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. 

You'll feel at home if...

You want practical guidance you can actually use.

Leave with techniques, tools, and ideas you can put into practice the moment you get home - not just theory you forget by Monday.

You're looking to connect with your writing tribe.

Spend the weekend with people who understand the creative highs, the self-doubt, the setbacks, and the joy of telling stories.

You're ready to rediscover your momentum.

Whether you're stuck on chapter three, polishing your final draft or dreaming about publication, you'll leave inspired to keep moving forward.

You want to put your writing first for a change.

Step away from everyday life and give yourself permission to focus on your writing in a peaceful, supportive environment.

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

The AuthorFest Programme

10th-13th September, 2026

"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

The Important Stuff...

Frequently Asked Questions

1What are the dates and times of the event?
Retreat guests can arrive from 4pm on Thursday 10th September and can remain at the venue until 4pm on Sunday 13th September. Weekend Pass guests should arrive from 9:30am on Friday 11th September and expect to be there until around 5:30pm, and the same on Saturday 12th September.
2Do I need to be a published author?
Not at all. AuthorFest is for writers at every stage, whether you’re working on your first chapter, revising your fifth novel, or simply exploring where your writing might take you.
3Can I come on my own?
Absolutely. Many writers attend alone, and the weekend is designed to make it easy to meet people and feel part of the group from the moment you arrive.
4Do I have to share my writing?
No. You’ll be invited to take part in discussions and activities, but you’ll never be pressured to read aloud or share anything you’d prefer to keep private.
5What is included in the Weekend Pass?
The Weekend Pass includes the Friday and Saturday programme, all workshops, your welcome pack, lunch on both days, refreshments throughout, and the networking session. Accommodation, breakfast, evening meals, and the Sunday retreat day are not included.
6What is included in the Shared Retreat?
The Shared Retreat includes everything in the Weekend Pass, plus shared accommodation from Thursday to Sunday, Thursday’s welcome dinner, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and refreshments throughout the retreat, evening social activities, Sunday’s Yoga for Creativity session, and the full Sunday writing retreat.
7What is included in the Private Retreat?
The Private Retreat includes everything in the Shared Retreat, with the added comfort of your own private bedroom. Bathroom and other facilities are shared.
8What time should I arrive?
Retreat guests can arrive from 4pm Thursday afternoon, with dinner served in the evening. Weekend Pass holders should arrive on Friday morning in time for registration before the programme begins at 10am. Exact arrival details will be sent to all attendees before the event.
9Are meals included?
Lunch is included for Weekend Pass holders on Friday and Saturday. Retreat guests receive nine meals across the weekend, including Thursday’s welcome dinner, breakfasts, lunches, and evening meals. Refreshments are available throughout.
10Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes. If you have any particular dietary requirements, please email me at vicky@novicetonovelist.com. Please provide as much information as possible so the hosts can plan accordingly.
11What should I bring?
Bring whatever you prefer to write with, whether that’s a notebook, laptop, or tablet. Retreat guests should also bring everything they need for an overnight stay, and loose-fitting clothing if they want to take part in the yoga session. A full packing list and practical information will be sent before the event.
12Is the event suitable for writers with mobility or accessibility needs?
Please contact me before booking to discuss your individual requirements. The venue is a rural property, and some rooms and areas may be easier to access than others. I’ll be happy to give you honest information so you can decide whether the venue will work for you.
13Can I pay in pounds?
AuthorFest is priced in euros. Depending on your location, Stripe may offer the option to pay in your local currency during checkout.
14Can I pay in instalments?
For retreat tickets, contact me before booking if you’d like to discuss an instalment plan. Your place will only be fully confirmed once the agreed payments have been received.
15Are there one-to-one sessions included?
No. Any private one-to-one sessions offered during the Sunday retreat will be optional and charged separately. Full details will be shared once confirmed.
16What happens if I need to cancel?
Please read the Refund Policy below before booking. It explains the cancellation deadlines, what may be refunded, and what happens if AuthorFest has to be cancelled or changed.
17Can I transfer my ticket to someone else?
Contact me as soon as possible if you can no longer attend. Ticket transfers may be possible, subject to the Terms and Conditions and any accommodation or dietary arrangements already made.
18Is there parking at the venue?
Yes, parking is available at Les Cabosses. More detailed directions and arrival information will be sent before the event.

Your writing deserves this.

Give yourself one weekend. Meet people who understand. Learn from experienced professionals. Return home inspired.