Want to improve your writing and publishing chances in 2026?
Mary DeMuth has been mentoring writers through intensives in Europe for ten years now. As a published author of over 50 books, a literary agent, and speaker, she knows how to train you toward your next writing dream.
Past intensives gallery
Fun new location in the 10th year: Normandy, France
Beginners Week
August 9-15
$1999
- 7 days, 6 nights accommodation at La Maison de Perrine (Normandy, France). Click here to see facilities and rooms.
- Pick up from the train station in Evron
- Freshly made French meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- 5 days of expert instruction from a publishing insider
- All new curriculum and a book to take home with all your notes inside
- One on one mentoring with Mary DeMuth
- Group critique of your work (Don’t worry; it’s not scary)
- One afternoon outing in the French countryside
- Prayer, friendship, conversation, coaching, and laughter.
- Does not include airfare or train tickets to the venue.
Advanced Week
August 16-22
$1999
- 7 days, 6 nights accommodation at La Maison de Perrine (Normandy, France). Click here to see facilities and rooms.
- Pick up from the train station in Evron
- Freshly made French meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- 5 days of expert instruction from a publishing insider
- All new curriculum and a book to take home with all your notes inside
- One on one mentoring with Mary DeMuth
- Group critique of your work (Don’t worry; it’s not scary)
- One afternoon outing in the French countryside
- Prayer, friendship, conversation, coaching, and laughter.
- Does not include airfare or train tickets to the venue.
Both weeks (best offer)
August 9-22
$3499
- 14 days, 13 nights accommodation at La Maison de Perrine (Normandy, France). Click here to see facilities and rooms.
- Pick up from the train station in Evron
- Freshly made French meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- 5 days of instruction from a publishing insider designed to take your career to the next level
- Retooled advanced curriculum and a book to take home
- One on one mentoring with Mary DeMuth
- Group critique of your work
- One afternoon outing in the French countryside
- Prayer, friendship, conversation, coaching, and laughter.
- Does not include airfare or train tickets to the venue.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have a room to myself?
It’s a possibility, depending on when you register. If you’d like to have a private bathroom, add $75 to your tuition.
What is your refund policy?
We are tight on accommodations (15 max), so we will need to know if you’re not coming by June 1, 2026 to allow for new students. Prior to that date, you will receive a full refund. After that date, we charge a $200 fee ($350 for two weeks) for administrative purposes.
Can you accommodate dietary issues?
To a certain extent, but thankfully there are a wide variety of food choices offered every day. We’ll connect you with the chef for a case-by-case basis.
What can I expect to learn each week?
In the beginner’s intensive you will learn:
- The importance of strong verbs and nouns
- How to self edit your work
- How to write your story in a compelling manner
- How to navigate the world of publishing (self or traditional) with joy
- How to honor Jesus through your writing
- How to start a critique group
- How to manage your writing time
- How to meet deadlines (even if they’re your own)
- How NOT to be afraid to write the truth
- How to find your voice
- The elements of powerful storytelling
- A practical way to go about planning, outlining, and writing your book
- How to write a query letter that gets noticed
- How to write a book proposal that stands out
- How to look at branding, marketing, and promotion through a biblical lens
- How to upload your book to Amazon and self publish
- How to build your author platform with joy and intention
- How to curate an engaged readership
- What the proven best practices are in launching your book
In the advanced intensive you will learn:
- How to determine the “why” of your writing
- Why creating your writing journey story arc uncovers what you’re put on this earth to write
- What are the advanced practices in strong storytelling, grammar, and usage
- How to take inventory of your current writing journey in order to move joyfully forward in next steps
- The kinds of habits that serve writers well (productivity, rhythm, organization, goals)
- The importance of community in the writing journey
- How to work through the disappointments you experience on the writing journey in a positive, productive way
- How to deal with fear and imposter syndrome as an established writer
- How to approach platform building in a sustainable way
- How to write something and submit it for publication (short form) during the intensive week
- What are the best practices in workshopping your pieces
- How to write a dynamic scene
- How to practice emotive writing, using all senses
- How to navigate a writers conference and pitch to editors and agents
- How to self edit on a deeper level
- The practical steps of planning and plotting your next book (how to brainstorm, then implement that brainstorm using the kan ban method)
- How to reach your audience on Substack
- How to navigate social media with intention (and not losing your soul in the process)
- The secrets of the publishing industry from an insider who’s been there
- What really sells books (hint: it’s not social media)
How will I get from Paris to the venue?
You will need to book a train to Evron or Laval. You can book those tickets here.
How can I learn more about La Maison de Perrine?
You can learn all about the facility here.
What about laundry? Towels?
There is a laundry facility on site, and they do provide you with towels.