# Writing Fiction with Confidence, Joy, and Singularity with Author Rebecca Makkai in France Join award-winning novelist Rebecca Makkai for an immersive fiction writing retreat in the scenic Dordogne region of France. Strengthen your storytelling, refine your manuscript, and explore new creative approaches while visiting the historic villages of Eymet, Issigeac, and Beynac-et-Cazenac, using their atmosphere and history as inspiration. Take part in daily workshops and discussions led by Rebecca, focusing on craft, narrative techniques, and breaking through creative barriers.Set in a historic Napoleonic-era estate, this retreat offers the space to focus on your writing while surrounded by the quiet beauty of the French countryside. Enjoy shared meals featuring regional flavors, connect with fellow writers in a supportive environment, and take part in the "Open Mic" gathering, a final evening of reflection, storytelling, and celebrating the creative process. ## Details - **Dates:** September 20 - 27, 2025 - **Location:** Eymet, Dordogne, France - **Starting Price:** $4,050 - **Category:** Painting ## Program ### Writing Fiction with Confidence, Joy, and Singularity Join award-winning novelist Rebecca Makkai for a fiction-focused writing retreat in the heart of the Dordogne region in southwestern France. Designed for writers at any stage, this retreat blends craft discussions, hands-on exercises, and structured writing sessions to help you break through creative barriers, refine your work, and explore new possibilities. Whether you're starting a novel, revising a manuscript, or experimenting with fresh ideas, you'll receive practical guidance and inspiration in a supportive environment.Throughout the week, you'll focus on:Freeing your writing from doubtFreeing your writing from predictabilityFreeing your writing from bad habitsFreeing your writing from expectationEach day includes dedicated writing time, prompts, and exercises designed to push your work forward:Fifteen optional exercises/prompts throughout the weekExperimentation with brainstorming, outlining, and drafting techniquesIndividualized goals for making progress or starting something newThe opportunity to share your work at the closing open micBeyond the workshops, you will also:Use local day trips to Issigeac, Beynac-et-Cazenac, and a French market to expand your observations and deepen your writingDiscuss craft, process, and the writing life with a community of fellow writersMeet one-on-one with Rebecca for a personal brainstorming sessionYour accommodation will be in an elegant historic estate from the Napoleonic era, set amidst vibrant gardens, secluded woodlands, a natural pond, and a heated pool. Delight in Dordogne’s culinary heritage with daily chef-prepared meals and savor the local wines through a cheese and wine-tasting experience. ### Day 1: Arrival Take the 3:30 PM shuttle from Bergerac train station to your retreat venue, a peaceful 25-acre historic estate. Settle into your room, take a moment to relax, and meet your instructor, Rebecca Makkai. Join a guided walk around the property to explore the gardens, terraces, swimming pool, woodlands, and pond. In the evening, come together for a welcome dinner featuring regional food and local wine. During the meal, you'll get to know fellow writers and discuss your plans for the week, creating a supportive and focused atmosphere for the retreat. ### Day 2: Classes at the venue Start your day with a filling breakfast, fueling up for a productive and creative morning. Over coffee, connect with Rebecca and fellow writers as you go over the day's plan and settle into the rhythm of the retreat.The morning session begins with introductions and a warm-up to ease into the writing process. Through prompts and guided exercises, Rebecca will help you get started, encouraging fresh ideas and new approaches. Use this time to dive into your work, experiment with different styles, and begin shaping your writing for the week ahead.After lunch, dive into "Free Your Writing from Doubt," a focused craft talk on breaking past hesitation and second-guessing. Rebecca will guide you through recognizing and silencing internal voices that hold you back, embracing the messy, necessary freedom of early drafts, and making choices that bring clarity and momentum to your work. This session is about letting go of perfectionism, hesitation, and fear so you can write with confidence and conviction.The late afternoon is open for you to recharge. Take a walk, unwind by the pool, or spend time reflecting on the day's insights. If you’d like, you can also share your work and receive feedback. The day wraps up with an evening meal featuring regional food, where you can connect with fellow writers and talk about the progress and discoveries made throughout the day. ### Day 3: Trip to Issigeac Begin the day with a morning meal, setting the stage for what’s ahead. Over coffee, get to know Rebecca and the other writers as you go over the plans for the day. Then, head out for a visit to the historic village of Issigeac.Dating back to the 6th century, Issigeac’s winding streets and half-timbered buildings offer plenty of inspiration. As you walk through town, pay attention to the small, defining details: a café coming to life in the morning, the way sunlight moves through narrow alleyways, and the textures of stone and wood that hold centuries of history. Visit the church of Saint-Félicien or simply take in the everyday rhythms of the village, allowing new ideas to take shape.Back at the venue, sit down for a relaxed lunch and reflect on the morning’s impressions before shifting into the afternoon’s craft talk: "Free Your Writing from Predictability". Rebecca will guide a discussion on pushing past familiar patterns, making unexpected choices, and using possibility maps and juxtapositions to bring new energy to your work. Explore ways to break out of creative habits and open up fresh directions in your writing.The late afternoon is yours to step away from the work and reset. Take a walk, unwind by the pool, or spend some time processing the ideas from earlier. If you’d like, this is also an opportunity to share writing and receive feedback. The day wraps up with an evening meal, bringing everyone together for good conversation and reflection on the day's progress. ### Day 