A Writing Retreat
with Janet Benton
June 7 - 13, 2026
Chamonix, France
Your Book as a Meaningful Journey:
Strengthen Your Manuscript and Your Pitch
Share a chalet with eight other writers for a week of creative splendor in a majestic high alpine village.
The stories we write, both fiction and nonfiction, have a mysterious and powerful hold on us. Through them, we can discover and convey hard-won knowledge and the commitments of our hearts. But how do we make others care? How do we make the work’s journey meaningful enough to get agents, editors, and readers to bond with it? We pay close attention to every choice.
Where does your book start and end? Why? What are key stepping stones? What atmosphere do your words create? How can you maintain tension—a reader’s need to know? Each choice guides readers to what you want them to experience. With greater awareness of aspects large and small, you can see what to trim and how to strengthen what remains.
In workshops and discussions we’ll dive into story arcs, craft, and other ways to deepen engagement. The aim is more taut and powerful writing—writing that captures readers—and a greater awareness that can help you craft pitches to sell your book
About Janet
JANET BENTON has built her life around writing and helping others write compelling works. Her debut novel, LILLI DE JONG, was one of LIBRARY JOURNAL’s and NPR’s Best Books 2017 and a semifinalist for the Goodreads Choice Awards, along with other honors. Janet’s essays and other writings have appeared in the New York Times, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and elsewhere. An editor and a writers’ mentor, she has taught at five universities and in private workshops for decades. Her clients have become bestselling authors and prizewinners. She holds an M.F.A. from the Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst and a B.A. from Oberlin College.
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