“There’s a quiet in Provence that lets stories rise to the surface. Its beauty doesn’t demand, it invites—gently, steadily—until the words come.”
—Rijula Das
Fiction Writing Retreat
with Rijula Das
September 24-29, 2025
Rijula Das is an award-winning author, translator, and teacher—known for her sharp literary insight, generous spirit, and dynamic teaching style. Born in West Bengal, India, she now lives in the south of France, where she leads writing retreats designed to reignite voice, curiosity, and creative momentum.
Her debut novel, Small Deaths—originally published in India as A Death in Shonagachhi—won the 2021 Tata Literature Live! First Book Award, was longlisted for the JCB Prize for Literature, and has been translated into French, Russian, and German. The international edition was released by Amazon Crossing in 2022, and the film rights were optioned the same year.
Rijula earned her PhD in Creative Writing from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, where she also taught fiction workshops. Her work has appeared in Lit Hub, Electric Literature, Newsroom New Zealand, and The Hindu. She is the recipient of the Dastaan Award, a Michael King Writers Centre Residency, and was longlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize. In 2025, her translation of Nabarun Bhattacharya’s Beggar’s Bedlam was published by Seagull Books.
Rijula brings energy, clarity, and warmth to the page and the room. Her workshops are rigorous but joyful—an invitation to dig deeper, write braver, and reconnect with the stories only you can tell.
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Small Deaths
Set in Kolkata’s infamous red-light district, Rijula Das’s debut novel is a lyrical noir that unearths quiet resistance and buried desire. A story of women, violence, and power, Small Deaths balances tenderness with grit. Longlisted for the JCB Prize for Literature and praised for its emotional resonance and literary precision.
“A masterly debut.…The plot is deftly managed, moving almost effortlessly to the bittersweet ending. This is a highly accomplished debut.”―The Spectator
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Recognition & Reviews
Rijula’s work has earned acclaim across continents. Her debut won the Tata Literature Live! First Book Award and was shortlisted for the AutHer Award and the Sushila Devi Award.
Named a “Best Book of the Month” by Amazon and longlisted for the JCB Prize for Literature, her novel has been featured by France Info, BuzzFeed, CrimeReads, and The Today Show. Described as “arresting,” “powerful,” and “vital,” her writing continues to resonate with readers and critics alike—across genres, borders, and languages.
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Teaching & Mentorship
Rijula holds a Ph.D. in Creative Writing from the National University of Singapore and has taught literature and writing at universities and festivals across Asia and Europe. A recipient of the Dastaan Award and the Michael King Writers’ Centre Residency, her mentorship reflects the same depth and clarity found in her acclaimed fiction.
She brings rigor, precision, and story-first intuition to every learning space. Known for her thoughtful feedback and grounded presence, Rijula helps writers find their voice, shape their structure, and write with emotional honesty.
Is This Retreat for Me?
This retreat is for anyone who’s been dreaming of writing fiction—or is already deep into the process and looking for guidance, structure, and inspiration. It’s a rare chance to learn directly with Rijula in an intimate, supportive setting.
What will I learn?
A creative and nourishing fiction-focused retreat designed to help you unearth your story’s essence, develop vivid characters, and refine your narrative craft. Through a blend of generative workshops, quiet writing time, and supportive feedback, you will leave with deeper clarity, inspiration, and momentum.
Content
Seed & Root — Begin where all stories begin: in stillness, memory, and wild observation. Exercises will help you uncover the emotional seed of your story and write from the ground up
Grow the Form — Shape your story’s natural arc. Learn how narrative structure can bend and branch—strong, flexible, and alive
Characters in Bloom — Bring your characters to life through guided writing and dialogue techniques. Discover what makes them feel real to you—and to your readers
Scent, Sound, Soil — Immerse your reader in place and mood. Explore sensory-driven language, voice, tone, and imagery that pulse with texture
Compost & Rebirth — Learn how to revise with care and intention. Return to your words, rework your draft, and shape it into something enduring
Structure
Small group size for authentic connection, honest conversation, and creative trust
Quiet writing blocks each day to draft, journal and reflect
1h one-on-one editorial consultations with Rijula to explore your work more deeply
Supportive group feedback circles to gain perspective, clarity, and confidence in your voice
Optional meditative prompts and nature walks to help you reconnect with your creativity
Tools for revising your work to strengthen clarity, flow, and intention
Provence
Experience the French art de vivre and let us share with you our hidden gems. From carefully curated accommodation to authentic experiences, we curate and handle every detail so you can relax, connect and create.
5 nights in a private Provençal villa with space to gather and unwind
Shared meals freshly prepared with seasonal ingredients
Private French culinary class using market-fresh produce—chop, stir, and savor with your hands
Evening apéritif with local wines, regional bites, and lively conversation
Private vineyard tour and tasting—walk the vines and sip wines rooted in place
Traditional Provençal market visit—colors, scents, and the hum of daily village life
Gentle group hike through the countryside to reconnect with nature and rhythm
Ample space to write, reflect, and share
The Villa
Our villa is located just outside of Aix en Provence, nestled against the breathtaking Sainte-Victoire mountain range, with sweeping views that inspire calm and creativity.
You’re free to wander through the onsite vineyard and olive trees, perfect for quiet morning walks or golden-hour strolls.
Just next to the property, a horse stable and pasture add to the peaceful charm—you’ll often hear the soft sounds of horses or see them grazing as you explore the grounds.
There is also an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, and pétanque (bocce ball) court—all yours to enjoy during your stay.
Accommodations
Sleeping Comfort:
Each room has with a queen bed, plenty of stretch-out space for one guest or a close-knit couple.
Private Shower / Bath & Sink:
Freshen up in privacy: a walk-in shower or bath and vanity are inside the room. The WC (toilet) is shared with just one neighboring room.
Please Note:
As a classic Provençal villa, the house reflects the charm and character of traditional French country living. Rooms and bathrooms are modest in size, but the space is comfortable, inviting, and full of personality.
What’s Included
5 nights in a private Provençal villa
Daily writing sessions guided by Rijula Das
13 meals that consist of
Light daily breakfasts (think croissant and coffee)
Casual seasonal lunches designed to maximize your writing time
Evening dinners made with fresh local ingredients, shared together as a group.
1 additional meal at a local restaurant will be at your own expense
To keep the focus on creativity and connection, wine & beer will only be offered with apéritif and dinner. Soft drinks will be available throughout the day.
Aperitif hours with regional wines and Provençal specialties
Curated cultural outings to spark creativity and connection: vineyard tour & wine tasting, nature hike, market visit
Private hands-on cooking class
Group transport to and from Aix-en-Provence TGV station or Marseilles Airport, as well as to all scheduled excursions
Shannon & Juliette will be on-site daily to assist with logistics and local coordination
Room & Pricing Options
Traveling solo
Private Room with en suite bathroom (shared toilet)
Single Occupancy Garden view : €4650
Single Occupancy Courtyard view : €4500
Traveling with your partner
Queen size bed with en suite bathroom (shared toilet)
Double Occupancy Garden view : €3,600 per person
Traveling with a friend
2 rooms en suite with Queen size bed (shared toilet)
Min 2 - max 3 : €4,350 per person