Writing Courses & Retreats

Most weeks between April and October, a handful of people at a time gather in an old French farmhouse in the southern Loire Valley to work on their creative writing. Some bring completed manuscripts, some brief half a rough draft, some three chapters, some a few notes and ideas, and some bring simply the desire or an aching curiosity to put pen to paper. Each week a couple of others who are that rare combination of excellent writers and exemplary writing teachers join them to help guide, coach and mentor the best work possible out of those present.

Add into this mix a couple of writers who come to retreat, to work alone on their projects, to enjoy solitude, but not isolation; to soak up the creative energy and be among kindred spirits while independently pursing their craft.

Fold into this dreamy scenario, two dedicated hosts and a support team who are there to make sure everyone eats the most amazing food, works in beautiful surroundings and is generally pampered and well looked after, and you have an extraordinary environment that truly brings out the best of everything in everyone. The best writing, the best ideas, the best relaxation, the best perspective.

Past participants call it 'the Misse Magic'. And they mean it. There is something about the place. That’s why we started Circle of Misse. Having owned the house for almost 20 years, it had always been a place for writing, creativity and relaxation. Retreat and pilgrimage runs deep in the nature of the place. The Circle of Misse house sits on one branch of the historic Pilgrim’s route to Santiago de Compostelo. We continue the ethos of the Pilgrim’s way by being a way-station offering succour, guidance and encouragement as you venture out into your creative pursuits and projects.

Inviting you in seemed a natural thing to do.

We believe in building a community of writers at all stages of their writing journeys. The course titles embody that mission. Plus, being located on a feeder route of the Santiago de Compestelo Pilgrim’s route makes the metaphor even more apt.

We also believe in having a lot of fun. You’ll laugh (a lot), go on some great adventures, and be pampered and downright spoilt by the attention to detail and great food, and wine that freely flows at Misse.

Over the years, as more and more past participants return again to make us a continued part of their creative process, and more and more new faces step through the door to leave as friends a week or so later, we believe even more in the Misse magic. A lot of amazing things happen here and lot of long-term friendships develop.

We provide that safe place you can escape to in order to get what you need to keep writing. We believe in you and do everything to help your reach your personal best.

Besides having a great time, you’ll be challenged, motivated and inspired. Designed by graduates of the prestigious University of East Anglia Creative Writing MA, who currently teach at top writing programmes in both the UK and U.S. and are sought after writing coaches and mentors, Circle of Misse courses and retreats use proven teaching techniques, methodologies and mentoring pedagogies to bring out your best work and help you accomplish your writing goals. Practical, smart and fun. What more could you want?

And we couldn’t do this without our fabulous team of Writers-in-Residence who come here each year to support, encourage and push you to take your writing to the next level. We’re over-the-moon to have Annie Kirby, Emily Midorikawa, Matthew Morrison, Elizabeth Silver, Emma Sweeney, Carol Topolski and Wendy Vaizey return, after an exciting year of accomplishments for all of them, to work with Wayne to give you the best experience possible. And we’re also very excited to welcome novelists Sarah Butler and Kirstan Hawkins into the fold.

We understand that writing, like life, is not a destination, but a journey. And that’s what matters most of all: that you start your journey, are well-prepared and have all the help and support you need as you progress. That’s why we’ve carefully designed our writing programme to give you what you need when you need it. Our courses and retreats are more than just holidays, they are enriching experiences. That’s why we’ve named our course strands after parts of the writerly journey.

Whether it’s Begins, Prepares, Progresses, Revises or a Retreat, we look forward to seeing you this year.