“FIND YOUR VOICE”: A WOMEN’S WELLNESS WRITING RETREAT

LOCATION: PROVENCE

If you ever dreamed of being Elizabeth Gilbert when she wrote Eat, Drink, Pray, Love or Frances Mayes when she wrote Under the Tuscan Sun -this is your chance! This intensive writing 5 day/ 6 night retreat set in a provencal villa is designed for both writers looking to find their personal voice AND women who aren’t writers but who are interested in using writing as a vehicle to become more grounded in their personal identity. By the end of the week, you can expect to gain a deeper sense of self and a more intimate relationship with France. You’ll be writing in the traditions of memoir, personal essay, travel writing and similar forms of nonfiction while submersing yourselve in the French lifestyle, eating family style and taking daily writing workshops with writer and instructor, Charlotte Gullick.

Morning critique groups enable individuals to get feedback and bond with fellow participants. Afternoon workshops focus on finding your identity from different socio-cultural angles. Writing prompts invite participants to do deep-dives privately during free time in the late afternoons and evenings —or use that time to take optional excursions organized by Sojourner Tours to explore the area.

All workshops, discussion groups and activities are optional —you can attend them all or tailor a selection to suit to your personal preference leaving extra time to enjoy for yourself —writing privately or to spending with other retreat participants relaxing, enjoying the area.

Tentative sample Day:

SECOND DAY “Gathering the Threads of History”

Breakfast Enjoy a typically French breakfast at your own pace from the buffet-style spread in the villa.

Morning

7:00-7:30 optional gratitude & meditation practice

8:30-10:50 Self-Guided Free Writing Time

11:00-12:00 Aperitif & Critique Group Led by Charlotte Gullock

Family-style lunch in the villa

Afternoon

2:00-2:50 Writer’s Workshop led by Charlotte Gullock

2:50-3:00 Coffee Break

3:00-3:50 Writer’s Workshop led by Charlotte Gullock

4:00- Free Time: Optional Stroll through one of the two villages where Peter Mayle wrote his “Year in Provence” Series.

6:00 Choose a self-serve pool-side aperitif OR casual cooking class -help the chef prepare dinner and pick up a new French recipe!

7:00 Family-Style Dinner