ABROAD WRITERS' CONFERENCE

Celebrating 22 years of literary travel with our most intimate circle yet.

OLD QUEBEC CITY, AUGUST 27TH – SEPTEMBER 2ND, 2026

“Since 2004, Abroad Writers’ Conference has hosted hundreds of writers at legendary sites—from private Villas on Lake Como and the literary streets of Dublin to the historic halls of Hever and Lismore Castles. Today, we are deliberately pivoting to something rare. This residency is our first Intensive Masterclass Circle: a strictly limited, 18-person deep-dive designed to offer the kind of profound, one-on-one mentorship that only happens in a truly intimate setting.”

In the heart of Old Quebec, where the St. Lawrence River meets centuries of hushed history, old stone walls hold secrets of the past. We gather to explore the stories that usually go untold. Our 2026 residency, Writing the Unspoken, moves beyond the traditional lecture hall and into the intimate sanctuary of the Royal Suite at Hotel Port Royal.

Here, beneath exposed beams and beside a shared table, we join masters of the craft—Amy Bloom, Connie May Fowler, Josip Novakovich, Mikhail Iossel, founding director of The Summer Literary Seminars, plus special guest authors—to dismantle the silences that haunt our work. Together, we will explore the dizzying intersections of memory, exile, and the ‘unspoken’ truths that define the human condition. Whether it is the complexities of the heart, the absurdity of exile, or the physical traces of history etched into the cobblestones streets outside. We invite you to break bread with us and finally find the words for what has, until now, remained unsaid.

The visual anchor for this year’s residency is my painting of the Extinct Passenger Pigeon. Once the most numerous bird on earth, its sudden silence is the ultimate metaphor for the ‘unspoken’ histories we seek to reclaim. Every participant will receive a limited-edition residency garment featuring this original work—a physical reminder of the voices we are here to honor.

Painting by, Nancy & Alain Gerbault

To enter Old Québec is to step into a living archive. Outside our door, the cobblestones and 400-year-old stone walls stand as silent witnesses to centuries of secrets. This is where your journey begins—leaving the noise of the modern world behind to walk the same narrow paths that have inspired seekers and storytellers for generations.

Our Sanctuary Home in Old Quebec City, The Royal Suite at Hotel Port Royal

Main Room

Royal Suite Terrace

Authors Teaching Workshops

Third Author will be announced shortly

AMY BLOOM

Amy Bloom is the author of four novels: White Houses, Lucky Us, Away, and Love Invents Us; and three collections of short stories: Where the God Of Love Hangs Out, Come to Me (finalist for the National Book Award), and A Blind Man Can See How Much I Love You (finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award). Her most recent book is the widely acclaimed New York Times bestselling memoir, In Love. She has written for magazines such as The New Yorker, New York Magazine, The New York Times Magazine, Vogue, Elle, The Atlantic, Slate, and Salon. Her first book of nonfiction, Normal: Transsexual CEOs, Crossdressing Cops and Hermaphrodites with Attitudes, is a staple of university sociology and biology courses.

Amy Bloom’s short stories have appeared in Best American Short Stories, Prize Stories: The O. Henry Awards, and numerous anthologies here and abroad. She has written for The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic Monthly, O Magazine and Vogue, among many other publications, and has won a National Magazine Award for Fiction. Her work has been translated into seventeen languages.

She has written many pilot scripts, for cable and network, and she created, wrote and ran the excellent, short-lived series State of Mind, starring Lili Taylor.

CONNIE MAY FOWLER

Connie May Fowler is a bestselling, award-winning author of eight highly acclaimed books. Her novels include How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly, The Problem with Murmur Lee, Remembering Blue (recipient of the Chautauqua South Literary Award), Before Women had Wings (recipient of the Southern Book Critics Circle Award and the Francis Buck Award from the League of American Pen Women), River of Hidden Dreams (recipient of a Florida Individual Artist Grant), and Sugar Cage. Her first memoir, When Katie Wakes, explores domestic violence and its generational echoes. Her second memoir, A Million Fragile Bones, was a finalist for the 2018 Clara Johnson Award in Women’s Literature.

Three of her novels have been Dublin International Literary Award nominees. She adapted Before Women had Wings for Oprah Winfrey. The result was an Emmy-winning film.

