Our Community

“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

“Northern California Writers’ Retreat is it! A writing retreat, workshop, residency, and mini-MFA all in one, NCWR is for any aspiring writer who’s ready to level up. From real talk with high profile agents and authors, to craft conversations, to insider insight into the business of publishing—to drinks on the deck at sunset!—NCWR is more intimate and nurturing than any other workshop I’ve participated in. I’m so impressed by the program that Heather has built and am grateful to have been a part of it (so grateful that I saved room for Heather in the acknowledgements of my debut novel!)” — Cecilia Rabess, Author of Everything’s Fine

“At Northern California Writers’ Retreat, you settle into a comfy sanctuary surrounded by stunning natural beauty before connecting with supportive writers, experienced publishing professionals, and your own creative soul. Any stress you bring drains away as inspiration and relaxation fill the well. I loved it.” — Karen Hugg, Author of Leaf Your Troubles Behind and The Forgetting Flower

“Attending the Northern California Writers Retreat in 2019 was the best investment I’ve made in my fiction-writing career.” — Kristine Hansen, Author of four nonfiction books including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Wisconsin: How America’s Most Famous Architect Found Inspiration in His Home State

“The friendships I formed at NorCal are what made my time there so impactful. Writing is a lonely game, and I can’t imagine my debut experience without these women holding my hand as I neared the finish line.” — Colleen McKeegan, Author of The Wild One and Rip Tide

“I have rarely attended an event that created as many special memories for me as this one did. The close connection and community that we formed in such a short space of time, nurtured by the retreat organizers, will carry me through for years to come. Given the solitary nature of the writing life, that’s priceless!” — Carole Stivers, Author of The Mother code

“I attended a virtual Northern California Writers Retreat and my only regret is that it wasn’t in person (darn pandemic)! This just means I’ll have to come back someday! I learned so much from, and connected with, many other writers. I learned more about the publishing and marketing side of things as well. I still keep in touch with my writers group from NCWR. We meet on Zoom and brainstorm writing challenges and solutions, as well as commiserate and celebrate. I am indebted to Heather and NCWR for helping build my confidence and introducing me to many outstanding human beings.” — Rebecca Handler, Author of Edie Richter is Not Alone

“To write you have to be vulnerable, and to be vulnerable you need a support system. This is exactly what I found at NCWR. I thought I was going for the gift of unencumbered writing time—no chores to get in the way—and I did get that, which was wonderful. But I also connected with writers who are my friends and allies to this day. It was a magical experience.” — Martha Conway, Author of The Physician’s Daughter and The Underground River

“I highly recommend NCWR for anyone on the cusp of a breakthrough who needs some constructive support and the gifts of community to push past the threshold and thrive.” — J.R. Potter, Author of Thomas Creeper and the Purple Corpse and Thomas Creeper and the Gloomsbury Secret

“This lovely retreat was everything I hoped it would be. I found the quiet space to write I needed, and a supportive group of writers who will be part of my writing life for a long time to come. I’d recommend it to anyone who’s serious about their writing and about building a writing community.” — Heather Young, Author of The Lost Girls and The Distant Dead

“What a wonderful experience. I learned a lot, connected with other writers, and got a good bit of work done too. For me, NCWR has set a new standard for what a writer’s retreat should be – the perfect blend of work time and play time in a beautiful setting, with wonderful people.” — Lauren Doyle Owens, Author of The Other Side of Everything

“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 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

“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

“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

“I was fortunate to attend NCWR remotely and it was the single best writer event I’ve ever been to. Heather and her team are open, transparent, and willing to share their wealth of publishing knowledge for the sole purpose of helping attendees succeed. I’ve also continued to enjoy the online presentations throughout the year, hearing from other writers about their publishing successes, and knowing that I can reach out to Heather at any time and she will always respond. If you are lucky enough to join the NCWR family of writers, you’ll have a richer, more rewarding writing journey.” — Bethany Browning, Author of Sasquatch, Baby! and Trouble’s Afoot

“Not only does NCWR nurture a supportive artistic community, but it also fosters professional connections. Each session hosts an author-in-resident and a guest literary agent who share their industry experience. Heather’s post-retreat gatherings for alumni are an added bonus. I love the monthly online book club journey meet ups and Heather’s commitment to celebrating our successes. Treat yourself! You won’t be disappointed.” — Theresa Shea, Author of The Unfinished Child and The Shade Tree

“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