Fiction Writing Retreat
with Rijula Das
Spring 2026 - applications open!
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.
Author Rijulas Das shares heartfelt insights on writing rituals, creative blocks, and what makes a retreat to Provence in the south of France the perfect place to reconnect with your voice.
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
Prune & Blossom — 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's 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 each 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
For more details, visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page
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
FAQs
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Our retreats are for writers of all levels—whether you're just starting out or working on your third draft. Each retreat focuses on a specific theme, like fiction, memoir, or personal storytelling, so you’ll be surrounded by others with shared goals and interests.
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Not at all! Our retreats are designed for both seasoned writers and total beginners. As long as you’re open to exploring your voice and putting pen to paper, you’re in the right place.
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Daily writing workshops and guided sessions
One-on-one personal feedback
Comfortable accommodations and shared meals (as noted in your booking)
Scheduled group activities and curated local experiences
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Travel to Provence (airfare, transportation)
Personal expenses and extras
Travel insurance (recommended)
Any spontaneous meals, treats, or off-itinerary experiences
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Transport from the Aix-en-Provence TGV train station (Gare d'Aix-en-Provence TGV) to the retreat location and local transport to and from planned events are provided.
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We’re located just 10 minutes from the center of Aix-en-Provence, making travel easy whether you’re arriving by plane, train, or car. We’re happy to assist with planning your journey.
✈️ By Plane
The nearest airport is Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), about 30 minutes by car. (*depending on traffic)
You can also fly into:
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (approx. 2 hours away)
Paris Charles de Gaulle or Orly, then connect to Aix-en-Provence TGV via the TGV INOUI high-speed train from Paris Gare de Lyon train station
We suggest booking a flight that arrives in Marseille before 3:00pm if you plan to use our transfer service.
🚄 By Train
Take the TGV INOUI to Aix-en-Provence TGV Station.
From Paris: Gare de Lyon train station, the journey takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes
Direct trains are also available from Lyon, Marseille, Avignon, and other major cities
We typically arrange group pickups around 4:00pm on arrival day from the Aix TGV station.
You can book your train tickets via the SNCF website🚗 By Car
We're about 10 minutes by car from central Aix en Provence.
We'll send easy step-by-step directions ahead of your arrival
Free parking is available on-site.
🚐 Group Transfers
We offer complimentary pickup and drop-off on arrival and departure days from:
Marseille Provence Airport
Aix‑en‑Provence TGV Train Station (located 18K outside of Aix en Provence
(NOT to be confused with Gare d’Aix‑en‑Provence -Centre , which is located in the center of Aix- and not a high speed train)
Timing:
Arrival pickup: around 4:00pm
Departure drop-off: by 11:00am
If you’re arriving outside these windows, we’re happy to help arrange a private taxi or transfer.
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Our retreat villa is located in a quiet, private provincial setting. You can stroll through vineyards and enjoy local beauty, but access to the local town or stores requires planned outings, or private Uber/taxi service at your expense.
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Our retreats are hosted in a charming, historic Provençal villa, just 10 minutes from the center of Aix-en-Provence. The home is full of character and soul—it’s not a modern build, but that’s part of its charm.
The traditional stone walls help keep it naturally cool in summer and warm in winter, so there’s no air conditioning, but each room has a fan. The villa also features a cozy indoor fireplace, perfect for cooler evenings or quiet moments by the fire. Each bedroom has its own private shower and sink, with shared toilets located in common areas (one for every two bedrooms).
Please note: since this is a private villa, not a hotel, there’s no daily housekeeping or linen service in personal spaces—though we do our best to keep shared areas tidy and welcoming throughout your stay.
Outside, you’ll find a peaceful vineyard, tennis courts, a pool, and even horses that graze right up to the property line. There are plenty of quiet nooks—both indoors and out—for writing, reading, or simply recharging.
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This can be arranged depending on the villa / room setup. Please inquire directly to discuss specific arrangements.
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We’re happy to accommodate vegetarian and pescatarian (fish-based) diets.
If you have serious allergies or life-threatening dietary restrictions, please reach out before booking—we’ll do our best to advise you on whether the retreat is a good fit. -
Comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing (note: the villa does not have AC but stays naturally cool due to its structure). It can be hot during the day and cool at night.
Bring writing materials- laptop/notebooks, and personal items.
A suggested packing list will be provided upon booking. -
France is an active country. Although we drive to cultural outings, you must comfortably walk at least one mile and navigate stairs.
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Due to planning logistics, the retreat is non-refundable. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
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Limited to 7–12 participants for a personalized experience.
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The retreats are led by Shannon and Juliette—bilingual, bicultural hosts who’ve made Provence their home.
They’re onsite throughout your stay to guide and support the group, alongside guest authors and experienced writing mentors who lead the workshops, bringing insight, structure, and inspiration.
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Accepted applicants will receive a booking link to reserve with deposit payment via credit card.
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You’ll hear back from us within two weeks of submitting your application. We’ll send a confirmation by email as soon as your spot is approved.