The Minneapolis Retreat for Writers

The Minneapolis Retreat for Writers is a open to 5 serious writers—poets, prose fictionists, memoirist and essayists—who are looking for space to do deep work and receive gentle, focused guidance in the process.

Each writer will receive full room and board in one of two historic houses in Richfield, a suburb of Minneapolis.

Every residency will have a resident writer, there to both work and enrich evening discussions.

Throughout the residency, MWR writers will have access to consultations with Richard Katrovas, founder of the Prague Summer Program.

Each day will close with a communal meal, spirited discussion, and perhaps a spontaneous reading or two. We will also offer a day trip to places around the Twin Cities, with a focus on literary sites.

The Minneapolis Retreat for Writers is a sister project of the Prague Summer Program for Writers.

Our resident writer from June 1st to 8th, 2026, will be David Farley, a New York-based writer with a focus on food, travel, culture, and history. His work appears in the New York Times, the Washington Post, BBC, National Geographic, and Esquire, among many other publications. He's the author of several books, including An Irreverent Curiosity: In Search of the Church's Strangest Relic in Italy's Oddest Town, which was made into a documentary by the National Geographic Channel. Farley has taught writing at NYU and Columbia University and has lived in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Prague, Paris, Rome, and Berlin.

David Farley made a recent trip to Minneapolis and wrote about it for the New York Times (“In Minneapolis, Following Prince’s ‘Purple Trail’”) and Condé Nast Traveler (“Eating in Minneapolis Has Never Been Better, Or More Vital”). Our residency will see him back for the Prince celebrations happening this year from the 3rd to the 7th of June (yes, during the retreat.) As part of the retreat, we will make an excursion to a Prince block party on the 6th.

From David Farley’s article in the Condé Nast Traveler in March 2026:

“It remains true that there’s never been a better time to dine in Minneapolis. But now, doing so is vital to the city’s recovery. As people get back out there—both to eat at restaurants and work in the kitchens that fuel them—it's about more than just enjoying a deliciously singular meal but arguably contributing, plate by plate, to the return of vibrant public life and the resumption of this culinary evolution. Because even while this city tries to keep out the bad, it will never turn away the good.”

June 1st to June 8th

(Arrivals on Monday the 1st at 4pm; departures the following Monday the 8th before 11am.)

Past dates:

January 26th to February 2nd, 2026

Each writer will receive full room and board in one of two historic houses in Richfield, a quiet suburb of Minneapolis: The Nightingale (built in 1925) and the Skylark (built in 1957). You can read more about the houses on their dedicated website.

• private room with shared bathroom

• snacks, coffee, tea throughout day and warm dinner on 4 evenings; you are encouraged to explore the local culinary scene on the 3 free evenings, though are also free to cook

• remote consultations with Richard Katrovas, founder of the PSP

• optional lockbox access for phone

• excursion to the Prince Celebration Block Party

Out of all the great aspects of this retreat, my favorite was the people. The high quality of the organizers–all writers and artists themselves–leads to high quality participants. I’m certain I’ve made lifelong friendships during these extraordinary seven days. 

– Kel Daniels (2026 edition, worked on a new novel, then pivoted to responding to editorial suggestions about a more polished novel, titled Hurricane Ophelia)

Wonderful winter getaway, easy access to airport. Modest environs, supportive vibe, quiet residential neighbourhood. Affordable retreat for the serious writer. I’ll be back.

– Michele Bombardier (2026 edition, worked on final edits of her next book and began work on a new project)

Costs vary from $925 to $1275 depending on room. Contact us for details about each room; otherwise you’ll be asked to choose a room upon acceptance.

Room sharing: If you want to share a room, the cost is reduced for each by 25%. Please come to us as a duo; we will not find you a room-sharing partner. Note that the only room that includes separate beds (bunkbed) is a children’s room in the Skylark which we aren’t offering as part of the regular set-up. 

Every retreat participant gets 30% off participation in the Prague Summer Program for Writers.

Prague Summer Program alumni receive a 15% discount.

Please send a short bio, writing sample (any length), and cover letter to katrovas@aol.com, telling him what you would like to bring to fruition during the retreat. Please copy the coordinator Ema Katrovas (ema.katrovas@gmail.com) in your application.

Upon acceptance, you will be invited to choose your room, from those remaining, and indicate food preferences and needs.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by Richard Katrovas.

Deadline: May 10th 2026

Are there quiet hours at the retreat?

Yes. We'll have quiet hours throughout the day. Quiet hours will be broken between 5pm and 8pm for communal dinner and conversation. You will be allowed to use TVs (if your room has one) at this time as well (or upon negotiating with your neighbours).

Where will I be able to work?

Two of the five rooms have desks but given that it may be hard to work where you sleep, we fully expect you to work all over the shared spaces of the two properties. Participants from both houses can use the shared spaces of both the Nightingale and the Skylark. These include Nightingale living room, dining room, and kitchen and Skylark living room, cinema room, bar, and kitchen.

Do I have to participate in group meals and excursions?

No! The idea is for you to have the space to work, when and how you want. We take care of meals and the quiet space - the communal break in early evening and any other activities are just an optional bonus. You may take your meals alone if you wish.

What will a typical daily schedule look like?

The daytime will be yours to organise, according to your needs. Both kitchens will be stocked with breakfast and lunch food (and tea and coffee), which you can assemble for yourself during the day. You are allowed to be in both houses, regardless of where you are housed. We will host early dinners at 5pm, and will use the 5pm-8pm slot for communal conversations, readings, discussions, screenings (this is when quiet hours are broken, but since the group will be in one house at this time, there will likely be the opportunity to escape to work in the other, if you wish to dine at a different time or alone).

When will Richard Katrovas be free for consultations?

This is by individual agreement. He will be available remotely throughout the residency.

Who is the resident writer?

This will be different on every retreat but always announced along with new dates.

What does the resident writer do?

The resident writer is primarily there to work. Given the small group size, spontaneous discussions at dinner are inevitable and intellectual/artistic bonds may form but the purpose of the retreat is mainly to do your own work alongside like-minded and interesting people, without the distractions of everyday life. This is the same for everyone at the retreat.

How far apart are the houses?

They are neighbouring houses in a residential neighbourhood. Getting from one house to another is a matter of crossing the lawn, about 30 feet.

Will I be able to park my car on site?

There will be three parking spaces available in the designated parking lot, with the possibility of parking on the street in front of the houses free of charge. This puts us at right about one car per participant (7 spaces overall).

Will I have to stay on site the whole time?

No. Your time is your own. There are places to take short walks in the neighbourhood and we are right by the Mall of America, if that's your thing. We will also be hosting excursions, which are entirely optional.

Will you take my dietary restrictions into account?

Yes. Upon acceptance you'll be asked to provide your dietary restrictions and we will tailor all meals with this in mind.

Can I do my laundry during the residency?

Yes. Both houses have a washer and drier at your disposal, along with laundry detergent.

Is there free Wi-Fi?

Of course!

How accessible are the houses and rooms?

Both houses have a few steps leading to the ground floor. Three of the bedrooms in the Skylark are on the ground floor, while the rest of the bedrooms are accessed by stairs. You can see a closer

Can I see photos of the spaces?

Of course! You can read more about our houses here

Director: Richard Katrovas (katrovas@aol.com)

Coordinator: Ema Katrovas (ema.katrovas@gmail.com)

Please note that practical questions about the Minnesota Winter Retreat for Writers should be directed to Ema Katrovas (contact above), not Ella Katrovas who coordinates the Prague Summer Program for Writers :)