Haunted Travel: Writing with Ghosts in Transylvania

February 24, 2015 | Mysterious Places, The Life Less Ordinary, The Writing Life

It may just be the most amazing writers’ retreat ever.

I’m going to go out on a limb and say it is.

This summer, I’ll be in Transylvania for the Horror Writers’ Workshop.

What better place to craft a scary story than in the shadow of Bran Castle, which reportedly inspired Bram Stoker as he was writing Dracula? Or inside an actual haunted house.

For most people, Transylvania is synonymous with the real Dracula, otherwise known as Vlad Tepes, a dictator who ruled Wallachia in the 1400s. Tepes earned his nickname (Dracula means “Son of the Devil” or, historically, “Son of the Dragon”) by impaling his enemies and otherwise torturing them. Even “Tepes” is a nickname–it means “Impaler.”

This workshop will not disappoint. I’ll be able to visit the house where Dracula was born, along with a notoriously haunted forest.

I’d always thought the vampire legend was something trotted out for tourists, but Tausha Johnson, one of the workshop organizers, tells me that isn’t the case.

“Transylvanians are seriously superstitious. For them, vampires and the living dead are not just folklore,” she said.

As a horror writer, visiting Romania has been on my bucket list forever, and I’m so excited to be able to walk the same streets as Stoker and Dracula.

Have you ever been to Transylvania? If so, what did you think? It’s definitely the ultimate location for a horror writers’ workshop, but I’m curious…for those writers who work in other genres, where’s the perfect place for you? Where would the ideal romance or fantasy-writers’ retreat be held, for instance?

P.S. If you like this post, you’ll love the story of my visit to the world’s most haunted forest.

Bran Castle, Dracula, ghosts, haunted places, haunted travel, horror, horror author jh moncrieff, Horror Writers' Workshop, Romania, Transylvania, unusual writers retreats, vampires, Vlad Tepes, writing

22 Comments

Samantha Bryant on February 24, 2015 at 6:45 am

Congratulations! It sounds like a great opportunity. I can’t wait to see what you make from it.
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- JH on February 24, 2015 at 8:42 am
  
  Thanks so much, Samantha! I am SO excited. It’s hard to concentrate on anything else. I’ve wanted to go there forever, and this is an amazing opportunity.
  
  I’m practically guaranteed to meet some great people.
  Reply
Crystal on February 24, 2015 at 7:31 am

This writer’s retreat sounds amazing! I’m a little jealous, I would love to attend, but since I don’t really write horror it would really just be for the history.

I’m SO curious to know how it feels to stand in Dracula’s house, so you’ll have to let us know!

I don’t know that I can pick one location for the perfect writing retreat. I usually like to travel, visit different places, and let it influence my writing when I get home.
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- JH on February 24, 2015 at 8:44 am
  
  Hey Crystal! The course description says it’s perfect for anyone who writes books that have some elements of horror. I would say yours definitely qualifies. It’s dark fantasy, is it not?
  
  It’s going to be strange eating in Dracula’s house (apparently it’s a restaurant now) but I hope they kept as much of the original structure and design intact as possible.
  
  I’m the same way about writing and travel. But it’s a fun exercise. For your books, it might be interesting to go to the Holy Land, let’s say.
  Reply
Stephanie Faris on February 24, 2015 at 8:47 am

OMG is that not the most awesome thing ever? I always avoid writer’s retreats because…bleh. Writer’s conferences are very inspiring, but in a locale like that…how can you resist?!!!! That’s a conference of a lifetime.
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- JH on February 24, 2015 at 9:49 am
  
  Thanks, Stephanie! Yes, this is more of a workshop than a straight-up retreat. I haven’t had much luck with retreats, either, but I’ve learned to not expect to get much writing done. It’s all about the networking, and in this case, sight-seeing and exploring.
  
  I’m SO excited about it!
  Reply
Madeline Mora-Summonte on February 24, 2015 at 9:27 am

I can’t wait to hear a recap of your experience! It sounds like it’s going to be amazing. Have a wonderful time! 🙂
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- JH on February 24, 2015 at 9:50 am
  
  Thanks, Madeline! I still can’t believe I’m going. It sounds so perfect for me.
  
