The Stories We Tell
June 18-28, 2026 • Patmos, Greece
Explore Story Craft with Four Masters
Come gather with four masterful storytellers—Silas House, Barbara Kingsolver, Ada Limón and Safiya Sinclair–for a memorable GoodWorld Journey on the radiant and storied Greek island of Patmos. We’ll explore the power of words and narratives as expressed through novels, memoirs, poetry, personal essays, and creative nonfiction—as well as a variety of hybrid forms of storytelling.
Through lively talks, conversations, and creative exercises, our accomplished Salon guest artists will share their experiences, insights, and tips on mining one’s life experiences and story—and exploring the lives of others—to uncover universal human truths. They’ll discuss their writing process, delve into how they shaped their narratives, and offer advice on story and writing craft.
A Creative Pilgrimage into Narrative
Our quartet of literary luminaries will help Salon participants discover new methods for generating pages and ways to free themselves so truer words emerge. Together, we will consider timeless and urgent questions for us today, such as:
- Where do our stories come from?
- How does a writer take the raw material of life and turn it into a narrative that will have meaning for readers?
- How do we deepen empathy and write about the good of humanity in these troubled times?
Soothe Your Storytelling Soul
Whether you’re an aspiring or published writer, or just a passionate reader with curiosity, you’ll thrive in morning sessions, with afternoons free to roam the charms of Patmos for further inspiration. During the evenings, we’ll gather overlooking the Aegean for interviews with each Guest Artist discussing the creative life journeys that shaped them as writers.
Give a gift to your storytelling soul and explore the quiet beauty of Patmos. There will be plenty of time to reflect on what you’ve learned, connect with other writers and readers, join small group cultural excursions, hang at charming tavernas, sail on the Aegean sea, and expand visions for your own creative writing life journey ahead.
Meet Our Salon Guest Artists
Barbara Kingsolver
Barbara Kingsolver is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist, essayist, and poet. She is the author of ten bestselling works of fiction, including the novels Unsheltered, The Bean Trees, The Poisonwood Bible, and Demon Copperhead, as well as books of poetry, essays, and creative nonfiction. Kingsolver’s work has been translated into more than thirty languages and has earned a devoted readership at home and abroad.
“What a writer can do, what a fiction writer or a poet or an essay writer can do, is re-engage people with their own humanity.”
Ada Limón
Ada Limón is an award-winning American poet and the 24th U.S. Poet Laureate. She is the author of seven acclaimed poetry collections, such as Startlement, The Hurting Kind, and The Carrying, and her work often explores the natural world and ordinary experiences with accessible language. Limón is the recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship and was named a 2024 Time Magazine Woman of the Year.
“I write toward reciprocity, toward connection, toward offering something back to this wondrous suffering planet.”
Safiya Sinclair
Safiya Sinclair is an award-winning Jamaican poet and memoirist. She is the author of the internationally best-selling memoir How to Say Babylon, winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award, and the debut poetry collection Cannibal, winner of a Whiting Award. A recipient of the Guggenheim fellowship, her work explores themes of Jamaican womanhood, Rastafari culture and history, Caribbean selfhood, and colonialism.
“Writers must probe the wound that made them.”
Silas House
Silas House is a best-selling author of eight novels, including Southernmost and Lark Ascending. He is a playwright, music journalist, environmental activist, columnist, and the former Poet Laureate of Kentucky. In 2024, he became a Grammy finalist for his writing. His writing has appeared often in Time, The Atlantic, The New York Times, and other major publications. House is known as one of the most visible LGBTQ people in the American South, and as one of the major voices of Southern and Appalachian Literature.
“Every good piece of writing begins with both a mystery and a love story.”
Step Inside the Journey
Hear from past participants as they reflect on the Salon experience
10-Night Island
Stay & Program
$5,450 per person, double occupancy
- $1850 for single room supplement.
- $150 discount per person, for friends/spouses sharing a room.
- Scholarships are available.
For more information visit this journey’s FAQs.
Application Process
We seek to curate a diverse and creative mix of Salon participants, and attendance is by application only. Once you submit your application, you’ll be notified of your acceptance decision within 10–30 days. Learn more about the application process in our FAQs below. GoodWorld Journey Salons typically sell out, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Includes:
10-Night hotel stay (with breakfast)
Opening Welcome Reception & Dinner
6 Morning Salons
5 Evening Salons
Dance party under the Stars
Day boat excursion to nearby isle
Guided tour of the Patmos Monastery & Cave
Closing Farewell Reception & Dinner
Transport to Salon events & excursions
Does Not Include:
Airfare and transport to/from Patmos
Dinners/lunch off site
Taxis/buses into town on free time
FAQs
What criteria are used for selecting Salon applicants to participate?
