Join The Story Shack’s Katherine Hoffman and Story Jam’s Stephanie Rogers as they team up for a week of inspired writing and joyful play!

At the Blossom Writing Retreat in France, guests draw from their life experiences and inner wisdom to craft tellable stories. Guided experiential techniques strengthen observational and emotional expressive skills, and the good-humored workshop format allows for both structured and free-writing time. Guests share their writing in community, celebrate individual voice and effort, and provide supportive engagement for writers to blossom. The retreat design encourages experimentation, lowers inhibition, and fosters personal growth through creative expression.

Novices and more experienced writers welcome!

Our extraordinary retreat setting is the medieval French town of Noyers-sur-Serein in the Yonne region of Burgundy. The Domaine de Venoise is a luxuriously restored 16th century property on a small road at the edge of town overlooking the Serein River and fields.

Guests can expect:

Inspiration for writing and storytelling

Enthusiastic, professional support and instruction

Small (10) cohort of writers from beginners to advanced practitioners, dedicated to blossoming through writing

Challenging, fun workshops (see schedule below)

Sumptuous accommodations with private bedroom, private full bath, and unobstructed views

Three meals per day, local wines at dinner, daily apéro*

An array of indoor and outdoor spaces for solo and small group gatherings

On-site recreation: kayaks, heated pool, ping pong, bocce balls, billiards, foozball, decks for al fresco yoga, etc.

Tranquil, gorgeous setting with hiking and bike paths

Transfer to and from Tonnerre train station or Charles de Gaule airport

Gift basket with writing materials

(Not included: airfare, personal items)