Writing Retreat with Sarah Bullen in France
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Join author and literary agent Sarah Bullen for an immersive writing retreat in the picturesque south of France. Explore the craft of storytelling, refine your manuscript, and deepen your understanding of structure, character, and the writing process. This is for novels, non-fiction and memoirs - and both novice and experienced writers are welcome.
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Set within a historic estate, this retreat offers daily discussions and writing sessions with Sarah, focusing on key techniques, industry insights, and one-on-one feedback. Mornings begin with quiet writing time, while afternoons provide space to refine your work and explore advanced storytelling methods. Share meals and connect with fellow writers in a welcoming and supportive environment, leaving with new skills, fresh ideas, and a clear direction for your creative journey.
**************************************************
We stay at the newly renovated Domaine Majou - a historic domaine on 8 1/2 hectares of former farmland and vineyards. This has recently been reimagined as a haven for creativity, connection, and celebration (and we have a celebrity chef cooking for us)
You will stay in:
* One of the 7 beautifully restored bedrooms in the main house.
* One of the 4 rooms in the charming gîte.
A gite is a renovated traditional country cottage or barn conversion (yes, we had to look it up too!)
**************************************************
GETTING THERE
You will fly to Toulouse (1 hour away) or if you are coming from the UK you may fly Ryanair into Carcassonne (15 mins away).
You can also find your way to Carcassonne (via train, bus or car) and we will transfer you from there.
**************************************************
Domaine Majou rests near the center of Aude, a region nestled between the Pyrenees mountains and the Mediterranean
Sea. Think ancient landscape, vineyards unfurling across rolling hills, medieval villages and the legendary Canal du Midi winding its unhurried path.
This is French countryside at its most authentic. Time moves more slowly and the connection between land and culture runs centuries deep.
**************************************************
WHO SHOULD JOIN?
Both advanced and novice writers are welcome on this retreat.
This is a structured writing workshop for writers of all levels who want to tell their story or write their book. We also welcome scriptwriters, academic writers and poets.
It is right for you, if you need an adventure, plus the gift of time and space in a quiet setting. You don’t need to be a writer or to have a grand project in progress. You may be halfway through a novel, or on your second one. You can be working on a memoir, poetry, workbook, online course, photography-based book, life story or just a creative writing project.
This is for writers who just need dedicated time away from ordinary life to totally immerse in a creative environment to write, write and write. The time is both a deep-dive into your own book, and a task-based programme to get your word count up, or finish your book ready for submission.
The course is a daily combination of technical writing techniques, working through your blocks, finding ways to access your memories and plan your story.
**************************************************
WHAT'S INCLUDED
* Writing sessions, individual tuition and a programme with literary agent Sarah Bullen
* 7 nights of accommodation at a spectacular private estate in the Carcassonne region of France
*Exclusive use of the entire estate, beautiful gardens, terraces, sauna gym and pool.
*All meals at the venue carefully prepared by a private chef
*7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
* Coffee, tea, and water available throughout the day
* Trip to the magnificent Carcassonne with its fairy-tale turrets. Perched atop seemingly impossible peaks, Cathar castles stand as silent sentinels to a turbulent past.
*Trip to the bustling and renowned market in Mirepoix, where local artisans showcase their crafts alongside produce and local cheeses—too much goodness for our sacks to hold.
Private transportation and guide for all planned activities1
Round-trip transfers from/to the airport at prearranged times from Carconsone or Toulouse.
All local tourist taxes and fees
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare
Travel insurance
One lunch during the full-day trip
Tips for staff
Other expenses guests might incur on their own
What to expect:
Mornings begin with quiet writing sessions, offering uninterrupted time to focus and build momentum before the day's discussions. Sarah will lead practical and engaging sessions covering everything from structuring a strong story to world-building, dialogue, and self-editing. Individual feedback is a key part of the retreat, with Sarah offering guidance tailored to each writer’s needs. Whether you are shaping a new idea or preparing a manuscript for submission, you will gain valuable insight into improving your work.
The topics covered during your lessons will include:
Planning the basics of a compelling story
Identifying the key elements of structure
Navigating the business side of books and screenplays
Mastering short-form writing – LinkedIn, Twitter, Substack, and magazines
Researching and perfecting the art of the interview
Creating realistic characters
Crafting strong beginnings, starts, and hooks
Self-editing and refining editing styles
Handling point of view effectively
Working with dialogue to enhance storytelling
Working through personal blocks with confidence
Adding depth and layers, tone, and voice
Sourcing tips and techniques for effective writing
Understanding what an author brand is and how to build one
Launching your brand and developing publicity ideas
...and many more.