4: Classes at the venue The day begins with breakfast, a time to get ready for the sessions ahead. Over coffee, connect with Rebecca and fellow writers as you review the schedule and prepare to dive into the work.The morning session starts with a series of prompts designed to get ideas flowing and push your writing in new directions. Use this time to explore fresh angles, experiment with style, and develop momentum in your work. Whether you're starting something new or deepening an existing project, this session is about generating material and seeing where it leads.Lunch provides a chance to pause, reset, and reflect on the morning’s progress before shifting into the afternoon’s craft talk and discussion: "Free Your Writing from Bad Habits". Rebecca will guide an exploration of how to break away from predictable patterns, avoid overused tropes, and lean into narrative choices that create tension and surprise. Rethink familiar approaches and push past limitations to bring new energy and depth to your work.As the afternoon winds down, gather in the gardens for a relaxed wine and cheese tasting, an opportunity to experience flavors from the Dordogne region while continuing conversations from the day. The evening wraps up with dinner, a chance to unwind, exchange ideas, and look ahead to the next day’s writing. ### Day 5: Trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac Begin the day with breakfast, getting ready for a full-day visit to Beynac-et-Cazenac.This medieval village rises above the Dordogne River, its narrow stone streets winding up toward the imposing 12th-century Château de Beynac. As you explore, take in the details that make this place distinct: the weathered steps leading to the fortress, the hush of a shaded alley, and the slow movement of the river below. Whether it's the towering castle, the riverside views, or the quiet rhythm of village life, let the setting leave its mark.Midday offers a chance to pause for lunch at a café in the village, a moment to take in the surroundings and enjoy the slower pace before continuing through the afternoon.As you move through the village, consider how a setting comes to life through the senses. How does the scent of old stone mix with the river air? What stories emerge from the murmur of conversations, the creak of wooden shutters, or the footsteps on cobblestone? Noticing these elements strengthens the way the place is captured on the page, making a setting feel vivid and full.Returning to the estate, take some time to unwind, whether by reflecting on the day’s impressions, chatting with fellow writers, or simply sitting with the experience. The evening comes to a close with dinner, a chance to gather, share thoughts, and let the inspiration of the day settle in. ### Day 6: Trip to the French market Kick off the morning with a hearty breakfast and a chance to connect with Rebecca and fellow writers before heading out for a short walk to the Eymet Market, just 15 minutes away. The market square is full of life, offering a mix of voices, movement, and sensory details. Wander at your own pace, noticing the sounds of conversation, the scent of fresh produce and baked bread, and the variety of textures and colors that make a place feel real.Back at the venue, take a moment to settle in before sitting down for lunch, a time to reflect on the morning and gather thoughts for the afternoon’s work.The afternoon’s craft talk, "Free Your Writing from Expectation," explores breaking away from limitations—both internal and external. Rebecca will lead a discussion on writing without feeling boxed in by genre rules, silencing the pressure of an imagined audience, and setting goals that align with your creative ambitions. Learn how to harness expectations in a way that drives your work forward rather than holding it back.As the late afternoon unfolds, step away from structured discussion. Take a walk, relax, or spend time with fellow writers to process new ideas. If you’d like, this is also an opportunity to share your work and receive feedback. The evening wraps up with dinner, bringing everyone together to reflect on the day and the progress made. ### Day 7: Classes at the venue Begin the final day with a satisfying breakfast, a chance to look back on the work accomplished throughout the retreat, and get ready for the sessions ahead.The morning focuses on writing prompts designed to push your work forward and help you refine what you’ve built over the week. Use this time to explore new ideas, strengthen existing pieces, or experiment with different approaches. Whether you’re fine-tuning a character, sharpening dialogue, or expanding a scene, this is an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned and make meaningful progress.After a midday break for lunch, take some time to relax before gathering for the afternoon’s closing session.The retreat concludes with an "Open Mic and Celebration" session, an opportunity to share your work in a supportive space. Whether you choose to read an excerpt, reflect on lessons from the week, or simply listen, this final gathering offers a chance to exchange insights, ask lingering questions, and recognize the growth that has taken place.As the late afternoon settles in, take a walk, sit with your thoughts, or discuss with fellow writers. The retreat wraps up with a farewell dinner, a time to celebrate the connections made, the stories written, and the inspiration that will carry forward beyond the week. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy a final breakfast with Rebecca and your fellow writers before it's time to part ways. Departing at 9:00 AM, you'll head to Bergerac train station, arriving around 9:45 AM. As you journey home, you'll carry with you a heart full of inspiration and unforgettable memories. ## Instructors - **Rebecca Makkai** - Award-winning novelist, speaker ## Accommodation ### Historic countryside estate ### Shared standard room (female only) ### Shared superior room (female only) ### Single standard room ### Single superior room ## Book This Retreat Visit [https://uptrek.com/retreat/writing-fiction-confidence-joy-singularity-author-rebecca-makkai-france](https://uptrek.com/retreat/writing-fiction-confidence-joy-singularity-author-rebecca-makkai-france) to make a reservation. *Provided by [UpTrek](https://uptrek.com)*