“No place has invited me to write like Provence. Its landscape and rhythm of life are rich with color, texture, and history. It’s both inspiring and grounding.”
-Scott C. Johnson
Memoir Writing Retreat with
Scott C. Johnson
October 1-6, 2025
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 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 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 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 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
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