Memoir Writing Retreat with
Scott C. Johnson
Spring 2026 - applications open!
Scott C. Johnson is an award-winning journalist and author of the acclaimed memoir The Wolf and the Watchman, a deeply personal exploration of deception, identity, and trust, written in the wake of discovering that his father had been a covert CIA officer. Described by the San Francisco Chronicle as a “searingly honest memoir,” the book blends the emotional courage of personal revelation with the precision of a reporter’s eye. The book was longlisted for the 2013 National Book Award in the Nonfiction category.
After years spent reporting from war zones as a foreign correspondent—his work appearing in The New York Times, Granta, and Foreign Policy—Johnson moved to Los Angeles to write for The Hollywood Reporter. There, a bizarre tale of impersonation and manipulation captured his attention. His relentless pursuit of the story led to The Hollywood Con Queen, a gripping investigation into a global scam artist that also becomes, like his first book, a window into his own haunted past. The book received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly and inspired a gripping three-part docuseries that premiered on Apple TV in 2024.
With decades of experience in narrative nonfiction, Johnson brings an unmatched ability to uncover hidden truths—both in the world and within himself. His work, shaped across more than 50 countries, bridges global conflict and personal reckoning, offering memoir writers a rare and powerful lens through which to tell their own stories.
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The Wolf and the Watchman
A memoir of espionage, identity, and fatherhood, tracing Scott’s path as a foreign correspondent and the son of a CIA spy. Long-listed for the National Book Award and praised for its emotional depth and precision, it’s been called “an intensely personal and probing memoir... a beautifully written account of a son’s search for his father’s truth.”
—Carl Colby, SFGATE -
The Con Queen of Hollywood
Part investigative thriller, part psychological portrait, The Con Queen of Hollywood uncovers the real-life scam that deceived dozens in the film industry. Based on Scott’s original reporting, it earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly and was called “fascinating” by The Wall Street Journal. A gripping deep dive into identity, power, and deception in modern Hollywood.
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The Con Queen of Hollywood (Apple TV+)
Scott’s reporting inspired the Apple TV+ limited series The Con Queen of Hollywood, produced by Wondery and Amazon Studios. The show brings to life the high-stakes deception that shook the entertainment world—captivating and betraying Hollywood insiders. A global tale of ambition, fraud, and the stories we tell ourselves.
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Articles, and Investigative Work
In addition to his books, Scott Johnson is an award-winning journalist, and former Newsweek foreign correspondent. He’s reported from over 50 countries across five continents, covering war, politics, and culture. His work brings a vivid narrative lens to memoir, global affairs, and investigative reporting in outlets like The New York Times, BuzzFeed, Foreign Policy, and National Geographic.
Is This Retreat for Me?
This retreat is for anyone who’s been dreaming of writing a memoir—or is already deep into the process and looking for guidance, structure, and inspiration. It’s a rare chance to learn directly with Scott in an intimate, supportive setting.
Writing Workshop
A supportive and immersive memoir-focused writing experience to help you sharpen your voice, shape your story, and deepen your craft. Through a blend of guided workshops, quiet writing time, and thoughtful feedback, you will leave with deeper clarity, inspiration, and momentum.
Content
Uncover the emotional through-line of your story. Follow the themes and questions that give your memoir its quiet power and shape.
Explore the architecture of your narrative. Let form—whether chronological, braided, or thematic—grow naturally from your material.
Ground your writing in vivid, lived moments. Work with setting, motion, and character to make each page breathe.
Approach difficult truths with care. Find language for family, loss, and conflict that honors complexity and emotion.
Navigate the ethics of memoir. Consider what to include, how to represent others, and where your own edges lie.
Balance remembered truth with emotional resonance. Learn to work where fact meets feeling.
Develop a voice that carries. Shape your story through rhythm, tone, and steady attention to what it’s really about.
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 Scott 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 a queen bed, plenty of stretch-out space for one guest or a close-knit couple.
Private Shower or 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 Scott
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, 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.