Leisure is key to writing; come at writing with a mind full of worries, and the page remains empty: writer’s block. At Champagne House, leisure is central to the writing process.
The creative writing retreat program includes learning the art of creative writing with Adrian Millar, who has written and published two books that are currently sold on Amazon.
The moments of leisure you will find at Champagne House – fine food, good company, new friends – are designed to help you relax and tap into your interiority, wherein lies your imagination.
Prepare to write at your leisure - in the classroom, in your room, on our French/Moroccan Terrace, at the local bar, historical sites (UNESCO), park or coffee shop.
The aim of the writing retreat is to help you write the story that only you can write.
There will be some preparatory reading in advance of the retreat to help you clarify what kind of writing you actually like, what kind of writing engages you and moves you, which should help clarify what kind of writing you might like to write yourself on your retreat and into the future.
You will also have the opportunity ahead of the retreat to share twenty pages of your writing with your tutor, should you so wish. Feedback will be provided ahead of the retreat.
I began writing over thirty years ago, I’ve written blogs for Cowbird, the Huffington Post and theJournal.ie. I have also written a weekly stay-at-home dad column for an Irish daily newspaper, The Irish Examiner, and have written for The Irish Times.
I have a memoir currently on the desk of a leading international publisher, and I have written two novels, which can be found on Amazon. Marian Keyes and Patricia Scanlan were “fans” of the first of these, The Quiet Life, while Cathy Kelly had a hand in the creation of the second, Tomayto Tomahto. The first is set against the Northern Ireland “Troubles”, the second is a husband-and-wife story.
I am also the author of a book on conflict resolution, Socio-ideological Fantasy and the Northern Ireland Conflict: the Other side, (in New Approaches to Conflict Analysis, Manchester University Press, 2007), which was shortlisted for an award by the National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis, in New York, in 2008.
Adrian’s schedule will include:
Morning classes will last approximately TWO hours and will start with a choice of writing prompts.
Writers will be invited to share their stories with one other class member. In the light of this sharing, writers will have the opportunity to revise their work and to share their final version of their story with their fellow class members.
We will visit some amazing historical places of interest and/or you will also have free time to explore Condom or simply relax at CH, lots of inspiration for writers.
Late afternoon you will have the chance to further develop your story that you submitted in advance of the writing retreat, and to share it with others in the classroom setting.
Late afternoon there will be an informal session of sharing, discussion and reflection to nourish your journey as a writer.
There will also be an opportunity for writers to explore their writing with their tutor on a one-to-one basis in the course of the evening.
Champagne House is located in Condom, Gers, Gascony – a 90 min drive west of Toulouse.
It is well placed for visiting the areas wonderful historic sites - all within a short walk/drive.
Transfers are included from Toulouse Airport on the retreat start date between 3 and 5 pm and returning at 10 a.m. on the last day.
During your retreat you can expect some amazing cuisine. We offer you a spectacular continental breakfast if you are staying at Champagne House, and either lunch or dinner at a local French restaurant (wine/refreshments included). Other meals are either delicious picnics or light meals served from the kitchen at Champagne House. Convivial aperitifs are shared on the terrace before dinner.
Return transfers to Champagne House, your luggage will be taken to your room.
7 nights Luxury accommodation including breakfast in one of our spacious suites.
All your meals are included, either at a local French restaurant including wine or at CH.
Tea/coffee/soft drinks will be served whilst at Champagne House.
Visits to some of the most admired villages in France, ancient historic Bastides, Chateau’s, Armagnac distillery, UNESCO heritage site etc.
There is Wi-Fi throughout Champagne House, a plunge pool, French/Moroccan courtyard, sun terrace, a library, a hidden bar, piano lounge, local walks and local places of interest.
September 2023 - Champagne House is a gorgeous house with themed rooms in the colours of the major Champagne labels. Spread over four floors linked by a stone spiral staircase, it has a balcony for breakfast and a cool courtyard for outdoor relaxing.
There is an expedition to nearby tourist spots each day with either lunch or dinner included. Oh, then there is the writing course! A small group, three in our case, allows for an intimate exchange of thoughts and ideas under the watchful eye of a tutor. A thoroughly enjoyable week. A special mention to the owners who worked tirelessly to provide every comfort for their guests. Thank you.
June 2023 - This retreat was built with decadent layers of excellence from the hosts to the instructor, to the food, to the accommodations. There are delightful details that help to stimulate your creativity everywhere you look.
Everything about the Champagne House evokes a celebration of the finer things in life. Martin and Dale leave no detail to chance. They take care of their guest like they would take care of their dearest family and closest friends……….
Champagne House
Condom, The Gers, South West France, 32100 champagnehousecondom@yahoo.com
Phone: + 33 (0) 672347498
Copyright © 2022 Champagne House - All Rights Reserved. Photos by Isabelle Souriment @Isasouriphoto
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