2026 Writers’ Retreats

“Northern California Writers’ Retreat is it! A writing retreat, workshop, residency, and mini-MFA all in one, NCWR is for any aspiring writer who’s ready to level up. From real talk with high profile agents and authors, to craft conversations, to insider insight into the business of publishing—to drinks on the deck at sunset!—NCWR is more intimate and nurturing than any other workshop I’ve participated in. I'm so impressed by the program that Heather has built and am grateful to have been a part of it (so grateful that I saved room for Heather in the acknowledgements of my debut novel!)”

— Cecilia Rabess, Author of Everything’s Fine

“What a heartwarming, heartlifting, heartening experience the NorCal Writers’ Retreat is! Heather Lazare has curated and perfected a week of intelligent critiques by seasoned literary agents, insightful workshops for aspiring writers, and joyful interludes of book exchanges, yoga, and nature walks. Like every attendee, I felt welcomed, uplifted, and delighted by the camaraderie and the high level of professionalism. The sheer numbers of published graduates of the retreat is remarkable! Whenever anyone asks how they can get their work in the hands of future readers, my recommendation is always the Northern California Writers’ Retreat!”

— Author-in-Residence 2025 Alka Joshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Henna Artist and the Jaipur Trilogy

“At Northern California Writers’ Retreat, you settle into a comfy sanctuary surrounded by stunning natural beauty before connecting with supportive writers, experienced publishing professionals, and your own creative soul. Any stress you bring drains away as inspiration and relaxation fill the well. I loved it.”

— Karen Hugg, Author of Leaf Your Troubles Behind and The Forgetting Flower

“Carving out time away from home to focus on your writing is not only useful—it can be essential. As a procrastinator myself, NorCal Writers’ Retreat kept me focused on my writing instead of thinking about trivial Everyday Life Things like what to eat for dinner or breakfast, or how I’m going to get my hands on some coffee. But it also kept me grounded on a wavelength level, too. It’s based in a peaceful, idyllic area rife with natural beauty that feels completely separate from the rest of the world. And it’s filled with other writers who are there for the same reason: they have a passion for writing, and a story they really want to tell...I feel so fortunate to have been an author-in-residence there.”

— Zakiya Dalila Harris, New York Times bestselling author of The Other Black Girl

“Attending the Northern California Writers Retreat in 2019 was the best investment I've made in my fiction-writing career. As a widely published journalist and author of four non-fiction books, I wanted to know more about cracking the code of traditionally publishing a novel. Heather's candid and supportive manner of walking us through the process helped when I pitched agents later that year. I even started to write novel #2 at the retreat! The friendships I've made with other novelists at the retreat have been invaluable. Every writer needs a community and I found mine at the retreat.”

— Kristine Hansen, Author of four nonfiction books including Frank Lloyd Wright's Wisconsin: How America's Most Famous Architect Found Inspiration in His Home State

"What an absolute delight to spend time at Northern California Writers' Retreat. Heather has built a truly special community—warm, supportive, rigorous, and fun! Any writer would be lucky to be here."

— Kirstin Chen, New York Times bestselling author of Counterfeit

"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 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

“Not only does NCWR nurture a supportive artistic community, but it also fosters professional connections. Each session hosts an author-in-resident and a guest literary agent who share their industry experience. Heather’s post-retreat gatherings for alumni are an added bonus. I love the monthly online book club journey meet ups and Heather’s commitment to celebrating our successes. Treat yourself! You won’t be disappointed.”

— Theresa Shea, Author of The Unfinished Child and The Shade Tree

"I was fortunate to attend NCWR remotely and it was the single best writer event I've ever been to. Heather and her team are open, transparent, and willing to share their wealth of publishing knowledge for the sole purpose of helping attendees succeed. I've also continued to enjoy the online presentations throughout the year, hearing from other writers about their publishing successes, and knowing that I can reach out to Heather at any time and she will always respond. If you are lucky enough to join the NCWR family of writers, you'll have a richer, more rewarding writing journey."

— Bethany Browning, Author of Sasquatch, Baby! and Trouble's Afoot