Creative Writing Retreat for LGBTQ+ Authors

GenreQueer with Luna

Exploring Queerness & Community through Writing

Easter Retreat (April 18-23, 2025)

@Queercus Collective in Dordogne, France

This is a creative writing retreat for LGBTQ+ authors who already have, or would like to develop, a writing practice, and who wish to use writing as a way to explore queerness and create community.

Reviews from participants

GenreQueer provided a safe space to be my authentic self, which allowed for my creativity to play and expand. I felt so connected to the people and the land, and I can’t thank everyone involved enough for helping to create such a wonderful exploratory and healing experience.

Theo, USA

I struggle to recall another time in my life that I felt so welcome as I did here. The care and thoughtfulness really shined from start to finish. I would highly recommend this experience and will gladly join again.

Ira, USA/Poland

It was quite an entrée, a personal welcome note, Easter eggs, spring flowers, while still taking in the smells of the old wood, wood smoke, ages of history… I felt spoiled from the very first moments, almost feeling undeserving of all these comforts.

Pali, Slovakia

I loved that you created a space where we could be vulnerable and explore and learn from others. The exercises were fun and challenging, plus encouraged us to explore ways of writing that were outside our usual pathways. There was a good balance, pacing and rhythm for the different assignments and activities. The workshop also helped me get a better sense of my voice.

Bill, USA/France

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GenreQueer is centered around creative writing exercises and sharings. Our intention is to offer a space for queer authors to develop their craft and find community among like-minded peers. One way that community is created is through sharing and commenting on texts produced at the retreat, as well as working collaboratively.

The retreat does not preclude working on personal projects and longer texts, but that will not be at the core of our practice. However, all authors will have a chance to present their work and projects.

Given that this retreat focuses on creating community through writing, it is addressed both to professional and amateur authors.

Creative Writing Workshops for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer authors

Each day we will have a particular theme that will inspire the workshops and exercises for that day. Some of the themes we might explore are:

• MY QUEER JOURNEY (autobiographical writing on key moments in your queer journey: discovering your difference, coming out, finding community, facing rejection, etc.).
• GENDER STORIES (autobiographical or fictional writing based on your personal experience and reflections concerning femininity, masculinity, nonbinarity, multigender, agender, etc.).
• SEXY TALES (autobiographical or fictional erotic writing).
• GENREQUEER (fictional genre writing i.e. sci-fi, terror or noir with a queer component).
• NATURRR (nature writing on the queerness of nature and our place in it).

Massage, Bodywork & Nature

To find the right mind/body balance, we will also offer other activities such as massage and other somatic practices offered by Maevon, our experienced massage instructor. Our venue is located in beautiful natural surroundings that authors can explore at their leisure.

Language

The retreat will be held in English and is addressed to an international audience of native and non-native speakers. For the writing exercises, if there are at least 3 authors writing in a language different from English, there will be an opportunity to discuss with them whether they would like to meet as a separate language group for some segments of the retreat.

Healthy, Delicious Diet

To make the most out of the retreat and keep our bodies light and full of energy, our wonderful cooks will prepare for us healthy and delicious meals rich in fibers and proteins. All meals will be vegetarian with vegan options.

For those wanting to take an even deeper dive, we recommend combining the retreat with a digital detox (we may still use computers for writing).

What to Expect

• Meeting a cohort of international queer authors with a passion for writing.
• Guided exercises to get us writing on the theme of the day.
• Opportunities to share, as well as offer and receive feedback on your work.
• A body/mind balanced program with massage and other somatic practices provided by professional bodyworkers.
• Delicious food prepared by our cooks.
• Time off in nature.

Flow of a Typical Day

What is the Cost of the Retreat?

CONTENT:

• 4 full days of delivered content as well as arrival and departure days.
• 4 days of full catering; breakfast, lunch and evening meal.
• Evening meal on arrival day and breakfast on departure day.
• Pick-up from Angoulême train station or other location of similar distance.

€490

Plus

ACCOMMODATION:

Choose one of the following

• Own tent or live-in vehicle €5 per night, total €25
• Single bed in shared room with shared bathroom €20 per night, total €100
• Double bed in shared room with shared bathroom €25 per night, total €125
• Single bed in private room with shared bathroom €35 per night, total €175
• Double bed in private room with private en-suite €45 per night, total €225

Special Plus One Offer – Get a friend to register and each of you will receive a 30% discount off your content package.

The different types of accommodation are limited in number and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. More details of the different types of room and of the venue, including how to get there, can be found on below.

If you wish to register or you just have a question, feel free to fill the form below and we will be in touch with you.

Queercus Collective

Queercus is an old sheep farm located on the border of the Dordogne and the Charente. It is currently home to six radical faeries as well as hosting events. Participants of GenreQueer will stay in the main farmhouse or in one of the converted farm buildings and will have full access to the pool, the garden and the 50 acres of semi-wooded grounds.

Directions

Arriving by car : Let us know if that is your preference and we will send you the address of the venue by email. If you don’t have your own car it is normally possible to find a ride on the car share app BlaBlaCar.

Arriving by train : The nearest train station is about 40 minutes by car at Angoulême and has regular, fast, train connections to Paris throughout the day. Normally the journey is around two hours and if buying a ticket well in advance on a Ouigo train there are often options under €20. We can arrange to pick you up at the station.

Arriving by plane : Our closest airport is Bordeaux. However, depending on what time of day you arrive, it can often be easier to make the onward journey to the venue by flying into Paris Orly or Paris Charles de Gaulle airports, and taking the fast train from Gare de Montparnasse or Charles de Gaulle, from where there are a certain number of direct connections to Angoulême.

Accommodation will be allocated on a first come first served basis with the widest choice going to the first bookings. All bedding will be provided and it is possible to have a single bed in a private room, a double bed in a private room with en-suite, or a bed in a shared room with up to two other participants.