Join memoirist Molly Wizenberg for a writing-based creative retreat, an opportunity to restore your writer-self at idyllic Clos Mirabel in the French Pyrenees.
About this course:
Rather than a typical writing course composed of lectures, exercises, and workshopping, our emphasis at Clos Mirabel will be a simpler – and deeper – one: to use the act of writing to reconnect with our own minds, drawing inspiration from the sights, sounds, and flavors of Southwest France. Participants will emerge from our week together with new drafts, pages of ideas for future writing, and a renewed sense of creative focus and intention.
We’ll spend our mornings in class, discussing elements of craft with the help of essays by Alexander Chee, Melissa Febos, Ross Gay, Carl Phillips, and Patricia Lockwood. Then we’ll carry our insights onto the page, using a new prompt each day to jump-start a piece of writing or go deeper into your existing work. 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 workshop is designed for writers of creative nonfiction and memoir, but all are welcome; you may write in any genre or format you choose. No particular experience is necessary. This workshop is for anyone seeking to know themselves better through writing, whether or not you call yourself a ‘writer.’
Programme Outline – Creative Writing Retreat
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.
Saturday
4.00 – Check-in time from 4pm onwards. Guests arrive, settle in and explore Clos Mirabel
6.30 – Welcome drinks and dinner
Sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 12.00 An introduction to the course
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 A guided writing exercise, followed by free time to write individually or with the instructor and like-minded course participants
6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Monday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 12.00 Craft talk: rebuilding memories on the page
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 A guided writing exercise, followed by free time to write individually or with the instructor and like-minded course participants
6.30 – 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.
6.30 – 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.
6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 12.00 Craft talk and discussion of readings
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 A guided writing exercise, followed by free time to write individually or with the instructor and like-minded course participants
6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Friday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 12.00 Craft talk and discussion of readings
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 A guided writing exercise, followed by free time to write individually or with the instructor and like-minded course participants
6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Saturday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet Breakfast
11.00 – Check-out
Non-painting 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.
