Northern California Writers’ Retreat

“Since my first retreat six years ago, I have relied on the women I met at NCWR for comforts big and small. Make no mistake, this community carries far beyond your days together in nature. They have seen me through losing an agent, getting a new agent, and signing my dream publishing deal. I cannot recommend this retreat – and its fearless Virgo leader, Heather – enough.”

— Carinn Jade, Author of The Astrology House

“Northern California Writers’ Retreat was my first-ever writing retreat, and it made all the difference in the world to my practice and to my career. There is nothing better than having the time and space to write, other keen writers to compare notes with, and seasoned industry professionals to demystify the publishing journey and connect with for future prospects. I can say with great confidence that I wouldn’t be about to be published now without all the encouragement I received at that first retreat.”

— Sarah Chamberlain, Author of The Slowest Burn

“I came away from The Northern California Writer’s Retreat with a world of wisdom, friendship, connection, and insight on top of bountiful writing time. I met two writers who would go on to be my years-long writing partners, one who I would hire to copyedit my novel, one who helped me navigate the agent search, and a wonderful group I know I can continue to count on for support and advice. It’s one of the best things I’ve done on my novel writing journey.”

— JJ Elliott, Author of There Are No Rules For This

“The Northern California Writer’s Retreat was instrumental in my becoming a published author. The supportive community and expert guidance from founder Heather Lazare, the author and agents in residence, and my fellow writers provided invaluable insights into navigating the publishing world and helped me to get my manuscript in querying shape. I truly don’t know where I’d be without this retreat. If you’re a writer seeking to elevate your craft and career, I highly recommend it!”

— Jaclyn Westlake, Author of Dear Dotty

“Writing fiction has always been part of my life, and before going to the Northern California Writers Retreat, I’d been to an eye-crossing number of conferences, formal and informal workshops, isolated retreats, pitch fests, and classes. What NCWR does better than anywhere else is balance: between creative, restorative, and social time, and between the craft and the business of writing. And by being small, it creates an inclusive, feminist space for attendees to get to know the guest authors and agents as people. Of course the time was productive and helped my project, but what I really treasure about NCWR is that it helped me get back in touch with the joy of writing in community.”

— Sarah Cypher, Author of The Skin and Its Girl

“Before attending the Northern California Writers’ Retreat in 2019, I knew nothing about how to get a book published and no one in the industry had ever looked at my work. I left my first retreat with twenty thoroughly workshopped pages, a daunting but clear roadmap to getting published, and a community of smart and generous writers from around the world. At my second retreat, in 2021, I met my agent. I cannot think of a better foundation than the NCWR for a writer who is serious about becoming a professional author.”

— Anna Bliss, Author of Bonfire Night