
Imagine this...
A whole weekend dedicated to you and your writing, surrounded by the rolling countryside of rural France and a small group of people who simply get it.
Imagine enjoying fresh, home-cooked meals, slowing down, and giving yourself permission to embrace the calm. Imagine conversations that don't begin with "Have you published yet?" but with "What are you writing?"
Imagine reconnecting with your creativity, returning home with fresh ideas, renewed confidence, a new community of writing friends, and pages of notes you'll actually use.
For one weekend, the only thing you have to be is a writer.
10th-13th September 2026
"AuthorFest? More like AwesomeFest! Vicky hosted a fabulous time for authors to come together and feel comfortable."
- Lily Laverick, AuthorFest 2025
It's more than a writing retreat...

AuthorFest is all about connection, community, confidence, and collaboration.
With around twenty writers, one shared programme, practical workshops, and plenty of time to chat, there's no pressure, no cliques, and no fear of missing out.
It's a welcoming community, inspiring conversations, and a weekend where your writing truly matters.
And it's all happening this September 10th-13th.Â

You'll feel at home if...
You don't need to be published. Whether you're writing your first chapter or your fifth novel, all you need is a love of writing and an openness to what can happen when writers come together.
"Inspiring and thought-provoking weekend with lovely and knowledgeable people."
- Kyra Ayre, AuthorFest 2025
Meet Your Hosts
Novice to Novelist

Les Cabosses Retreats

The AuthorFest Programme
10th-13th September, 2026
From Mire to Momentum: Your First Five Pages

Arc Plotting: From Spark to Structure

What is a Publisher Actually Looking For?

Making Every Word Earn its Place on the Page

Extraordinary Lives of Ordinary People

Poetry as Storytelling: Finding Your Voice

"Lovely way to spend a weekend thinking and learning. Definitely spurred me on to get the novel written."
- First-time novelist, AuthorFest 2025
More Than Just a Venue
Nestled in the peaceful countryside of central France, Les Cabosses Retreats is more than just our venue. It's part of the AuthorFest experience this September.
Surrounded by rolling fields and open skies, it's a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and give yourself permission to focus on your writing. Spend your days learning from experienced authors and industry professionals, your afternoons chatting over coffee in the garden, and your evenings enjoying delicious home-cooked meals with fellow writers.
Whether you're staying in a private room, sharing the experience in our comfortable dormitory, or joining us on a Weekend Pass, you'll find welcoming spaces to write, read, reflect, and connect.
Sometimes the best ideas don't arrive in front of a computer screen. They arrive over breakfast with another writer, during an afternoon stroll through the French countryside, or in those quiet moments when you finally have the space to let your imagination wander.
"Full of kindness and community."
- Carol Ann Moore, AuthorFest 2025
Your AuthorFest Journey
Every AuthorFest is carefully designed to balance learning, creativity, and connection. Here's what your weekend could look like...
🌿 Thursday 10th September (for Retreat Guests)
Arrive. Unpack. Breathe.
Retreat guests are welcomed from Thursday afternoon with plenty of time to settle into their accommodation before joining everyone for a relaxed evening meal. It's your chance to get to know your fellow writers, explore the venue, and ease into the weekend without rushing.
💡 Friday 11th September: Create & Connect
Learn. Connect. Be inspired.
The weekend begins with practical workshops, lively discussions, and plenty of opportunities to meet other writers. Between sessions, enjoy home-cooked food, coffee breaks, and conversations with people who understand exactly why your fictional characters keep you awake at night.
🌱 Saturday 12th September: Craft & Publish
Dive deeper into your writing.
Saturday continues with another full day of inspiring workshops led by experienced authors and publishing professionals, before rounding off the day with relaxed evening activities and plenty of time to chat, laugh, and celebrate everything you've learned.
🌿 Sunday 13th September (for Retreat Guests)
A day just for you and your writing.
After a gentle Yoga for Creativity session with Helen, spend the day writing in peaceful surroundings. Whether you settle into a quiet corner with your notebook, enjoy the gardens, take a walk through the countryside, or book an optional one-to-one session with our workshop facilitators, Sunday is all about giving yourself the time and space to write.
Leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and excited to continue your writing journey.
Choose Your AuthorFest Experience
Weekend Pass
11th & 12th September
€80
Perfect for local writers or anyone arranging their own accommodation
Only 3 spaces left!
(Want to upgrade your Weekend Pass to a retreat ticket? Email me at vicky@novicetonovelist.com)

Includes:
- Welcome pack
- Workshops on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th September
- Lunch both days
- Refreshments throughout
- Networking session
- Connection, inspiration, and motivation
Shared Retreat
10th to 13th September
€399
The complete AuthorFest experience and our best value option.
Only 5 spaces left!
(Prefer to pay in instalments? Email me at vicky@novicetonovelist.com and we can set it up)

Includes:
- Â Everything in the Weekend Pass
- Shared accommodation from Thursday 10th to Sunday 13th September
- Thursday evening welcome dinner
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and refreshments throughout (9 meals in total)
- Yoga for Creativity on Sunday morning
- Quiet writing time and space in the retreat for the whole of Sunday
- Evening social activities
Private Retreat
10th to 13th September
SOLD OUT!
Everything included in the Shared Retreat, with your own private room to relax, recharge, and write.
SOLD OUT!
(Want to get onto the early bird list for next year? Email me at vicky@novicetonovelist.com)

Includes:
- Everything in the Shared Retreat
- A private bedroom
- Shared bathroom facilities
- Quiet space to unwind and reflect
- Shared facilities