**************************************************
Set within a historic estate, this retreat offers daily discussions and writing sessions with Sarah, focusing on key techniques, industry insights, and one-on-one feedback. Mornings begin with quiet writing time, while afternoons provide space to refine your work and explore advanced storytelling methods. Share meals and connect with fellow writers in a welcoming and supportive environment, leaving with new skills, fresh ideas, and a clear direction for your creative journey.
**************************************************
We stay at the newly renovated Domaine Majou - a historic domaine on 8 1/2 hectares of former farmland and vineyards. This has recently been reimagined as a haven for creativity, connection, and celebration (and we have a celebrity chef cooking for us)
You will stay in:
* One of the 7 beautifully restored bedrooms in the main house.
* One of the 4 rooms in the charming gîte.
A gite is a renovated traditional country cottage or barn conversion (yes, we had to look it up too!)
**************************************************
GETTING THERE
You will fly to Toulouse (1 hour away) or if you are coming from the UK you may fly Ryanair into Carcassonne (15 mins away).
You can also find your way to Carcassonne (via train, bus or car) and we will transfer you from there.
**************************************************
Domaine Majou rests near the center of Aude, a region nestled between the Pyrenees mountains and the Mediterranean
Sea. Think ancient landscape, vineyards unfurling across rolling hills, medieval villages and the legendary Canal du Midi winding its unhurried path.
This is French countryside at its most authentic. Time moves more slowly and the connection between land and culture runs centuries deep.
**************************************************
WHO SHOULD JOIN?
Both advanced and novice writers are welcome on this retreat.
This is a structured writing workshop for writers of all levels who want to tell their story or write their book. We also welcome scriptwriters, academic writers and poets.
It is right for you, if you need an adventure, plus the gift of time and space in a quiet setting. You don’t need to be a writer or to have a grand project in progress. You may be halfway through a novel, or on your second one. You can be working on a memoir, poetry, workbook, online course, photography-based book, life story or just a creative writing project.
This is for writers who just need dedicated time away from ordinary life to totally immerse in a creative environment to write, write and write. The time is both a deep-dive into your own book, and a task-based programme to get your word count up, or finish your book ready for submission.
The course is a daily combination of technical writing techniques, working through your blocks, finding ways to access your memories and plan your story.
**************************************************
WHAT'S INCLUDED
* Writing sessions, individual tuition and a programme with literary agent Sarah Bullen
* 7 nights of accommodation at a spectacular private estate in the Carcassonne region of France
*Exclusive use of the entire estate, beautiful gardens, terraces, sauna gym and pool.
*All meals at the venue carefully prepared by a private chef
*7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
* Coffee, tea, and water available throughout the day
* Trip to the magnificent Carcassonne with its fairy-tale turrets. Perched atop seemingly impossible peaks, Cathar castles stand as silent sentinels to a turbulent past.
*Trip to the bustling and renowned market in Mirepoix, where local artisans showcase their crafts alongside produce and local cheeses—too much goodness for our sacks to hold.
Private transportation and guide for all planned activities1
Round-trip transfers from/to the airport at prearranged times from Carconsone or Toulouse.
All local tourist taxes and fees
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare
Travel insurance
One lunch during the full-day trip
Tips for staff
Other expenses guests might incur on their own
What to expect:
Mornings begin with quiet writing sessions, offering uninterrupted time to focus and build momentum before the day's discussions. Sarah will lead practical and engaging sessions covering everything from structuring a strong story to world-building, dialogue, and self-editing. Individual feedback is a key part of the retreat, with Sarah offering guidance tailored to each writer’s needs. Whether you are shaping a new idea or preparing a manuscript for submission, you will gain valuable insight into improving your work.
The topics covered during your lessons will include:
Planning the basics of a compelling story
Identifying the key elements of structure
Navigating the business side of books and screenplays
Mastering short-form writing – LinkedIn, Twitter, Substack, and magazines
Researching and perfecting the art of the interview
Creating realistic characters
Crafting strong beginnings, starts, and hooks
Self-editing and refining editing styles
Handling point of view effectively
Working with dialogue to enhance storytelling
Working through personal blocks with confidence
Adding depth and layers, tone, and voice
Sourcing tips and techniques for effective writing
Understanding what an author brand is and how to build one
Launching your brand and developing publicity ideas
...and many more.
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Where is it happening?
Domaine Majou, Roulottes de Majou, Lieu-dit Majou, 11290 Montréal, France, Carcassonne
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherSarah Bullen The Writing Room
