A Writing Retreat with
Emily Colin & Julie Artz
October 4-10, 2026
Chamonix, France
Share an alpine chalet with eight other writers for a week of creativity and inspiration.
Join two seasoned publishing professionals in Chamonix, France, for an immersive week-long writing retreat at an alpine chalet. Whether you’re planning, drafting, or revising a novel or memoir, this retreat will help you refine your craft and elevate your storytelling while remaining true to your story’s vision.
This transformative experience offers focused writing time, expert guidance, and a supportive cohort of like-minded writers. Before the retreat, two live sessions will give you the opportunity to meet your fellow writers. At the retreat, each day will begin with a three-hour workshop covering craft topics aimed at bringing plot and character
together in a way that will keep readers turning pages. This includes deep dives into world-building, POV, voice, and demystifying scene structure. Each participant will have a one-hour private consultation with either Julie or Emily.
In addition to daily workshops, you’ll have generous stretches of uninterrupted time to sink into your own writing projects, plus guided sprints designed to spark momentum and keep your words flowing. Imagine curling up in a cozy alpine nook by a crackling fire, coffee or tea in hand, as you slip into your story. This retreat is both an escape and a dedicated space to create.
All genres and age categories of fiction, and memoir, are welcome!
Meet Emily
EMILY COLIN is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, multiple award-winning author acclaimed for her romantic fiction with supernatural twists. Her debut, The Memory Thief, was a Target Emerging Authors Pick; her romantasy, Fate and Fury, won a Silver INDIES Award; and her YA Seven Sins series has won Gold Moonbeam, Silver IPPY, and North Carolina Indie Author Project Awards.
An Author Accelerator-certified book coach, Authors Publish instructor, and former Pitch Wars and Kiss Pitch mentor, Emily lives in coastal North Carolina with her family. When not crafting her next novel, she can be found chasing her chaotic pets or drinking mochas by the sea.
Meet Julie
JULIE ARTZ is an Author Accelerator-certified Founding Book Coach and a sought-after speaker. She regularly contributes to Jane Friedman and Writers Helping Writers, and is an instructor for Authors Publish. She keeps her industry knowledge sharp through her work as a Pitch Wars and Teen Pit mentor and a former SCBWI Regional Advisor, and through her memberships in The EFA, the WFWA, aWP, and the Authors Guild.
A consummate social justice minded story geek, Julie lives by an enchanted river in Fort Collins, Colorado with her husband, two naughty furry familiars, and two college-aged children who occasionally manifest.
A week of creative splendor
Inside the villa, you’ll be enveloped in a warm and inviting space. Curl up on a cozy couch near the fireplace, or set up your laptop on the mezzanine desk or one of the several tables in and outside of the chalet.
Delicious French meals, prepared daily, infuse the regional joie de vivre
To maximize your writing time, breakfasts and our chef-prepared lunches are grab and go. In the evening, our chef prepares exquisite sit-down dinners.
Experience Chamonix
Activities during your retreat include a train ride to the Mer de Glace and optional walk to the ice cave (steep stairs).
After, we’ll enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.
Immerse yourself in alpine grandeur
In your spare time, enjoy a dip in the jacuzzi and sauna, hone your writing with breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc, or walk into Chamonix just a few minutes away on foot.
Accommodations
There are 9 ensuite bedrooms, each with its own unique characteristics.
Amenities include toiletries, blow dryer, washer/dryer, scent-free detergent, robe and plenty of towels.
What's included:
– 6 nights in an ensuite private room
– freshly prepared French meals
– 15 hours of workshop instruction
– one-hour private critique
– scheduled dining out & activities
– local transportation
– on-site concierge services
– Please note that alcohol is not included
“What a lovely experience from start to finish. Everything was so well done for us with such consideration for each of us.”
– Mercilee Jenkins