Step by Step to Your Own Novel (Individual Retreat): From Idea to Scene Outline

Celles-en-Bassigny, France
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Summary

Finally, time for your novel: During this one-week break (individual retreat) in the inspiring tranquility of southern Champagne, you’ll not only develop a concept but also create your very own roadmap—scene by scene—so that bringing your book project to life becomes a reality once you return to your busy daily routine.

We focus on developing a captivating and coherent plot that carries you and the reader from beginning to end.
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We structure your project into two phases. The goal is clear: by the end, you’ll have a detailed scene outline and a strong foundation that makes your writing routine easy.
Phase I: The Heart of Your Story – Your Characters
Exciting plots arise from strong characters. We dive deep to understand your characters and infuse them with potential for conflict.
This intensive character work forms the indispensable foundation for your novel: First, you define the external and internal dimensions of your main character, understand their deepest desires and conflicts, and then develop all the other key players—from the protagonist to the antagonist and the (very important!) supporting characters—whose interactions drive the story forward.

Phase II: Your Novel’s Framework – The Master Plan
Now we’ll translate your character work into a solid structure. This framework begins with defining the theme, genre, and central premise of your story. Building on this, you’ll create your detailed scene plan over three intensive modules—a practical, comprehensive roadmap that shows you at any time during your daily writing routine which scene is next.

My Role as a Coach:

As your personal coach, I don’t see myself as a teacher, but rather as a sparring partner and guide.

• Your Focus: I ensure that you concentrate on just ONE task at a time.
. This keeps the focus on your story and prevents you from getting lost in the details.
• Your compass: I offer you a proven structure and tools to systematically develop your ideas, from character depth to scene planning.
• Your sparring partner: I give you feedback on every task you complete and help you identify the blind spots in your concept.
• Your Success Coach: My goal is to provide you not just with a concept, but with a practical roadmap that can realistically be integrated into your daily life, so that after this break, you can begin writing with motivation and structure.
• Online Editing: If you’re interested, our collaboration can continue online later.

In short: You bring your story, I provide the structure. Together, we’ll build a solid foundation for your book idea.

Feel free to contact me here under “Contact Provider” for a no-obligation introductory conversation.
I look forward to hearing from you!

The retreat at a glance

The most important facts in a nutshell:

Categories
Consciousness, soul, senses & spirit, Work Life Balance, Creative Writing, Communication, Creative Retreats, Detox Retreats
Date
Available all year round
Language(s)
German
Level
Advanced, Beginner
Group Size
1
Place
Celles-en-Bassigny, France
Accommodation
Overnight stay included
Catering
No meals
Services
  • An entire house with a garden all to yourself!

  • You are welcome to bring your pet.

  • Daily coaching sessions with a structured approach and feedback

  • French country life in a peaceful setting

  • You can choose the length of your stay

  • Contact me for a free introductory consultation via WhatsApp or Zoom!

  • Develop the complete basic structure of your novel.

  • A scene plan will help you succeed in writing every day.

Accommodation

Du wirst in einem von 2 geräumigen Häusern untergebracht, in denen wir auch die Küche und das Wohnzimmer für unsere gemeinsamen Tätigkeiten nutzen.

Möchtest du weitere Personen mitbringen, dann teile mir das gerne mit. Der Preis richtet sich nach der Dauer des Aufenthaltes und der Anzahl an Personen.

Auf Anfrage und gegen eine kleine Gebühr kann ein Haustier mitgebracht werden.

Free bicycle
Free parking
Free Wi-Fi
Internet access
Multilingual staff
Smoke-free property
Wireless internet
Dining area
Kitchen
Library
Garden
Terrace
Pet care / grooming

Rooms

  • Doppelzimmer
  • Doppelzimmer
  • Doppelzimmer
  • Doppelzimmer

Doppelzimmer

$1,413 / room

Es gibt 2 Zimmer zur Auswahl, aber das ganze Haus steht Dir zur exklusiven Verfügung !!!! Das ist ein großer Untersch...

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Catering

Meals are not included; you’ll be responsible for your own meals. Therefore, you can decide for yourself what’s best for you.

You have a fully equipped kitchen at your disposal, and there are small and large grocery stores within a 10- to 20-kilometer radius. You also have the option of dining at a restaurant 10 kilometers away or picking up meals there (starting at 15 euros for a three-course meal).

sequence

My name is Susanne Hoffmann and my project is called Chrysalide. I live and work in 52360 Celles-en-Bassigny, a small village in the Haute-Marne department. Here, I offer solo travelers in midlife the opportunity to enjoy an inspiring and relaxing vacation in the French countryside.
The main language during the week is German, though depending on the theme and activity, there will of course be moments in French as well, with translation always provided.

On specific dates throughout the year, I offer “Oasis Days” and women’s retreats focused on particular themes, where 2–3 women share a house in a communal living arrangement and plan their vacation together.
In addition, all of the main themes can also be booked as individual stays. Just send me a message with your preferred dates and interests.

To explore all other themes and dates: go to the homepage and select the country "France >>> Grand Est."

Arrival and departure days are always on Sunday.

Please also take advantage of the opportunity for a free introductory chat via video call (WhatsApp, Teams, or Zoom). During this call, I can answer your questions, and we can discuss together whether my program is a good fit for you. Feel free to message me here under "Contact Provider" with a suggested date.

The price listed here of 1,200 euros includes a commission for the operator of this website. So it might be worth looking around a bit.

There is a discount for two participants who register together (girlfriend, sister, daughter, etc.) and share a room. Since I can only accommodate two people per day, early registration is recommended.

Well, now I look forward to meeting you soon!

Arrival

The easiest way to get there is by car: just 3.5 hours from Saarbrücken and Freiburg, 5 hours from Cologne and Frankfurt, and 7 hours from Dortmund and Munich. Just look it up on Google Maps: 52360 Celles-en-Bassigny

Traveling by train is theoretically possible, but in practice it’s likely to be rather complicated. The nearest train station is Culmont / Chalindrey. However, there’s a well-established ride-sharing service (Blablacar) within France that works really well!

Since we’re a family-run business, we ask for your understanding that we do not offer any transportation services.

Rue du Pont de Jacquotte 1, 52360 Celles-en-Bassigny, Grand-Est, France

Cancellation policy

If you cancel up to 60 days before arrival, you will receive a 95% refund of the booking price.
If you cancel up to 30 days before arrival, you will receive a 50% refund of the booking price.
After this, the booking is non-refundable.

If you cancel less than 30 days before arrival, the full price will be charged. However, in that case, I’d be happy to offer you the option of participating on a different date.
You may also have travel cancellation insurance.

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$1,413 / 8 Days

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