Her essays have been published in The New York Times, London Times, International Herald Tribune, Japan Times, The Sun Magazine, Oxford American, Best Life, and elsewhere.

Connie has written extensively about the environment, family violence, multiculturalism, poverty, women’s issues, and sumo wrestling. Much of her fiction contains elements of magical realism and offers historical, sociological, and environmental perspectives of the American South. Her essays and stories have been widely anthologized in the United States and abroad.

She is Professor Emeritus at Vermont College of Fine Arts.

JOSIP NOVAKOVICH

Josip Novakovich is a Croatian-American writer who now lives in Canada

Novakovich emigrated from Croatia to the United States at the age of 20, attending Vassar, Yale and the University of Texas. He has published a dozen books, including a novel, April Fool’s Day (in ten languages), four story collections (Infidelities, Yolk, Salvation and Other Disasters, Heritage of Smoke) and three collections of narrative essays, as well as two books of practical criticism.

His work was anthologized in Best American Poetry, the Pushcart Prize and O.Henry Prize Stories. He has received the Whiting Writer’s Award, a Guggenheim fellowship, the Ingram Merrill Award and an American Book Award. He is currently a professor of creative writing at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada.

He was shortlisted, for his entire body of work, for The Man Booker International Prize 2013.

Special Guest Author

MIKHAIL IOSSEL

Mikhail  Iossel was born in Leningrad, USSR (now St. Petersburg, Russia), where he worked as an electromagnetic engineer and belonged to an organization of samizdat writers before immigrating to the United States in 1986. He is the author of Notes from Cyberground: Trumpland and My Old Soviet Feelingand one previous collection of fiction: Every Hunter Wants to Know. A frequent contributor to the New Yorker, his stories and essays have also appeared in the New York Times Magazine, Foreign Policy, Ecotone, Guernica, Tikkun, Best American Short Stories, and elsewhere. Iossel, a Guggenheim, National Endowment for the Arts, and Stegner Fellow, has taught in universities throughout the United States and is an associate professor of English at Concordia University in Montreal.

Masterclass Workshop Descriptions

In our Intensive Circle, every participant works directly with all three instructors.

The Format: Three intimate groups of six | 15 hours of direct instructional time.

AMY BLOOM: The Illuminated Sentence

For the better sentence, the stronger story, and characters that live.
This workshop is open to anyone interested in the process of making characters come alive and writing prose that illuminates without being showy, self-conscious, or self-promoting. 

Samuel Beckett—everyone’s favorite cheerleader—said: “Try. Fail. Try again. Fail better.”

We will tackle the art of trying, failing, and failing better. Our time will be split between deep-dives into your current works-in-progress and generative exercises designed to push your craft. I take your work seriously.

JOSIP NOVAKOVICH: The Architecture of the Absurd

Writing the unspeakable without falling into cliché.
How do we write about the violence of war, the disorientation of exile, or a life lived between borders? Join award-winning author Josip Novakovich to explore the “mongrel” perspective and “cruelly whimsical” storytelling. Known for finding humor and humanity in the darkest of historical silences. Jospip leads writers through the process of dismantling the “unspeakable.”

Whether you are crafting a memoir of immigration or a novel set in alandscape of conflict, this session challenges you to speak the truths that history books often leave out.

CONNIE MAY FOWLER : Are Your Characters Lying to You?

Sometimes we protect our characters because we don’t want to deal with the emotional outflow. Other times, we simply choose surface truths because excavating the feral territories of the psyche is scary, difficult work. But the hidden, uncomfortable stuff is where literary magic resides.

Some of the questions we’ll ask: What are your characters’ internal truths versus their external lies? What truths, needs, traumas, joys, and desires motivate their behaviors? What are your characters not saying?  Are you silencing them? Are you prepared to do what it takes to reveal their hidden pulse beats? If so, how do you do that? And most important of all: What’s next?

Whether you are writing fiction or creative nonfiction, we’ll explore the deep waters that motivate and define the human condition. This is a braided workshop that explores works-in-progress and new material.

Schedule

Group Daily MEAL PLAN

Chef-Curated Lunches and Dinners

The Grand Finale: “The Experience” at Chez Rioux & Pettigrew

This Michelin-recognized evening is designed as a sensory journey through the “unspoken” flavors of Québec’s history. As a chef-led event, the menu remains a complete surprise until each course is presented.