We aim to bring together a vibrant and inclusive mix of participants for each Salon. This includes diversity across nationality, age, gender, race, lived experience, professional background, and creative interests.
We welcome both accomplished and emerging voices—writers, storytellers, songwriters, cultural creatives—as well as passionate readers, music lovers, curious travelers, and changemakers. You do not need to identify as an artist or writer to participate.
Each Salon is enriched by the presence of thoughtful, engaged individuals who value meaningful conversation, shared inspiration, and intentional retreat time.
How does the application process work?
We receive more applications than we have available spots for each Salon. To help us get to know you, we ask that you answer a few questions thoughtfully and thoroughly.
Once you submit your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email, and will be notified of your acceptance decision within 10–30 days. Some applicants may be placed on a waitlist.
If you’re accepted, you’ll be required to make a deposit within 10 days to secure your spot, followed by a final payment.
What are the accommodation options and associated pricing?
All participants are accommodated at the same seaside 3-star hotel where the Salon sessions take place. Once you’ve been accepted, we’ll share additional details about the hotel.
The standard Salon fee is $5,450, which includes a shared double room with another Salon participant.
If you prefer a private room, you may request a single room upgrade for an additional $1,850 (subject to limited availability).
Friends or spouses participating together and sharing a room are each eligible for a $150 discount off the Salon fee.
My partner/spouse wants to come but doesn’t wish to participate in the Salon programming. Is this allowed?
Yes, non-participating partners or spouses are welcome to join you, space permitting. A non-participant fee of $1950 applies. This fee includes sharing your room at the Salon hotel, enjoying the daily hotel breakfast, participating in the welcome and farewell dinners, and a joining the guided excursion to the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes—payment options depend on when you’re accepted and whether you receive a scholarship.
If you’re accepted on or before January 15, 2026:
You may pay in two installments:
A $1,450 deposit is due within 10 days of acceptance.
The remaining balance is due by February 1, 2026.
If you’re accepted after January 15, 2026:
The full payment is due within 10 days of acceptance.
If you receive a scholarship:
Installment payments are available. Details about your payment timeline will be included in your scholarship acceptance email.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes, we offer a limited number of partial scholarships for each Salon, awarded based on both need and merit. Scholarship amounts range from $1,000 to $4,000 and apply only to the Salon program fee. They do not cover international travel to or from Greece.
When completing your Salon application, you’ll be asked if your attendance is dependent upon scholarship assistance. If eligible, you may receive a separate scholarship application form via email after the initial review of your materials.
How many participants typically attend each Salon?
Salons typically include 40-60 participants, with a maximum cap of 60.
We’ve found this size enables the ideal balance: intimate enough to foster meaningful connection and community, yet large enough to offer a rich shared experience.
Can I arrive early/stay late?
Yes, you’re welcome to arrive in Patmos before or after the Salon program dates. However, you’ll be responsible for arranging and covering the cost of your accommodations for any extended stay.
Additional nights at the Salon hotel may be possible based on availability. If you’re interested, please let the GoodWorld Journeys staff know your plans in advance—we’ll do our best to help you:
- Access discounted room rates, if available
- Stay in the same room assigned to you during the Salon
How do I get to Patmos?
Since Patmos does not have an airport, travel to the island requires a combination of transportation—usually involving a ferry or connecting boat. Your route can be tailored to your budget, schedule, and comfort preferences.
Once you’re accepted into the Salon and the summer ferry schedules are released, we’ll send detailed travel guidance to help you plan.
In general, there are two main ways to reach Patmos:
Option 1: Ferry from Athens
Take a large ferry from Athens to Patmos. Shared and private cabins with ensuite bathrooms are available, depending on your preference.
Option 2: Flight + Catamaran
Fly from Athens to a nearby island—Kos is usually the best choice, as it offers the most frequent boat connections to Patmos. From Kos, take a catamaran or large ferry to Patmos.
If you’re arriving from elsewhere in Europe, you may also find direct flights from major European hubs to Kos or Leros, both of which have good boat connections to Patmos.