Would you like to travel with me?
Mastering the Art and Business of Novel Writing Retreat with Author Ann Garvin in France
Would you like to travel with me?
It’s no secret I love to travel.
The New Yorker published an essay called “The Case Against Travel,” and I thought about reading it, and then clicked away and packed my suitcase to visit my daughters, one in Minneapolis and one in London.
When I am in unfamiliar territory, making my way across cobblestones, squinting at bus schedules, sweaty and wondering if my rotator cuff is going to hang in there while I lift my overstuffed carry-on into the overhead bin, I discover myself.
I get out of my bubble of comfort, away from my perfect pillow and my winter-hermit lifestyle, and the world says, “Check me out, how amazing am I? Don’t I give you so many ideas? Did you even know there is a thing called Marmite and you don’t like it?”
I traveled a lot this past year and I learned so much about myself, like:
I don’t like certain foods because the texture grosses me out. Like seared tuna and tongue. Gross.
I sat next to a woman on the plane who, surprisingly and extensively, talked about her Kegel muscles and how important the pelvic floor is for everyone. Don’t ask me how we got on that topic. I clenched all the way to Cincinnati.
Apparently, I ask too many questions that nobody can answer, and that is an annoying thing about me. So noted.
I roughed out three new book ideas. They came to me when I snuck into an abandoned hotel in Tuscany, was chased out of a closing bookstore in London, and made a woman cry during my speech in Oshkosh. We hugged it out.
And, I am not as strong as I used to be and that’s fine, but now I’m lifting more weights so I can keep traveling and thinking of book ideas.
This essay has a point. I promise. Two points, in fact:
- I have some things that I never travel without that I thought I’d tell you about. I don’t receive any money from these recommendations. Can you imagine being organized enough to make those kinds of deals? Sigh.
- This coat is a blanket, a bathrobe, and I’ve had it for a decade. I take it no matter the weather and always use it. This makeup makes me look like I’m more awake than I feel. These little adaptors are the gift I give everyone. This tiny travel fork and spoon makes me look almost civilized when I’m hungry. This makeup trio is pricy but lasts forever and great when you are trying to look alive.
- I’m hosting an intimate writing retreat in a historic French estate this fall (September 30 – October 7, 2025): Mastering the Art and Business of Novel Writing Retreat with Author Ann Garvin in France
I’ll be teaching a more detailed version of the classes I’ve taught at the Writer’s Digest Conference, the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop, and in Drexel University’s MFA program.
In short, everything you need to know about plotting, pitching, and how I went from a scientist to a best-selling novelist without a single connection or college class.
This isn’t just any workshop – it’s an immersive experience limited to 16 writers, where we’ll combine intensive craft sessions with the inspiration of the French countryside. Think morning writing sessions in a converted barn studio, one-on-one mentoring, and evening discussions over wine and chef-prepared meals.
What we’ll explore together:
- How to plot your novel with relative ease
- How to describe and interest agents in your work, in under a minute
- Mastering structure and pacing
- How to write the most compelling story you can
- Understanding the current publishing & marketing landscape
This is an all-inclusive experience with Master of Fine Arts level instruction, taught by a best-selling novelist and a professor in education (me!)
Would you like to learn more and travel with me in 2025? Leave a comment with questions.
I just today signed up for a writing workshop in Wales. If I don’t get in that one I’ll come back to you. I would love to travel and learn with you!
It rains a lot in Wales. That’s all I’m going to say hahaha.
I’d love to write with you though. 🙂
xx Ann
Karen! Is this the Karen who I think you are? If you are from Bangor, your interest in Warles is obvious. Are you available to speak to our book club in Easton? Janet
Hi Ann, The retreat sounds amazing… where exactly is it located? And what is the cost?
I look forward to hearing from you… I’ve always enjoyed your postings ( I ‘met’ you through the Tall Poppy newsletter. It would be lovely to get to know you better. Thanks in advance, Rebecca
Hi Rebecca!
IF you click on this link it gives you the location and all of the information you need.
If you have any questions write to me at garvina@uww.edu
Looks awesome! If I had made more progress becoming a writer, I would join you. Thanks for making me laugh (Kegels). Too bad you didn’t get a benefit from your recommendations because I ordered the sticks.
You’ll love the sticks.
The retreat isn’t for advanced writers necessarily. It gets you started in a way that you don’t have to backtrack and rewrite because you have the story solidly in your brain.
…Just saying.
xxx Ann
This would be the coolest.
Someday 🙂
Hi Ann—as always, I love to read what you write! I took advantage of your comment about Wiggly Goat Farm and I also ordered a bunch of her products! I love them, and have recently received a second order! Thank you for your humor…the world needs you right now. I would love to send a friend to your writing workshop. How quickly does it fill up? DM
Oh I’m so glad, Wiggly Goat is the best!
I’m so glad you are here!!
It can fill up quickly — there’s 16 spots though. All I can say is earlier the better?
xxx A
I just dropped that adaptor in my cart. So freaking awesome!
Also, I have always loved to travel, too (and would totally learn from you in France!). However, our house was damaged in the Seattle area bomb cyclone last November, and we’ve been living the nomadic life since, bouncing from Airbnb to Airbnb. If anything will give you the desire to NOT travel for a bit (and will take away your pocket change to do so), it’s that. I’m eagerly awaiting our house being repaired (sadly, will take 9-12 months), so I can GO HOME. But, hey, if you do this France thing again, I’m interested!
I can’t believe you are still dealing with the bomb cyclone after math.
I can not even imagine what you are dealing with. No way.
I hope I get to do this again. And, I will stay tuned to your progress.
Sending you strength and calm.
But, I can’t offer too much because I have very little calm to spare. XXX
This sounds Amazing! My youngest son was born in Paris, and I haven’t been to France for 20 years. I didn’t see the link for details? I’ve written four books (making a movie from my first in April) and if you need a traveling assistant/luggage carrier/dish washer I’d love to go. I was in your Erma Bombeck class, and attended Bummer Camp last year and have been inspired by you ever since. Not just inspired to do Kegels again, but inspired by your humor and warm personality. I feel like I’ve always known you. Thank you for sharing your world.
Found the travel link, Duuuh. I was too busy ordering the makeup and spork.
Girrrllll I knowww you were at Bummer Camp.
Your youngest was born in Paris??
wow,
It’s time to go back to France.
You know, I wish I could just open this thing to everyone for free. I need so many luggage carriers. Espcially with all my travel products!!
You are amazing. I want to see the movie!
xxx
Bummer Camp was the greatest! That’s why I would love to join your destination writing retreat (especially if it were free LO.L – good idea!) You are so inspiring. I AM going back to France (because I never got to Giverny) and Wish I’d be there at the same time you’re getting writers together for another memorable experience that motivates writing.
This is exactly the kind of travel content I’ve been looking for! Your guide is so detailed and helpful. Thanks for sharing your amazing experiences.