Writer? Come to an intensive in France!
These little retreats are life changing for writers
If you’ve ever considered attending one of my weeklong writers intensive over the years, I’d like to formally invite you to come! For nine years, I’ve taught writers in Geneva, Switzerland, and it’s been one of the most fulfilling, exciting, and sweet times of teaching in my life. I’ve seen lives changed, publishing contracts realized, friendships made, and so many memories curated. I loved the YWAM base in Burtigny, and I will miss holding my intensives there.
But, alas, last time I went in 2024, I knew my time there was at an end. As one who wants everything to always go on forever, I didn’t love the idea of change. And part of me wrestled with doing my intensives at all. Was it time to let them go? Should I shift them back to the United States? But as I prayed about it, I loved the idea of being all together in Europe as we learned communally, broke bread, and pursued writing.
Plus this will be my TENTH year doing this! There’s something lovely about ten, my favorite number. It feels complete.
My daughter Sophie and my friend Elaine from Burtigny and I visited a locale in Southern France this summer. Although the place was beautiful, it was not very accessible, and it just wasn’t the right facility for our time together.
Last Fall, I traveled to Normandy with my own agent, Joy Eggerichs Reed to a former convent, La Maison de Perrine. It is a lovely place, perfect for intensives, just a train ride from Paris. You can read more about it here. Take a tour of the place here.
Here are some pictures I took while we were there:
Nearly everything you need to know about the intensive opportunity you can find at my website. So click over to see pricing and lots of info. Please read through all the FAQs on this page because most of your questions will be answered there.
Please note that your airfare to Paris and your train to Evron are not included. (Once in Paris, you’ll need to train to Evron. You can book it here). But in general, you’ll receive 7 days, 6 nights in NW France, all the instruction, one on one mentoring, group mentoring, an outing one afternoon to Normandy, great food, and lots of amazing conversations. I’m limiting each week to a maximum of 15 students to keep it intimate.
NOTE: Some who have attended an intensive in the past will notice a price increase. The reason? Because the YWAM base in Switzerland was extremely (wonderfully) affordable, and I also cut my fee so much that I couldn’t financially justify going anymore. Because we’re in a new place, and because I would like to be compensated fairly, cost per person per week has increased. There is a $500 discount if you attend both weeks.
Here are some important deadlines if you’d like to go:
To secure your spot, first fill out this brief application.
Pay a $500 deposit after you’ve applied.
We are tight on spots (15 max), so we will need to know if you’re not coming by June 1, 2026 to allow for new students. Prior to that date, you will receive a full refund. After that date, we charge a $200 fee ($350 for two weeks) for administrative purposes.
Pay remaining balance by June 30, 2026. This is so I can pay La Maison de Perrine when they’ve requested it.
Questions you may have:
But what if I’m scared?
Most people are scared who come, to be honest. We all arrive with our own sets of insecurities and worries, whether it be about the quality of our writing, our worry about health issues, or whether we can figure out the train system. This is super normal. Perhaps the most profound growth I’ve seen in attendees is their MOXIE. They learn they can do scary things, and it changes their lives!
What will I learn?
I will teach you everything I know about publishing, writing, editing, creating, and promoting. And I have two extra teachers coming with me who are offering truly unique expertise in editing, copywriting, online writing, and the business of writing. So basically, this is the information you would receive if you attended about three writers conferences. (At a conference, you cannot take all the tracks, but at this intensive, you are all together learning everything).
In addition, you’ll gain valuable insight into your own writing as you’re edited by me, my experts, and each other. This is the kind of skill you can bring home with you.
I’m awkward. Will I fit in?
Yes, because I am awkward too, and I understand what it feels like to come into a situation alone and afraid. That’s why I love to create experiences where strangers become friends. And the Lord LOVES to bring together a diverse group of people and build a community. Many of the cohorts I’ve brought together are still friends and meeting either in person or online.
What about food?
It’s amazing.
I could end there, of course, because we’re in France. But Caroline does take into consideration food aversions and allergies, and there are often a lot of choices so that you can eat what you need and want. Also, there’s a garden on site, so you’ll be getting fresh, amazing produce.
If you’re a writer looking to move your writing work and career forward, consider this your invitation to come. We are partially full, so consider making your decision soon.
I've heard great things about the people of Normandy. What a helpful environment to join with wise and encouraging cohorts