Designed by women Writers, For women writers

Join us for 5 idyllic days in the Vermont summer countryside at an exclusive, renovated Italianate Victorian mansion.

This isn’t a vacation packed with extra activities. Nor is it a silent, solitary cabin.

It’s the best of both: a space where writing is the priority, but your creative rejuvenation is just as important. 

Our goal for you is to leave here not only with progress on the page, but with enough motivation to carry you through the rest of your creative projects and beyond.

During this retreat, you’ll get access to:

  • Dedicated hours of writing time each day in a peaceful, rustic setting

  • Daily workshops hosted by writer & influencer November J. Brown (@writesofnovember) about part-time writing and growing the online readership your future book deserves

  • A workshop hosted by local Vermont author, Ellen Parent, on how to perfect your pitch and land your dream literary agent

  • Daily office hours with November J. Brown to get personalized advice on your work, and craft the beginnings of your social media presence as a writer

  • Feedback sessions each evening to connect with peers and workshop your writing 

This retreat is for you if…

  • You’re ready to tackle the book idea that won’t leave your head

  • You want to learn tools to succeed as a part-time writer

  • You crave a community that supports your writing dreams, and helps you achieve them

Spaces are limited. Apply here!

What guests have said:

  • The room and the house were absolutely beautiful -- clean, comfortable, and felt like a true home away from home! The room was well kitted out with all the amenities and thoughtful touches we could possible want -- Madeleine even provided complimentary toiletries and coffee/tea/snacks for guests!

    Airbnb Guest

  • The house is a historical treasure, absolutely gorgeous, and our room had all the necessary amenities to make our stay comfortable.

    Airbnb Guest

  • Excellent! Beautiful place, amazing community, picturesque accommodation. Wonderful service, clean, true-to-era decoration and furnishing. Felt authentic and charming. Definitely would book again.

    Airbnb Guest

  • Lovely, history-filled home like from the movies. Exceptional amenities for guests, which is rare!

    Airbnb Guest

  • My family had a lovely stay at Madeleine’s. If you appreciate antique properties with broad board hardwood floors, this one is a gem. We will certainly be back.

    Airbnb Guest

COme write with us!

WHen

Sunday, June 1, 2025 — Thursday, June 5, 2025

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Where

A nine bedroom Italianate Victorian home on three acres in a tiny Vermont village.

4 Park Ave, Middletown Springs, VT

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Led by

Your host and fellow writer, Madeleine Hayes, and authors November J. Brown and Ellen Parent.

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Meet the Team

Schedule

  • Evening

    3-5 pm: Arrival and check ins

    6 pm: Dinner and introductions

    8 pm: Mandatory How-to-Critique Workshop

  • 7 am: Yoga

    8 am: Breakfast

    9:30 am: Writing Block

    Noon: Lunch

    2 pm: Optional Workshop - Part Time Writing with November

    3:30 Writing Block

    5: Recreational Time

    6: Dinner

    8: Group Feedback

  • 7 am: Yoga

    8 am: Breakfast

    9:30 am: Writing Block

    Noon: Lunch

    2 pm: Optional Workshop - How to Query with Ellen

    3:30 Writing Block

    5: Recreational Time

    6: Dinner

    8: Group Feedback

  • 7 am: Yoga

    8 am: Breakfast

    9:30 am: Writing Block

    Noon: Lunch

    2 pm: Optional Workshop - Social Media with November

    3:30 Writing Block

    5: Recreational Time

    6: Dinner

    8: Group Feedback

  • 8 am: Farewell Breakfast

    10 am: Departure

Retreat Price by Room

  • $2000

    Covers: queen room, private bath, three meals per day, and workshops.

    Please note the price does not include travel or taxes.

  • One of our two largest rooms featuring a queen bed and a private bathroom with a shower. If you require a private space to write, this room is perfect, as the ample space provides room for a desk.

    All rooms have keypad locks on the doors for privacy and safety.

  • $2000

    Covers: queen room, private bath, three meals per day, and workshops.

    Please note the price does not include travel or taxes.

  • One of our two largest rooms featuring a queen bed and a private bathroom with a shower. If you require a private space to write, this room is perfect, as the ample space provides room for a desk.

    All rooms have keypad locks on the doors for privacy and safety.

  • $1000

    Covers: twin room, private bath, three meals per day, and workshops.

    Please note the price does not include travel or taxes.

  • Nicknamed “little room 4,” this is our smallest room and therefore our best budget option. The room features a twin sized bed and a private bathroom with a shower-tub combo. If you prefer to write in the common spaces (or outdoors), this room might be perfect for you.

    All rooms have keypad locks on the doors for privacy and safety.

  • $1200

    Covers: full room, shared bath, three meals per day, and workshops.

    Please note the price does not include travel or taxes.

  • This cozy room features a full sized bed and access to a shared bathroom with a shower. This is an excellent budget option if you don’t mind sharing a bit of space and if you prefer to write in shared (or outdoor) spaces.

    All rooms have keypad locks on the doors for privacy and safety.

  • $1400

    Covers: queen room, shared bath, three meals per day, and workshops.

    Please note the price does not include travel or taxes.

  • This bright room features a queen sized bed and access to a shared bathroom with a shower. If you don’t mind sharing a bit of space, and you prefer to write around other people or outdoors, this might be the perfect room for you.

    All rooms have keypad locks on the doors for privacy and safety.

  • $1700

    Covers: queen room, private bath, three meals per day, and workshops.

    Please note the price does not include travel or taxes.

  • This charming north facing room features a queen sized bed and a private bathroom. This room may be perfect for you if you prefer to write in shared spaces or outdoors.

    All rooms have keypad locks on the doors for privacy and safety.

Are you local?

Local writers are welcome to purchase a “Day Pass” to come from 9 am to 5 pm. Writers can participate in both writing blocks, the daily workshop, and lunch.

$100 - one day

$250 - three days

How to Get Here:

The closest airports are Albany (95 minutes) and Burlington (110 minutes) and a rental car is encouraged. There is an Amtrak station in Rutland (25 minutes) from which pick ups can be arranged. Writers will have the opportunity to connect with each other before the retreat and may arrange carpooling or share rental car costs.

*Travel is not included in our listed price

Things to Note

What to Pack:

Writers are encouraged to pack comfortable clothing for yoga, writing, and time spent outside. If you’d like to walk in town, comfortable sneakers are encouraged. Layers for hot weather, rainy days, and chilly nights are encouraged. There are three watering holes within 10 minutes, if you’d like to bring a swimsuit. Feel free to bring books, notebooks, and all the cozy items you would like.

Food:

Breakfast will be continental style, with fresh fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, toast, and bagels. Lunch will be a combination of soups, salads, and sandwiches. Dinner will be large batch meals prepared daily. Vegetarian and vegan options will be available if required. Some snacks will be available and a small general store with a deli is across the street.

REady to join us?

Apply now here.