Phyllis Biffle Elmore & Annmarie Kelly
Writing Retreat

September 28 - October 4, 2025
Arcachon, France
Phyllis and Annmarie’s writing retreat is for writers of all genres who want to dive into a deeper relationship with their writing in a nurturing group dynamic.
We’ll begin each morning writing in community, developing voice and style, and dismantling the roadblocks that stand in our way. Together, we’ll search for answers. What is the heart of your story? Why are you the only one who can tell it?
Ultimately, we’ll practice writing as a form of healing.
Each participant will have a private one-hour consultation with Phyllis or Annmarie, and afternoons will be free to create, relax, explore, or commune with fellow travelers.
This once-in-a-lifetime retreat is for women of all ages and experiences who long to write achingly beautiful prose in a transcendently beautiful place.
Join us! Come walk, talk, dream, and discover what it means to write wild, precious, and brave.

About Phyllis
Phyllis Biffle Elmore is an author, genealogist, and grandmother. A talented quilter and storyteller, she has been interviewed and appeared in media outlets including PBS, Midwest Book Review, and British Patchwork and Quilting. She grew up between Detroit and rural Alabama and currently lives in Florida with her husband.
About Annmarie
Annmarie Kelly is the author of Here Be Dragons, a memoir about the wonderful misery of raising children with someone you love. She also hosts Wild Precious Life, a literary podcast about making the most of the time we have. Both an Erma Bombeck and an Ernest Hemingway writing fellow, Annmarie currently lives in Cleveland, Ohio with a black-and-tan puppy named Archibald.

Throughout the day, you can always find a sweet space to write on your own.
Mornings will be spent workshopping in this beautiful villa on the Arcachon Bay.
A traditional French apéro-dînatoire will welcome you and your fellow writers. Delicious French meals will be prepared for you daily to infuse you in the joie de vivre of the region. And for a change a pace, the group will dine out together a few times during the week.


There will be plenty of time to take a dip in the outdoor jacuzzirelax by the water, and explore the village of Arcachon just minutes away on foot.
We’ll also take a private boat tour of Le Bassin d’Arcachon.
Accommodations
Inside the villa, you’ll be enveloped in a warm and inviting space.
There are 9 bedrooms, each with a private full bathroom and its own unique characteristics.
Amenities include toiletries, blow dryer, washer & dryer and detergent.


Phyllis Biffle Elmore & Annmarie Kelly
Writing Retreat includes:
- 15 hours of workshop
- 1-hour private critique session
- 6 nights in an ensuite private room
- Freshly prepared French meals
- Scheduled dining out
- Transport to and from the villa
- Local boat tour
- Concierge services
- Alcohol is not included
This retreat is designed for 9 people. Seats will go fast.
“What a lovely experience from start to finish. Everything was so well done for us with such consideration for each of us.
The view from my room was spectacular!”
– Mercilee Jenkins