Puglia Pool
Puglia garden
Puglia veranda
Puglia Trulli
Puglia Terrace
Puglia Pool
Puglia garden
Food is a huge part of the experience.
Expect long outdoor lunches and dinners featuring the very best of Puglian cuisine:
- Burrata
- Orecchiette
- Parmigiana
- Fresh vegetables
- Local wines
- Homemade desserts
- Seasonal breakfasts
Every meal is freshly prepared using local ingredients, and dietary requirements can happily be accommodated.
Next steps
Investment
Full gathering: €2,200
Partner sharing (non-writing): €1,500
Partner participating in writing: €1,800
Includes:
Accommodation Tuition All meals Wine Excursions Airport transfers Writing workshops Editorial consultation Coursebook
There are no hidden extras.
Ready to Join Us?
Places are limited to just eight writers to ensure everyone receives individual attention.
If you’d like to spend a week writing in one of Italy’s most beautiful regions, I’d love to welcome you at my gathering.
Register your interest in attending
Frequently asked questions
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