Writing in the World of Jane Austen: Masterclass

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Abroad Writers’ Conference is hosting a literary retreat in Bath, UK, from August 2nd to 8th, 2026.

We’ll be celebrating the 250th Birthday of Jane Austen.

Conference Highlights

This event is a creative workshop and cultural experience. It is designed for writers to immerse themselves in the Regency atmosphere. This setting inspired Austen’s “Bath novels,” Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. It also influenced other literary giants like Mary Shelley and Charles Dickens.

Workshops: Sessions cover fiction, non-fiction, memoir, and poetry. Ask about our “extra service” full manuscript reading and editing.

Legacy of Inspiration

  • Jane Austen: Resident from 1801 to 1806. Austen used Bath’s fashionable, gossipy society as the essential backdrop for Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. The Pump Room and Assembly Rooms remains today, where her heroines, Catherine Morland and Anne Elliot, often visited.
  • Mary Shelley: In 1816, Shelley resided at 5 Abbey Churchyard, where she wrote a significant portions of Frankenstein. Shelley moved to Bath to hide her stepsister’s pregnancy with Lord Byron’s child. Her original residence was demolish due to the extension of the Pump Room. Her legacy lives on at the immersive “Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein” museum in Bath.
  • Charles Dickens: A frequent visitor since 1835. Dickens famously satirized Bath’s social life in The Pickwick Papers (noting the local mineral water tasted of “warm flat irons”). He is believed to have conceived Little Nell of The Old Curiosity Shop while visiting St James’s Square. His love for the city’s famous Sally Lunn’s buns was immortalized in his 1844 Christmas book, The Chimes.

Why Bath?

From the historical Roman Baths–the “social Heart” Austen and Dickens often satirized. To the majestic Royal Crescent and cozy historic pubs like the Saracen’s Head. Bath offers a unique “magical experience” that continues today. It serves as a pilgrimage site for readers and a sanctuary for writers.

  • Austen’s 250th Birthday: A “once-in-a-lifetime” celebration focused on the author. She lived in Bath from 1801–1806. Austen used its social scene for Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.
  • Literary Landscapes: Workshops will be held near iconic sites. These include the Pump Room (where Shelley’s home once stood), the Assembly Rooms, and the Royal Crescent.
  • Diverse Workshops: Sessions cover fiction, non-fiction, memoir, and poetry. You can even ask about the cost of a full manuscript reading and editing service.

AUTHORS JOINING US IN BATH:

JACQUELYN MITCHARD–Master of family dynamics and suspense (the “Queen of the Deep Dive”).

Jacquelyn Mitchard is a New York Times Bestselling Author. She was Oprah’s Book Club’s first selected author in 1996. She has won the Bram Stoker Award, Shirley Jackson Award and Walkabout Prize in the UK.

Jacquelyn is regarded as a “literary powerhouse”. She focuses on balancing real life with writing, maintaining high productivity, and crafting compelling narratives. She’s widely regarded by other authors and critics as a master of suspense and complex human emotions. Particularly in portraying family crises and “motherly love”.

RUTH PADEL–Award-winning poet blending science, nature, and lyrical prose.

Ruth Padel is a highly acclaimed and award-winning British poet, novelist, and academic. She’s celebrated for her work in literature, classical studies and conservation. She Won the UK National Poetry Competition, 5 times Shortlisted Finalist for the T.S. Eliot Prize and all major UK poetry prizes. She also served as a Judge for the T.S. Eliot Prize. She’s a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. She was the first woman to be elected Professor of Poetry at Oxford University. Ruth has published 16 poetry collections, 2 Fiction, 4 Non-Fiction and 6 Criticism, editing books.

Ruth’s has worked as a broadcast journalist for BBC Radio 3. Served as the the first writer in residence at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden. Fellow of the Zoological Society of London and she has written extensively on wildlife conservation.

MICHELE ROBERTS–Sensory-focused novelist and former Booker Prize finalist.

Michele Roberts won the highly prestigious British, WH Smith Literary Award. She was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and she served as a Booker Prize Judge. Michele is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and a Chevalier de l’order des Arts et des Lettres. She hold the title of Emeritus Professor of Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia.

Michele has also served as Poetry Editor at Spare Rib and City Limits, editing work by many emerging feminist writers.

 MASTERCLASS

Half Agony, Half Hope: Mastering the Radical Depth of the Heart

This masterclass curriculum offers a sophisticated, technical deep dive into 

Regency-era fiction, moving past aesthetic clichés to focus on the psychological and sensory “mechanics” that makes Jane Austen’s work enduring.

