A Writing Retreat in the French Alps
Lauren Ling Brown & Meredith Jaeger

September 13 - 19, 2026
Chamonix, France

Cinematic Stories: Unlock Your Magic

Join Lauren and Meredith in Chamonix, France, for a week-long writing retreat at an alpine chalet. In this unique opportunity, you’ll join not one, but two, bestselling authors to unlock your creative potential. Each day, our group will gather for a three-hour workshop, where we’ll discuss how to create cinematic writing: engaging the reader’s senses through vivid, active description and purposeful pacing. Our craft talks will focus on how to “hook” readers, plotting techniques, three-act structure, the importance of setting, character development, building tension and “raising the stakes.” We’ll workshop our writing and generate new material in a small, supportive group of fellow writers.

Each participant will have a one-hour private consultation with either Lauren or Meredith. All fiction genres are welcome!

Meet Lauren Ling

LAUREN LING BROWN is the bestselling author of Reese’s Book Club Pick, Society of Lies. Before starting her career, Brown received a BA in English literature from Princeton University and an MFA in film production with a focus in screenwriting from the USC School of Cinematic Arts. She currently resides in Los Angeles, California, where she works as a film editor and novelist.

Meet Meredith

MEREDITH JAEGER is the USA Today bestselling author of four novels, The Incorrigibles, The Pilot’s Daughter, Boardwalk Summer and The Dressmaker’s Dowry. Before beginning her writing career, Meredith received her BA in Modern Literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz and worked in international education. A San Francisco Bay Area native, Meredith currently lives near her hometown of Berkeley, and works as both a novelist and a Senior Creative Writer for a San Francisco startup. She loves to encourage aspiring authors, and regularly presents at writers conferences, book festivals and libraries.

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, 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

 
The cost of this retreat:
$6150 for a private room
$5550 each for a shared room with someone you know

“What a lovely experience from start to finish.  Everything was so well done for us with such consideration for each of us.”

– Mercilee Jenkins