Join Alexandra Butler at Atelier Clos Mirabel in July 2026 for a personal essay and memoir workshop in the French Pyrénées.
About this course:
“In the other room the puzzle is all together. In the other room over there.” – David Lynch
Whether you’re a writer who became a caregiver or a caregiver who realized you must write, this memoir/personal essay workshop is for you. We will share our stories, our lessons, our regrets, and what we cherish. We’ll explore how family dynamics, societal norms, attitudes, and structural forces impact our ability to care for one another.
Mornings we will meet in the classroom to read and discuss published works on love, loss, grief, nature, philosophy, mythology, motherhood, and more. I will provide prompts each day to start new writing or to re-enter existing work. You will leave the workshop with several pages of new writing and guidance to carry your work forward.
We’ll balance our days with laughter, rest, and time spent wandering in nature and exploring the sites near Clos Mirabel. This course will be a space to share, validate, normalize, and get creative with one of life’s most strange and profound experiences. The caregiver’s story is universal and yet always unique.
Course Schedule / Alexandra Butler
Please note that the schedule that follows is tentative; the curriculum for this class is designed to be flexible and responsive to the needs and wishes of the participants. By the end of the week, you will have several pages of new writing and a clear sense of how to move forward with your work.
Saturday
4.00 – Check-in time from 4pm onwards. Guests arrive, settle in and explore Clos Mirabel
6.00 – Welcome drinks and dinner, with discussion of goals for the week to come
Sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 11.00 Intro: The significance of personal narratives related to caregiving and grief
11.00 – 12.00 Free write: Reflect on experience and write about a significant moment
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 3.00 Read excerpts from notable memoirs and essays
3.00 – 4.00 Craft talk: How to write about difficult topics with both candor and care
4.00 – 5.00 Establish rules of productive feedback for the week and optional share
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Monday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 11.00 Craft Talk: Establishing voice and the use of different perspectives (e.g., caregiver and recipient of care).
11.00 – 11.30 Free write using 1st person
11.30 – 12.00 Free write in 2nd or 3rd person
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 3.00 Optional share of writing and discussion
3.00 – 5.00 Scheduled one-on-one meetings with tutor and free time to write individually
6.00 – Tasting of local wines, followed by 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Tuesday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
9.30 – 3.30 Depart for a day in the mountains: 2-hour hike with spectacular views and historic stone circles (cromlechs), picnic lunch, and generative writing en plein air (bring your notebook!) Transport provided. We will return at roughly 4.30 pm.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Wednesday – day off
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
Free time to explore Pau or beyond. The Clos Mirabel team is available to provide suggestions and organise transport.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 11.00 Craft Talk: Developing characters and scenes (Yes! Even in personal narrative)
11.00 – 12.00 Write a brief description of each character
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 3.00 Optional share and group feedback to flesh out characters
3.00 – 4.00 Craft Talk: The Sensory Pass – Grounding your characters In Scene
4.00 – 5.00 Scheduled one-on-one meetings with tutor; free time to write individually
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Friday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 11.00 Group Discussion on complexities of caregiving process. Discuss use of metaphor, imagery, and reflection.
11.00 – 12.00 Brainstorm Session: identify unique themes in each participant’s story
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 3.00 Draft an outline for personal essay or memoir chapter, focusing on one specific theme. Include key points and emotional beats.
3.00 – 5.00 Scheduled on-on-one meetings with tutor; free time to write individually
6.00 – Reading Night: share your work over aperitifs and 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Saturday– Buffet Breakfast and departure (Check-out 11am)
Non-Participating guests: we are more than happy to welcome non-participating guests, accompanying partners, family or friends. There are plenty of activities to experience around Clos Mirabel, that will make your holiday unforgettable Click here for more information.
The Creative Studio offers a spacious open plan layout of 75 m2. It is available at all times during your stay. Click here for more information.
