2025 Writers’ Retreats

March 12th-16th, 2025

Carmel Valley, California

See Retreat Details & Read Host Bios

March 26th-30th, 2025

Carmel Valley, California

See Retreat Details & Read Host Bios

April 9th-13th, 2025

Carmel Valley, California

See Retreat Details & Read Host Bios

Who will be at each writers’ retreat?



18 specially-selected fiction writers



1 Author-in-Residence



2 Guest Literary Agents



1 Independent Editor



1 Retreat Assistant

By keeping our writing retreats small, we ensure that each writer gets the attention they deserve, the chance to talk with our Guest Literary Agents and Author-in-Residence, and the opportunity to connect with each other.

What’s included in each writers’ retreat?

A group of people sit around a table with laptops and notes chatting during a fiction writing workshop

Focused fiction writing workshops

A cozy-looking woman writes notes on her pages

Dedicated, distraction-free writing time

Book author talks about her book journey to being published in a cute bookstore to a large group of people

Inspiring & informative speaker sessions

Nighttime shot of poppy flowers in front of a lit up wooden building

Private bedroom (with ensuite bathroom) & all meals

Man in button up plays on a baby grand piano in a moodlit room with twinkle lights

Yoga sessions, outdoor space, & live piano music

Author Colleen McKeegan, alum of Northern California Writers' Retreat, with her books The Wild One and Rip Tide

“I started my time at the 2018 Northern California Writers’ Retreat with a near-finished first draft of a novel I felt uninspired to complete and left with a renewed excitement for the story, a clear vision for where I wanted to take it, and an incredible community of fellow writers who buoyed me (and continue to do so!) every time the writing process got tough. The retreat program focuses on the unglamorous side of publishing – from querying agents to going on submission to marketing/PR strategies – in an unfiltered, accessible way, and the insights I learned from Heather and NorCal’s guest speakers greatly informed the early days of my journey with my debut novel. Ultimately, though, 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

Author Rebecca Handler with her Book Edie Richter is Not alone

“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

Author J.R. Potter, Alum of Northern California Writers Retreat, with his books Thomas Creeper and the Purple Corpse and Thomas Creeper and the Gloomsbury Secret

“I attended NCWR in the deep, dark, virtual days of the pandemic and the retreat was a real bright spot for me. Even with the challenges of a virtual setup, Heather curated a roster of incredible industry professionals. While I work primarily in publishing for young readers, I was spoiled by a diversity of perspectives and voices in current fiction. Too often writing can feel isolated and monk-ish; you feel walled up, crafting your vision in your little corner of the world. NCWR is a literary panorama, a broadening of viewpoint and spirit, and touches upon the best part of pursuing and nurturing a creative life: community. With our sub-group of the retreat (lovingly called The Poppies), I gained not only several brilliant beta readers for works-in-progress, but friends, sisters, and comrades in the challenging but ultimately joyful pursuit of getting published. 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

Author Carole Stivers with her book The Mother Code

“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

Author Martha Conway, Alum of Northern California Writers Retreat, with her books The Physician's Daughter and The Underground River

“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

Author Heather Young, alum of Northern California Writers' Retreat, with her books The Distant Dead and The Lost Girls

“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

Author Lauren Doyle Owens, alum of Northern California Writers' Retreat, with her book The Other Side of Everything

“What a wonderful experience. I learned a lot, connected with other writers, and got a good bit of work done too. For me, Northern California Writers’ Retreat 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Application Process & Fees

Can I send more than 20 pages?

Because of the number of submissions we receive, we cannot read beyond twenty pages, so please follow the guidelines in the application. You’re welcome to submit part of your novel or short story.

Do you offer financial aid?

Yes. With the generosity of previous participants, as well as Guest Agents and Authors-in-Residence who have donated their honorarium back to the retreat, we are able to offer financial aid. After acceptance letters have been sent, if finances keep you from attending the retreat, please contact us directly and we’ll review our funds and see what we are able to gift. Aid is needs based, not merit based.

This year, we are very pleased to offer the Zakiya Dalila Harris Scholarship for one Black fiction writer of any gender or gender identity. Our submission period ended October 4th and we will be reponding to applicants on November 1st.

If I apply, am I guaranteed a spot?

Unfortunately we can’t accept every writer who applies as we have limited space. Please be sure to show us your best work, and really tell us about yourself and your writing journey in your cover letter. We learn so much from cover letters, and while the submission needs to be really strong, we get to know you as a person from your cover letter.

