Crotched Mountain Memoir Retreat
A Women’s Week of Memoir
September in New Hampshire/Photo: Greta Rybus
A Women’s Week of Memoir in New Hampshire
September 7-10, 2026
Questions? Email Megan — lifebythelakewithjoyce@gmail.com
Please note: This is a Women’s Week of Memoir. Sometimes, I offer workshops for women and men, but this particular weekend is open only to women.
If you’ve been wanting to write, but you’re not sure how to begin – or maybe you’ve been working on your writing for a while, but feel the need for some guidance and support—here comes a great way to reach your writing goals.
Join New York Times best-selling writer Joyce Maynard—author of three memoirs, twelve novels and more essays than she chooses to count—in the beautiful town of Francestown, New Hampshire.
“To share our stories is not only a worthwhile endeavor for the storyteller, but for those who hear our stories and feel less alone because of it.”
- Joyce Maynard
September 7-10, 2026
A LOOK AT OUR WEEK TOGETHER…
For the first time ever, we're hosting our writing group at the 200-year-old Blue Bear Inn in the picturesque town of Francestown, New Hampshire, overlooking Crotched Mountain. The Inn is surrounded by fields, farmland, lakes, and woods. We've chosen the first week of September to host the retreat because it is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit New Hampshire. At this time, the leaves are just beginning to turn, but the days are still warm enough for a swim in the Blue Bear pool (if you wish) or a sunset walk down a country road – and with no more mosquitos!
We'll meet at 4 pm on Monday, September 7th, for drinks, appetizers, and a chance to get acquainted, followed by dinner at the Blue Bear tavern. After dinner, you can gather around the fire, take in the starry sky, or retire to your charmingly decorated rooms (some private, some with shared bathrooms) to rest up for two and a half inspiring days of writing. The writing workshop will begin right after breakfast the next morning.
Joyce will address several aspects of the writing process, including finding your story, locating the point of entry, creating a story arc and a landing place, tone, language, dialogue, and editing your work. She'll also cover the pain (and joy) of cutting your writing down. Most importantly, we’ll discuss the sheer power of honest, authentic writing and the importance for every writer of giving herself permission to tell her story, including the hard parts.
Writers in this group will not be asked to submit work in advance. Instead, Joyce will lead writing exercises and offer story prompts throughout the workshop. Therefore, please have your laptop close at hand for short writing assignments and the opportunity to share what you've written with the group. As always, writers are asked to recognize the sacred trust of full confidentiality.
We'll share most of our meals at the Blue Bear Inn, but we will venture out to a nearby Mexican restaurant one evening for a change of pace – and some great margaritas. After dinner, the group will gather again so that every writer can read some of their work aloud.
The workshop will conclude on Thursday morning with a question-and-answer session, along with a few final words from Joyce about the unique challenges of writing memoir. Afterward, everyone is invited to Joyce’s summer lake house in Bennington, NH, a fifteen-minute drive from the Inn, for a swim, a sauna, or a chance to relax on the porch and visit one more time before heading home.
For those who are interested, Joyce is offering an add-on day for nine writers who would like the opportunity to workshop a manuscript of up to 2500 words. Participation in the add-on day will include a simple dinner at Joyce’s house on Thursday evening, an additional night at the Blue Bear Inn, and a day of work at Joyce’s house in Bennington, NH, the next day. The add-on day will conclude by 5 pm on Friday, September 12th.
We're limiting participation in our September memoir retreat to 26 writers. The smaller group, staying on for more in-depth work on their writing, will be limited to nine writers.
For those driving, you can leave your car at the Blue Bear Inn. For those flying in: Logan Airport in Boston is approximately an hour and a half away. Manchester, NH, Airport is 45 minutes away. From there, you can rent a car, or we can direct you to a shuttle service. Our retreat manager, Megan Woolsey, may also be able to connect you with others flying in around the same time with whom you can share transportation.
One more thing: Your workshop may only last a few days, but as participants in past groups have confirmed repeatedly, the bonds formed among the writers in Joyce’s memoir groups often continue long after the workshop ends. You’ll take home not only a whole new set of writing tools but also a community of sister writers to share your work with. Many of these communities continue to talk, exchange work, and host their own writing retreats together for years to come. We hope you'll find that kind of sisterhood this September. We're betting you will.
“A GOOD MEMOIR IS NOT THE STORY OF YOUR LIFE - IT’S THE STORY OF PART OF YOUR LIFE. IF THERE’S A PART THAT MAKES ME NERVOUS OR UNCOMFORTABLE, I GO TO IT.”
- Joyce Maynard
MY Home in New Hampshire
Each day, a small group of early risers will be invited to Joyce’s lakeside home, for coffee and conversation (and a pre-breakfast swim, for the heart.)
It’s likely that some tears will be shed over your memoir-writing weekend. It’s guaranteed there will be laughter, sisterhood, inspiration and discovery. Also, fun.
This retreat promises an opportunity to share your story, in a diverse community of women of all ages who share your passion. You’ll experience the tough, but loving guidance of a writer with more than thirty years experience teaching memoir and instilling the tools of honest, powerful writing.
“telling the truth
about one’s life
is always valuable.”
~ Joyce Maynard
How to apply for the 3 day retreat
Send an email to Joyce’s Right Hand Woman, Megan Woolsey expressing your interest, or questions.
Interested in a retreat open to women and men?! Check out Life By the Lake.
ACCOMmODATION DETAILS
Blue Bear Inn
Crotched Mountain Memoir Retreat Accommodations
September 7-10, 2026 (3 day)
Shared Lodge Rooms - St. John’s Lodge at Barbara C Harris Conference Center
-with two people to a room with a private bathroom Cost $1830
Private Lodge Rooms - St. John’s Lodge at Barbara C Harris Conference Center
- private room with a private bathroom Cost $1950
TRAVEL
For those who drive to Greenfield- 108 Wally Stone Ln, Greenfield, NH 03047.
Phone: (603) 547-3400
For those who fly, the nearest airport is Manchester, NH, but Boston is also an option.
AIRPORTS:
BOSTON, MA
Approximately 1 hour 45 minute drive; you might want to rent a car.
MANCHESTER, NH
Approximately 50 minute drive, there are shuttle services available from the airport to the conference center. Ed Sweeney at (603) 554-0506 is one.
Let Megan know if you are flying, and she can connect guests who may want to share a car or shuttle service.
I look forward to meeting you in New Hampshire.
- Joyce