THE VOICE OF YOUR SOUL
A WRITING WORKSHOP
LED BY
MONICA HAIM
In a time when words are often generated by algorithms, this week is an invitation to return to the source — the living, breathing voice within. Surrounded by olive trees and the quiet rhythm of southern Italy, we’ll gather at Masseria Schiuma to write, reflect, and reconnect with the essence of what makes us human: our stories, our attention, and the pulse of our own creative truth.
The Workshop
The current zeitgeist — which rumbles with the fervor and momentum of generative AI — suggests that the craft of writing is dead. That the act of stringing words together is now a task relegated to the matrix of technology. That creativity can be outsourced by a series of prompts.
Which is why writer Monica Haim won’t teach you how to write — but rather, how to connect with the soul of your voice. Because beyond prompts and clicks and algorithmic patterning, and well beyond the rehashing and repackaging of data, there lives the you-ness of you. The individually encoded spirit of your humanity that is uniquely yours. The singular, soul-level essence of your being, given to you by life itself.
The Place
The workshop will take place in southern Italy, at Masseria Schiuma — a restored farmhouse located in Capitolo, just outside Monopoli and a short walk from the Adriatic Sea. The name Schiuma, meaning “foam” in Italian, reflects its closeness to the water and the salty breeze that drifts through the olive groves.Perfectly situated between Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, and Locorotondo, the villa offers easy access to some of Puglia’s most picturesque towns. The closest airports are Bari (45 minutes) and Brindisi (1 hour).
The Villa
Set among olive groves and open sky, Masseria Schiuma combines the natural beauty of Puglia with elegant modern design. Spacious terraces, shaded gardens, and outdoor living areas invite slow mornings and long conversations. Inside, limestone walls, vaulted ceilings, and curated furnishings create an atmosphere that feels both refined and deeply comfortable.
The masseria has been thoughtfully reimagined in homage to local craftsmanship and Danish design. Mid-century pieces, antique tiles from Vetri, and textiles from around the world bring character and warmth to every room. Art by Matt Kleberg, lounge chairs by Yrjö Kukkapuro, and sculptural lighting including a vintage Murano lamp and a custom chandelier by Francesco Giampetruzzi complete the space with quiet sophistication.
Retreat Overview
Dates
May 1-May 8
Over the week, immerse yourself in the beauty and rhythm of Puglia while exploring the voice of your soul through writing. Guided by Monica Haim, this retreat invites you to slow down, listen inwardly, and reconnect with the uniquely human essence that lives beneath words.
Each day will offer a balance of guided writing sessions, open time for reflection, and gentle exploration of the region. Together we’ll visit nearby towns — meeting local artisans, tasting regional food, and experiencing the textures of everyday life that make Puglia so rich in story and spirit. Mornings may begin quietly in the gardens or under the olive trees; afternoons might unfold in shaded courtyards, coastal villages, or cafés filled with conversation.
Rather than focusing on technique, Monica will lead participants toward the deeper, more intuitive layers of expression , the personal truths that shape one’s authentic voice. Whether you’re journaling, shaping stories, or writing simply for yourself, this week is about reconnecting to the part of you that creates from the heart.
Schedule subject to change.
Meet Our Hosts
Monica Haim
As a professional ghostwriter, Monica has been published by Hachette, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Penguin and Chronicle Books. In 2000, Monica was published in an anthology, 9/11 8:48am: Documenting America's Worst Tragedy (Blue Ear Press, 2001), and her essay was adapted for the London theatrical premiere, Voices from September 11th. Monica has collaborated with personalities such as Ricky Martin, Jorge & Laura Posada, Thalia, Nina Garcia, Paige VanZant and David Archuleta, with whom she wrote a New York Times best seller.
Monica is currently Head of Communications for Wild Alaskan Company, a direct-to-consumer e-commerce business that offers a nation-wide seafood membership program. She was previously Editorial Director for BeLatina, a site for Latina women and women of color. Prior to that she was Editor-in-Chief at Becomingselfmade.com, Nely Galán's digital platform that advocates entrepreneurship for multicultural women. She was previously content director for Mamiverse.com, a web portal for Latina mothers.
Jessica Kassin
Jessica Kassin is a portrait and documentary photographer who finds magic in meaningful connections and storytelling. Born in Guatemala and educated in the U.S. and Italy, Jessica’s passion for art, photography, and travel has led her to host creative retreats exclusively in Italy — a place she fell hard for over 25 years ago.
Her connection to Italy began with a six-month study abroad in Florence, but when that time was up, she called her mom to say she wasn’t coming home just yet. That spontaneous decision sparked a lifelong bond with Italy’s people, landscapes, and rhythm of life.
Jessica is a mother of three, and lives with her family in Miami Beach, Florida.
Discover Puglia
Prices
The villa has six ensuite bedrooms, each with its own feel. Verde and Gialla work well for friends — they can be set up as triples, with a shared double bed plus a twin. Azzurra, La Rosa, Terracotta, and Cucinotta are cozy double rooms, each with a king or queen bed to share and their own personality and light.
Every room has a private bathroom and blends the rustic warmth of the masseria with modern comfort — quiet, comfortable spaces to rest and reset after full days of writing and exploring.
What's Included
• 7 nights of accommodations in our private luxury villa
• 6 days of immersive writing and creative exploration
• Transportation to and from Bari Airport at a set time on arrival and departure days
(If your travel plans don’t align with the group transfer, we’ll help arrange private transportation.)
• A thoughtfully designed daily itinerary exploring the beauty and culture of Puglia
• All workshop materials
• Daily breakfast, light lunches when we’re at the villa, and all dinners with wine served each evening (Guests will have free time to enjoy local cafés and restaurants for lunch during day trips.)
• A hands-on cooking class
• A visit to a local vineyard and wine tasting
• E-bikes for exploring the surrounding area