Join fiction writer Lauren Kate for a writing-based creative retreat, an opportunity to restore your writer-self at idyllic Clos Mirabel in the French Pyrenees.
About this course:
What makes a reader keep turning the pages of a novel? My two decades of experience as both a #1 New York Times bestselling author and a fiction editor has taught me that the answer is an elusive combination of remarkable, relatable characters, inventive and high-concept plots, scenes that make a reader feel something intensely, and the element of surprise. Many have been inspired to write such a novel; fewer have sat down to actually write—and revise—that novel to completion. This class invites the aspiring novelist to plunge into long form storytelling, breaking novel-writing down into approachable and non-intimidating narrative elements that will lead to “unputdownable” fiction. It’s open to writers at all phases of the creative process, whether you’re deep in your manuscript’s third draft or stranded between having a great idea and no clue how to commit to a writing practice.
We’ll troubleshoot issues that often make writers—and readers!—want to abandon a novel midway through—from characters who don’t behave the way we want them to, to unwieldy plots, low stakes, and lackluster scenes. We’ll study our individual writing habits (plotting vs pantsing, discovery drafts, when and how to process critiques) with an eye towards making the most of how each writer naturally writes best—all in a stunning and inspiring setting near the foothills of the Pyrénées Mountains. There will be plenty of time, too, for resting, relaxing, and exploring this stunning part of the world. Each evening, we’ll share a four-course meal. This is a workshop-focused course. Each writer will get to submit up to 5,000 words of their work in progress for one full-group workshop. We welcome writers who enjoy the intense, collaborative deep-dive into longer excerpts of their novel, writers who find studying their fellow writers’ work illuminating and useful, and writers who want to one day hold their own unputdownable book in their hands.
Weekly Outline
Saturday
4.00 – Check-in time from 4pm onwards. Guests arrive, settle in and explore Clos Mirabel
6.00 – Welcome drinks and dinner
Sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Craft discussion and workshop of student writing
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
3.00 – 5.00 A guided writing exercise, followed by free time to write individually or with the instructor and like-minded course participants
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Monday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Craft discussion and workshop of student writing
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
3.00 – 5.00 A guided writing exercise, followed by free time to write individually or with the instructor and like-minded course participants
6.00 – Tasting of local wines, followed by 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Tuesday
9.30 – Depart for a day in the mountains: 2-hour hike with spectacular views and historic stone circles (cromlechs), picnic lunch, and writing exercises en plein air. Transport provided. We will return at roughly 4.00pm.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
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 organize transport.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Craft discussion and workshop of student writing
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
3.00 – 5.00 A guided writing exercise, followed by free time to write individually or with the instructor and like-minded course participants
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Friday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Craft discussion and workshop of student writing
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
3.00 – 5.00 A guided writing exercise, followed by free time to write individually or with the instructor and like-minded course participants
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Saturday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet Breakfast
11.00 – Check-out
Non-participating guests: we are more than happy to welcome non-painting 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 Art Studio offers a spacious open plan layout of 75 m2. It is available at all times during your stay. Click here for more information.