This 4-course surprise menu includes a curated three-tier wine service(White, Red, and Sparkling). A sophisticated non-alcoholic botanical pairing is also available for those who prefer a zero-proof journey.

Workshop Schedule

The 18 participants are split into three small cohorts (Groups A, B, and C) that rotate through 2.5-hour sessions. Two in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Phase	Days 1 & 2	Days 3 & 4	Days 5 & 6
Group A (6)	Connie May Fowler	Amy Bloom	Josip Novakovich
Group B (6)	Josip Novakovich	Connie May Fowler	Amy Bloom
Group C (6)	Amy Bloom	Josip Novakovich	Connie May Fowler

Time	Days 1 & 2	Days 3 & 4	Days 5 & 6
09:00 – 11:30	Connie May Fowler(Group A)	Josip Novakovich (Group B)	Amy Bloom (Group C)
09:00 – 11:30	Josip Novakovich (Group B)	Amy Bloom (Group A)	Connie May Fowler(Group C)
13:00 – 15:30	Amy Bloom (Group C)	Connie May Fowler(Group B)	Josip Novakovich (Group A)

COST

The “Writing the Unspoken” Retreat: What’s Included

Early Bird Artist Rate: $2,350 first 4 people to sign up will receive the discount.

Afterwards registration fee: $2,650 USD covers the complete six-day curriculum, masterclass access, and a curated culinary program in the heart of Old Québec.

Social Guest Pass Policy

We are delighted to welcome partners and companions to join us in Old Quebec City. To ensure a seamless experience for our writers while providing high-quality hospitality for guests, we offer a Social Guest Pass for $600 USD,

This includes: Full access to our private culinary program, including daily continental breakfast (featuring local boulangerie pastries and boreal fruits, lunches and our signature multi-course dinners. Including regional specialities like Lobster rolls, duck and scallops. Plus our Grand Finale tasting dinner at Chez Rioux & Pettigrew including wine.

Literary Salon: Admission with hors d’oeuvres and sparkling cider.

The 2026 Residency Artifact

The Limited-Edition Artist’s Signed Print
The 11″ x 14″ museum-quality Giclée print of the Passenger Pigeon, featuring original artwork by Nancy Gerbault and Alain Gerbault.

Exclusivity: Each print is hand-signed and numbered (1 through 18) specifically for our Old Québec cohort.

Museum Provenance: This work was a cornerstone of Nancy & Alain Gerbault’s solo exhibition, “Coup de Grace,” at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, California.

Archival Excellence: Printed with museum-grade pigment inks on 100% cotton rag, acid-free paper.

1. Elite Craft & Mentorship

• 15 Hours of Intensive Workshop: Small-group sessions (maximum 6 students) led by Amy Bloom, Connie May Fowler and Josip Novakovich.
• 6:1 Master-to-Student Ratio
• One-on-One Consultations: A private 30-minute manuscript or craft session with Amy Bloom, Connie May Fowler and Josip Novakovich to discuss your specific work.
• The Nightly Salon Series: Participation in six evening “Literary Salons.” Including, Guest Authors.

2. “All-Inclusive” Gourmet Meals. A “Taste of Québec” Meal Plan

• Chef-Curated Daily Lunches: From Lobster & Lion’s Mane Rolls to Québec-style Niçoise, enjoyed as a community at Hotel Port Royal Suite.
• Gourmet Multi-Course Dinners: Five nights of French-inspired dining, featuring local delicacies like Duck with Juniper Berries, Coquilles St. Jacques, and traditional Pouding Chômeur.
• Vegetarian Excellence: Thoughtfully designed, high-end vegetarian alternatives for every single meal.
• The Workshop Table: Freshly baked croissants, baguettes, French Toast, special Canadian jams and Wild Blueberries are provided every morning during your sessions.
• Celebratory Toasts: Including a special Ice Wine tasting sparkling cider pairings and Canadian wines.

3. The Grand Finale

• The Farewell Gala: A final night celebration 4 course blind dinner with wine, at the Michelin-recommended Chez Rioux & Pettigrew. The restaurant is a short stroll from our base hotel.