  If you know any other horror writers, feel free to give them a nudge. 🙂
  Reply
Elle on February 24, 2015 at 2:31 pm

I’m so glad you decided to go ahead and do this. It’s going to be the trip of a lifetime, especially for a horror writer!
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- JH on February 24, 2015 at 2:42 pm
  
  Thanks Elle, and thanks for always encouraging me! Not everyone understands my crazy dreams.
  
  This will guarantee that 2015 will be one of the best years EVER!
  Reply
Ev Bishop on February 24, 2015 at 5:54 pm

!!! I am almost speechless–and I AM totally jealous (in a super happy for you way, of course 🙂 ). What an amazing retreat. I know it will be crazy-wonderful. Have the best time!
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- JH on February 24, 2015 at 10:40 pm
  
  Hi Ev,
  
  Thanks so much! I’m really excited about it. And I haven’t forgotten about our scary interview. I’ve just been so behind. But it’s coming!
  
  Thanks for commenting. 🙂
  Reply
Donelle Lacy on February 24, 2015 at 7:36 pm

This sounds so awesome, Holli! I hope you have a great time (I know you will). For my writing (Victorian and fantasy) I’d love to stay here for a writer’s workshop: http://www.queenvictoria.com/
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- JH on February 24, 2015 at 10:41 pm
  
  Oh, that’s so pretty, Donelle! It would be perfect for you. Have you ever been?
  
  Thanks for the kind words.
  Reply
Tausha on February 25, 2015 at 7:30 am

Thank you so much for your kind words, Holli! We’re all looking forward to meeting you. It’s true, Transylvanians are extremely superstitious. We’re trying to book a medium to come give our group a reading, but many places are fearful of what she/he might invite into their establishment.

And yes, the workshop is open to all horror sub-genres, as well as anyone who would like to expand their writing. Many elements of horror (such as atmosphere, setting, suspense…) are valuable for any genre.

Thanks for writing this. My favourite blog post ever! Can’t wait to meet you in July!
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- JH on February 25, 2015 at 1:14 pm
  
  Thanks so much, Tausha. I appreciate all the help and information you’ve given me so far.
  
  I agree that many of the elements of horror are great for any genre. Who doesn’t want more suspense, tension, or conflict in their writing? It makes any story more exciting.
  
  Looking forward to meeting you!
  Reply
Kay on February 25, 2015 at 10:58 am

I’ll be at the Horror Writers Workshop, too! I’m just emerging into writing fiction and I tend more towards fantasy and magic in realism that bloody horror or mystery. I’m taking this workshop to stretch my pen. My published work is non-fiction technical information and education. I teach language arts, art, and natural science. I’m happy to find you and your horror writing! I can learn much from writers like you who have a way with darkness and suspense. I’m more comfortable with dark photography and illustration and I know I can write dark stories with a little more encouragement and confidence. See you at the Castle!
https://skybluedaze.wordpress.com/
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- JH on February 25, 2015 at 1:16 pm
  
  Welcome to my blog, Kay! Good to meet you. I guess we’ll be meeting in person soon. 🙂
  
  My published work is mostly non-fiction too, but journalism and public relations. I’m also an editor, both developmental and copy-editing.
  
  I think your genre is a great fit for this workshop. I’m sure we’re both going to learn a lot. Thanks for introducing yourself! Come back anytime. 🙂
  Reply
Tana on February 25, 2015 at 4:05 pm

This is the COOLEST THING EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get Vlad the Impaler’s autograph for me!!!!!!=-)
Omgosh! So cool! Have fun!!!
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- JH on February 25, 2015 at 4:31 pm
  
  Thanks, Tana. I believe Vlad is long gone, but is there anyone else’s you’d like? 🙂
  
  I agree, it is the coolest thing ever! Super pumped and excited!
  Reply
C. Lee McKenzie on May 1, 2015 at 6:59 pm

Thanks for sending me the link to this post! You’re right. This sounds perfect for any writer, not just horror writers. Come back and tell us all about your “horrifying” experience. 🙂
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- JH on May 5, 2015 at 12:20 am
  
  I’ll be blogging up a storm!
  Reply