What is the Round Table?
- The Round Table is a writing retreat business born from my
- passion for creating spaces where writers can truly thrive.
- My mission is to help writers find focus, inspiration, and
- community through thoughtfully curated retreats.
- With a blend of structured workshops, quiet writing time,
- and opportunities for meaningful connection, my retreats
- are designed to unlock creativity and bring ideas to life.
- Whether you're a seasoned author or just beginning your
- writing journey, I am here to guide you toward achieving
- your goals in an environment that nurtures both your craft
- and your spirit.
- At The Round Table, we offer carefully crafted writing
- retreats designed to help you rediscover your voice,
- overcome writer's block, and connect with like-minded
- individuals.
Dr Amina Abdat
Founder of The Round Table
About me
My name is Amina Abdat, and I am the founder of The Round Table Writing Retreats. My academic journey began in Algeria, where I completed my BA and MA degrees, before receiving a scholarship to pursue a PhD in Education in England. This life-changing opportunity brought both growth and significant challenges, particularly as an international student navigating the rigorous academic standards in my third language. The experience of balancing high expectations with a new environment gave me a deep understanding of the barriers many PhD students face.
In my final year, I discovered the power of writing retreats. These gatherings, where I connected with fellow scholars and writers helped me overcome obstacles in translating ideas into words. The collaborative energy and shared focus enabled me to achieve goals I had once thought impossible. However, I noticed a gap: many retreats were in remote locations in the countryside of England, inaccessible to those who needed them most.
After completing my PhD and embracing my new role as a mother, I decided to bring this transformative experience to London. The name "The Round Table" was inspired by my own retreat experiences, where we gathered around a table, focused on making progress in our writing, and connected during breaks. This balance of productivity and camaraderie became the foundation of my business, designed to help writers of all backgrounds make progress and find support. At The Round Table, I offer inclusive, accessible writing retreats that provide a space for PhD students, authors, and writers from all fields to focus, connect, and achieve their goals. Every writer deserves the opportunity to succeed, and I’m here to help turn your ideas into reality.
Join me at The Round Table Writing Retreats—where your story begins.
Why me?
Because I’ve walked the path many PhD students are on. I know the challenges writers face: the isolation of research, self-doubt, and the overwhelming pressure of academic expectations. I’ve been there, and I’ve designed my writing retreats to address these struggles.
When I discovered the power of writing retreats, everything changed. They weren’t just about putting words on paper; they were about connecting with others, sharing challenges, and finding the support to keep going. Those retreats became a lifeline for me. They helped me finish my thesis and inspired me to start something of my own.
With The Round Table, I’ve turned that inspiration into a community. My retreats create spaces where PhD students can feel supported, inspired, and productive. If you’re stuck on a chapter or overwhelmed by your writing goals, I’m here to help you get to where you want to be.
When I discovered the power of writing retreats, everything changed. They weren’t just about putting words on paper; they were about connecting with others, sharing challenges, and finding the support to keep going. Those retreats became a lifeline for me. They helped me finish my thesis and inspired me to start something of my own.
With The Round Table, I’ve turned that inspiration into a community. My retreats create spaces where PhD students can feel supported, inspired, and productive. If you’re stuck on a chapter or overwhelmed by your writing goals, I’m here to help you get to where you want to be.
What We Can Do For You
We provide structured writing retreats to ensure our writers stay focused, motivated, and on track. But we’re not just for academia - our retreats are open to all writers, across every field and genre. Whether you're working on a novel, research paper, or business proposal, our retreats cater to a diverse range of writing needs.
What truly sets us apart is our unmatched flexibility. We bring the retreat to you—whether on university campuses, in local office spaces, or virtually—wherever you need us, we’ll be there. With our customizable approach, we ensure that you receive the support and environment necessary to focus, make meaningful progress, and achieve your writing goals. Our mission is to empower PhD students and writers of all kinds, helping you transform your ideas into finished work.
What truly sets us apart is our unmatched flexibility. We bring the retreat to you—whether on university campuses, in local office spaces, or virtually—wherever you need us, we’ll be there. With our customizable approach, we ensure that you receive the support and environment necessary to focus, make meaningful progress, and achieve your writing goals. Our mission is to empower PhD students and writers of all kinds, helping you transform your ideas into finished work.
How It Works
Preparing for a writing retreat is key to making the most of your time and ensuring a productive, enriching experience. These steps will help you maximize the benefits of the retreat, making it a transformative experience for your writing journey.
1. Set Your Goals
- Define what you want to achieve: Whether it's finishing a chapter, editing a manuscript, or brainstorming new ideas, having a clear focus helps guide your efforts.
- Break goals into manageable tasks to make them less overwhelming
2. Organize Materials
- Bring all the tools you will need: a laptop, charger, notebooks, pens, and reference materials.
- If working on a specific project, compile relevant documents, notes, or drafts in advance.
3. Prepare Mentally and Emotionally
- Approach the retreat with an open mind and a willingness to engage in focused work.
- Inform family or work contacts that you’ll be less available, and set up any necessary out-of-office notifications.
- Limit distractions by silencing unnecessary notifications on your devices.
4. Plan Your Schedule
- Familiarize yourself with the retreat itinerary to know when sessions, breaks, and social times occur.
- If the retreat offers free time, think about how you’ll use it most effectively.
- Identify what inspires or motivates you and bring these insights to the retreat.
5. Engage with Fellow Participants
- If possible, connect with other attendees beforehand (via group emails or social media) to build rapport.
- Think about what you might want to share or learn from others.
- Bring a list of challenges or questions about your writing to share during group discussions.
Testimonials
- “The retreat offered a perfect balance of structured writing time and group discussions. The insights I gained from fellow writers and Amina’s expert guidance were invaluable. I returned home with not only new ideas but also practical tools to apply to my writing every day. It was an unforgettable experience.”★ ★ ★ ★ ★Zineb Bernoussi“I was feeling stuck and overwhelmed, but Amina helped me unlock my writer’s block. The retreat gave me the space I needed to focus on my writing. The tools I learned helped me break through my writer's block and the sense of community was incredible. It was an enriching experience that I will carry with me.”★ ★ ★ ★ ★Hamda Mohamed“I’ve attended many writing workshops before, but this retreat was something special. The sessions were incredibly effective. I made significant progress on my thesis, and I also felt a deeper sense of connection to myself as a writer. Highly recommend!.”★ ★ ★ ★ ★Ikram Berkani
Pricing Plans
In-Person Writing Retreat
£150 (3 days, £50/day)
What’s included
Virtual Writing Retreat
£90 (3 days, £30/day)
What’s included
Special Offers
What's included
- Structured writing sessions at The Round Table
- Group discussions to share progress and challenges
- Feedback opportunities from peers and facilitators peaceful, supportive space designed to inspire creativity
- Live, guided writing sessions via Zoom
- Breakout room discussions for real-time feedback
- Downloadable resources to support your writing goals
- A dedicated online community for encouragement and sharing
- 1:1 Mentoring Session: £25 (30 minutes) – Dive deeper into your work with personalized guidance.
- Extended Retreat: £50 per additional day (available for in-person retreats) and £30 per additional day (available for virtual retreats).
- Early Bird Discount: Save 10% if you book early with us.
- Group Discount: Book with a friend and both receive £10 off.
Why Choose This?
Why Choose This?
Perfect for writers who thrive in a focused, in-person environment with opportunities for networking and collaboration
Ideal for writers who want the retreat experience from the comfort of home, with a flexible and budget-friendly option
Take a leap of faith!
Reserve your spot at The Round Table writing retreat and embark on a transformative journey of writing.