Suzy K. Quinn
Author & Ghostwriter
Internationally bestselling author with over 1 million copies sold, ghostwriter and book coach
Kendra Harpster
Executive Editor, KAA
New York Times-bestselling editor and former Executive Editor at Penguin Random House
Sophie Hannah
Bestselling Author
New York Times- and Sunday Times-bestselling author and award-winning crime novelist
Retreat Workshops
Below are some of the topics and workshops covered during this retreat
Suzy K. Quinn
Author & Ghostwriter
Internationally bestselling author with over 1 million copies sold, ghostwriter and book coach
Suzy K. Quinn is an internationally bestselling British author, ghostwriter, and book coach whose books have sold more than one million copies worldwide. With nearly two decades of publishing experience, she has written across a wide range of genres, including women's fiction, psychological thrillers, cosy mysteries, young adult fiction, and memoir.
Her books have achieved bestseller status in the UK, US, and Germany, with several titles reaching the Amazon Top 10. Suzy's published works include:
Don't Tell Teacher — an Amazon Top 10 bestseller
Not My Daughter — a psychological thriller published by HarperCollins
The Bad Mother's Diary — part of her bestselling fiction series
Huxley Sparks and the Book of Secrets — an award-winning children's novel
Alongside her own writing, Suzy has worked extensively as a ghostwriter, collaborating on fiction, memoirs, business books, and self-help titles. Her experience also includes freelance journalism for publications such as The Sunday Times, The Telegraph, The Guardian, and the Daily Mail.
Passionate about helping writers succeed, Suzy has developed writing courses, including How to Write a Bestseller, and works with authors to develop compelling stories, identify their target audiences, and strengthen their manuscripts.
Combining commercial publishing knowledge with hands-on experience as a bestselling novelist and ghostwriter, Suzy brings valuable insight into creating engaging narratives, developing memorable characters, and writing books that connect with readers.
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Kendra Harpster
Executive Editor, KAA
New York Times-bestselling editor and former Executive Editor at Penguin Random House
Kendra Harpster is a New York Times-bestselling editor and Executive Editor at Kevin Anderson & Associates, with more than two decades of experience acquiring and editing award-winning fiction and memoir.
Before joining KAA, Kendra held senior editorial positions at several prestigious publishing houses, including Doubleday, Random House, Viking Books, and Berkley Books, part of Penguin Random House.
Throughout her career, she has worked with some of the industry's most celebrated authors, including:
Tana French — In the Woods, The Likeness, and Faithful Place
Rachel Joyce — The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, a New York Times bestseller
Mira Jacob — The Sleepwalker's Guide to Dancing
Kim Edwards — The Lake of Dreams
Kurt Andersen — True Believers
During her time at Viking, Kendra discovered and edited the first three thrillers by New York Times-bestselling novelist Tana French, helping establish one of contemporary crime fiction's most acclaimed voices.
Her expertise spans literary fiction, commercial fiction, thrillers, memoir, and narrative nonfiction. She has a particular passion for working closely with authors to develop their stories, strengthen their characters, and refine their writing.
Known for her thoughtful and collaborative editorial approach, Kendra brings a wealth of publishing experience and a deep understanding of storytelling to her work with writers. Her guidance helps authors elevate their manuscripts, sharpen their narrative voices, and bring their creative visions to life.
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Sophie Hannah
Bestselling Author
New York Times- and Sunday Times-bestselling author and award-winning crime novelist
Sophie Hannah is an internationally bestselling British author, celebrated for her psychological thrillers, crime fiction, and poetry. Her books have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been published in 49 languages across 51 territories.
A Sunday Times, New York Times, and Amazon Kindle UK #1 bestselling writer, Sophie is renowned for her intricate plots, compelling characters, and unexpected twists.
At the request of Agatha Christie's family and estate, Sophie was selected to continue the legendary Hercule Poirot series, beginning with The Monogram Murders in 2014. Her books include:
The Monogram Murders — the first new Hercule Poirot novel authorised by Agatha Christie's estate
Closed Casket — a Sunday Times bestselling Poirot mystery
The Carrier — winner of the Crime Thriller of the Year Award at the 2013 National Book Awards
How to Hold a Grudge — her bestselling self-help book exploring human relationships and emotions
In 2023, Sophie received the Crime Writers' Association's prestigious Dagger in the Library Award in recognition of her contribution to crime writing.
Beyond fiction, Sophie is an accomplished poet whose work has been shortlisted for the T. S. Eliot Prize and is studied in schools and universities across the UK.
She is also the founder of Dream Author Coaching, a programme dedicated to helping writers develop their confidence, creativity, and writing careers.
Combining exceptional storytelling expertise with a passion for mentoring, Sophie offers writers invaluable insight into crafting compelling plots, creating unforgettable characters, developing suspense, and building a successful and sustainable writing practice.
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Your Host on Site
Anna Burtt
Retreat Coordinator
Your on-site host throughout the retreat
Our Retreat Coordinator, Anna, will be in touch as soon as you’ve secured your place to answer any questions you have, assist with booking transport and to get to know you and your work to make sure that you get the most from your experience in Tuscany. She will make sure that mentors know about your projects and receive material ahead of the retreat in order to tailor their teaching accordingly.
Anna has a background in both publishing and hospitality and is always happy to share insight and ideas as well as make you your favourite coffee and cocktail. Anna will be on site during the retreat overseeing teaching, organising airport transfers, serving meals and excursions and making sure that you have everything you need during the week, so you can switch off from your responsibilities and lock in to your learning.
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