What’s Your Story?
A writing retreat for fiction and memoir.
November 19–22, 2026 | 91690 Saclas, France | 4 days/3 nights
When the shape becomes clear,
the story can move.
You may have an idea you can’t stop thinking about. A few chapters. A first draft. Or a manuscript you’ve been living with for years.
What’s Your Story? is a three-night writing retreat for novelists and memoirists who want to understand more clearly the story they are trying to tell.
Led by writer, editor and book coach Jami Bernard, the retreat combines focused teaching, individual guidance and plenty of time with your own work.
You don’t need to arrive with the answers.
Bring the story as it is.
Find the shape.
What belongs? What doesn’t? Where does the story begin? What keeps it moving? What is it really about?
With Jami’s guidance, you’ll step back from the pages to see the shape — and return with a clearer sense of where you’re going.
Sometimes you have to stepback to see the story.The shape of the weekend.
Orientation & Voice.
What is this story? Why this story? And why are you the one to tell it?
Tension & Momentum.
Explore the questions, conflicts and choices that propel the story forward.
Resolution & What Comes Next.
See where the story is heading — and how to keep moving once you leave.
Your manuscript, one-to-one.
Individual time with Jami, focused on your own work.
And time to write.
And time to write.
Long stretches to return to your pages, follow an idea or simply see where the work takes you.
The work has room to breathe here.
Meet Jami.
Jami Bernard knows stories.
A writer, editor and book coach, Jami has spent years helping writers discover what their stories are really about — and find the structure, voice and momentum to tell them.
She is the founder of Barncat Publishing, a former film critic for the New York Daily News and New York Post, and the author of numerous books.
She brings a sharp editorial eye, curiosity and humour to the work — meeting each writer and each story where it is.
Pricing
All-inclusive rate. All rooms are single-occupancy.
Twin Room
Shared bathroom
1450€
Queen Bedroom
Shared bathroom
1650€
Ensuite
Queen Bedroom
1850€
““The atmosphere of trust and deep sharing made the experience truly unique.””
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE.
COME FRIDAY.
LEAVE SUNDAY.
Arrive from 4 pm on Friday. Leave leisurely after lunch on Sunday.
FROM THE AIRPORT
From Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY): approximately 1–2 hours by train and car. Easily accessible by metro and regional rail.
WE’LL MEET YOU AT THE STATION.
Take the RER C to Saint-Martin-d’Étampes. Pick-up and drop-off at the station are included.
LEAVE YOUR PHONE WITH US.
Phones are set aside on arrival, with time each day to check messages. An emergency contact number is available for family and friends.