The “Royal” Base: All workshops and readings take place in the historic Royal Suite at Hotel Port Royal, ensuring a cohesive and atmospheric environment.

What is not included:

• Accommodations (Multiple historic options ranging from $825 – $2,024 are available for separate booking with me).
• Travel to/from Québec City.
• One “Free Night” dinner (August 29th), allowing you to explore the local bistros of Petit Champlain at your leisure.

Your Home in Old Québec

Choice of HOTEL ROOMS — 6 nights

I have reserved rooms in the following hotels.

August 27th – September 2nd

To ensure you are fully immersed in the “New and Ancient” spirit of our retreat, we have reserved blocks at three distinct, historic properties within walking distance of our base at Hotel Port Royal.

****The Quiet Path: Le Monastère des Augustines (4-Star–10,896 based on TripAdvisor)

Includes Silent Breakfast

Experience the 400-year-old sanctuary of a restored monastery. Perfect for those seeking monastic silence and a contemplative writing environment.

• Shared Twin Room (Shared Bath): $825 per person
• Private Single Room (Shared Bath): $1,140

****The Historic Comfort: Hotel des Coutellier (4-Star–2,425 TripAdvisor) 3 – 5 minute walk

Includes Breakfast

Elegant, modern amenities inside a historic stone building.

• Superior Double Room (Private Bath): $1,130 per person (Shared)

Hotel Atypig (3-Stars) 5 – 10 minute walk

Includes Breakfast

Room with Queen size bed (Private Bath): $1,356

The Base Camp: Hotel Port Royal (4-Star)

Breakfast Not included

The site of our workshops and nightly salons. Features kitchenettes and the ultimate convenience.

• Superior Deluxe Double (Private Bath): $1,625

The Inspiration: Auberge du Trésor (3.5-Star) 5 – 8 minute walk

Breakfast Not included

Breathtaking park views in the heart of the historic district.

• Double Bedroom (Private Bath) $1,639
• Deluxe Queen with Park View (Private Bath) $2,024

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You are free to book your own accommodations.

Contact

Nancy Gerbault Director

209 256 2567

nancy@abroadwritersconference.com

Join the Circle: Application Instructions

To maintain the intimacy and high-level craft of the “Writing the Unspoken” retreat, we are strictly limiting enrollment to 18 participants. We seek a diverse group of dedicated poets, memoirists, and fiction writers ready to dive deep into the craft.

The Application Process

Admission is on a rolling basis. Once the 18 seats are filled, we will open a waitlist.

1. The Manuscript: Please submit up to 10 pages of your current work-in-progress (double-spaced). This helps our instructors group you with the most compatible peers.
2. The Intent: A brief paragraph (200 words max) telling us why you want to work with our authors?

Deadlines & Deposits

• Application Fee: A non-refundable $25 application fee is required to review your manuscript.
• Deposit: Upon acceptance, a $1,325 Non-Refundable deposit is required within 48 hours to secure your tuition.
• Final Balance: The remaining tuition is due by May 27th.

Deadline for Full Room Payment is June 1st.

To Apply for the 2026 Residency Circle:
“To maintain the intimacy of our 18-person group, we do not use automated registration. Please email your 10-page manuscript and statement of intent directly to Nancy Gerbault at nancy@abroadwritersconference.com. Upon review and acceptance, you will receive a secure invitation to join the circle and select your residency artifact.”

Apply Now: nancy@abroadwritersconference.com

Cancellation Policy

We Strongly Recommend Travel Insurance.

“Due to the intimate nature of this 18-person residency and our fixed commitments to our faculty and venues, all payments are non-refundable. We strongly recommend all participants purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance to protect their investment.”

• Upon Acceptance: $1,325 Non-Refundable Deposit (Due within 48 hours to hold the seat).
• 90 Days Before (May 27th): Final Balance of $1,325 Due. Once this is paid, the entire $2,650 becomes non-refundable.

 Travel Insurance to protect your investment in the event of personal emergencies.”

“Minimum Enrollment
Abroad Writers’ Conference requires a minimum of 14 participants to proceed. In the unlikely event that this minimum is not met by July 15th, the residency will be cancelled. In this specific case, 100% of all residency fee.

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