Why the $20 application fee?

We want to be sure that the writers who apply are serious about their writing and their intent of attending Northern California Writers’ Retreat.

Does what I submit in the application need to be what I’m workshopping at the retreat?

You may submit published or unpublished work for the application. Our goal is to see your writing talents and be sure you are a good fit for the retreat. What you decide to workshop at the retreat is your choice: part of a novel or a short story, which you'll be asked to submit a month before your retreat date.

I’m ready to apply!!

Great! You can check our Call for Applications here.

Make sure to sign up for our newsletter & join the Book Journey Club, plus follow us on Instagram, X, & Facebook to get more information about future retreats and our Virtual Courses (check our upcoming ones out here!).

Can I send more than 20 pages?

Because of the number of submissions we receive, we cannot read beyond twenty pages, so please follow the guidelines in the application. You’re welcome to submit part of your novel or short story.

Do you offer financial aid?

Yes. With the generosity of previous participants, as well as Guest Agents and Authors-in-Residence who have donated their honorarium back to the retreat, we are able to offer financial aid. After acceptance letters have been sent, if finances keep you from attending the retreat, please contact us directly and we’ll review our funds and see what we are able to gift. Aid is needs based, not merit based.

If I apply, am I guaranteed a spot?

Unfortunately we can’t accept every writer who applies as we have limited space. Please be sure to show us your best work, and really tell us about yourself and your writing journey in your cover letter. We learn so much from cover letters, and while the submission needs to be really strong, we get to know you as a person from your cover letter.

Why the $20 application fee?

We want to be sure that the writers who apply are serious about their writing and their intent of attending Northern California Writers’ Retreat.

Does what I submit in the application need to be what I’m workshopping at the retreat?

You may submit published or unpublished work for the application. Our goal is to see your writing talents and be sure you are a good fit for the retreat. What you decide to workshop at the retreat is your choice: part of a novel or a short story, which you'll be asked to submit a month before your retreat date.

I’m ready to apply!!

Great! You can check our Call for Applications here.

Make sure to sign up for our newsletter below & follow us on Instagram, X, & Facebook to get more information about future retreats! We will be adding virtual courses in fall 2024!

Retreat & Location

Can you tell me more about the location?

Northern California Writers’ Retreat takes place at Hidden Valley, an Institute of the Arts, in Carmel Valley, California. All facilities and rooms are on the ground floor and easily accessible. Should you have any questions about the property, please contact us.

Can I bring a guest?

No. We want this to be a unique experience that fosters our community and creates a distraction-free environment. Therefore, the retreat is only open to the accepted applicant.

I'm local, do I need to stay overnight?

Yes. Our retreat price is all-inclusive and your experience is further enhanced by being amongst community throughout your time here (plus you don't have to go home and do dishes or cook!).

Can you accommodate special dietary needs?

Yes. All meals are prepared by Hidden Valley’s dedicated kitchen staff who cook to all dietary needs. You will receive a survey prior to the retreat to be sure we are clear on your preferences and restrictions.

What are the rooms like?

Rooms are simple, and each has a bathroom ensuite (with shower, toilet, and sink). All linens and towels are provided by the retreat center. Most rooms have two beds, though we’ll only have one writer in each room in order to allow everyone privacy and quiet. Our goal is to provide a peaceful, tranquil experience that both fosters community and respects the space needed to create.

Can you tell me more about the location?

Northern California Writers’ Retreat takes place at Hidden Valley, an Institute of the Arts, in Carmel Valley, California. All facilities and rooms are on the ground floor and easily accessible. Should you have any questions about the property, please contact us.

Can I bring a guest?

No. We want this to be a unique experience that fosters our community and creates a distraction-free environment. Therefore, the retreat is only open to the accepted applicant.

I'm local, do I need to stay overnight?

Yes. Our retreat price is all-inclusive and your experience is further enhanced by being amongst community throughout your time here (plus you don't have to go home and do dishes or cook!).

Can you accommodate special dietary needs?

Yes. All meals are prepared by Hidden Valley’s dedicated kitchen staff who cook to all dietary needs. You will receive a survey prior to the retreat to be sure we are clear on your preferences and restrictions.

What are the rooms like?

Rooms are simple, and each has a bathroom ensuite (with shower, toilet, and sink). All linens and towels are provided by the retreat center. Most rooms have two beds, though we’ll only have one writer in each room in order to allow everyone privacy and quiet. Our goal is to provide a peaceful, tranquil experience that both fosters community and respects the space needed to create.