Here is a breakdown of the core pedagogical pillars of the workshop:

1. The Architecture of Social Satire: Politeness & Poison

This module focuses on the spatial subtext of the Regency world, specifically using the “Pressure Cooker” environments of Bath.

  • Setting as Character: By analyzing the Pump Room and Assembly Rooms, writers learn how physical space dictates behavior. The friction between an internal desire and the rigid filter of decorum creates the “Politeness & Poison” tension.
  • The Technical Engine (Free Indirect Discourse): This is highlighted as the “secret sauce.” It allows the narrator to maintain a “posh” objective tone. Meanwhile, the character’s internal chaos and “damage” are nested directly within the prose.
  • Modern Mirroring: The course uses Jacquelyn Mitchard’s insights into family dynamics. It maps how modern social constraints often mirror the restrictive politeness of Austen’s era.

2. The Sensory Landscape: The “Warm Flat Iron” Effect

This section aims to add “grit” to the setting to prevent prose from becoming overly “airy” or precious.

  • The Warm Flat Iron Concept: A technique to ground the aesthetic in the reality of labor and physical utility.
  • Tactile Prose: Inspired by Michele Roberts, this module emphasizes visceral, physical reality over abstract description.
  • Sensory Mapping: It includes a “Sensory Walk” to historical sites like Sally Lunn’s and Saracen’s Head. The goal is to practice grounding scenes in specific smells, textures, and sounds.

3. Nature, Science, and the Romantic Heart

The final module bridges the gap between Enlightenment logic and Romantic emotion. This connection makes the famous “Half agony, half hope” state feel earned.

  • Romantic Logic: Led by Ruth Padel, this approach links scientific observation with emotional longing. It treats deep emotion as a logical conclusion of the character’s circumstances rather than a random outburst.
  • Movement as Revelation: Writers use Anne Elliot’s walks from Persuasion as a model. They learn to blend lyrical emotion with grounded observation.
  • Managing Turmoil: A technical workshop on navigating the transition between an objective narrator and a character’s heightened emotional state. This workshop ensures a deep impact while avoiding sentimentality.

Workshop Highlights

  • Renowned Faculty: Instruction from JACQUELYN MITCHARD (NYT Bestseller), RUTH PADEL (T.S. Eliot Award shortlistee), and MICHELLE ROBERTS (Booker Finalist).

This creative retreat combines immersive writing workshops at the Queensberry Hotel Garden with visits to Bath’s most iconic historical landmarks. It also includes culinary landmarks. Each location offers a unique atmospheric lens for your storytelling.

To help you get the most out of this creative retreat, here is a quick breakdown of what to expect at these iconic Bath locations:

  • Lunch: The Olive Tree: Since it’s your “Michelin bookend” (August 2 & 7), expect ultra-seasonal British ingredients. It’s located in the basement of The Queensberry Hotel. The setting offers a chic, quiet atmosphere, perfect for decompressing after a morning workshop.
  • Lunch : The Pump Room: It adjoins the Roman Baths. This grand neo-classical room has been the social heart of Bath for centuries. It is a quintessential spot for observational writing. Here, you can capture the “theatre” of afternoon tea. It is accompanied by live music, much as Austen’s characters would have experienced. The “Politeness & Poison” theme fits perfectly here—it’s where Jane Austen’s characters would have paraded. The acoustics are grand, often featuring a live string trio.
  • Lunch Sally Lunn’s: As one of the oldest houses in the city (c. 1480). It has a strong connection to the 1816-1817 period. During this time, Mary Shelley lived nearby at 5 Abbey Churchyard. She wrote much of Frankenstein there. The restauant is cramped, historic, and smells incredible. The “Sensory Mapping” exercise will likely focus on the famous Sally Lunn buns, a favorite of Charles Dickens. The “crooked rooms” and basement kitchen museum provide an intimate atmosphere. This setting is perfect for writing about culinary heritage. It is also ideal for exploring hidden histories.
  • Lunch: Royal Crescent Hotel restaurant, Montagu’s Mews–a Michelin Recommended Restaurant. Literary reference in Northanger Abbey, Austen refers to the Royal Crescent as a place to “breathe the fresh air of better company,” highlighting its status during her time in Bath.
  • Lunch The Saracen’s Head: A total shift in energy—think dark wood, history, and Dickensian grit. It’s a great spot to pivot from the “high society” feel of the Crescent. You can easily transition to something more grounded and “old world.”

Cost & Lodging

Workshop Fee: $2,400 (excludes room costs).

Accommodations in Bath: We have reserved rooms at several hotels in Bath. Prices range from $461 to $2,570 for a six-night stay. You’re not restricted to using only the accommodations we reserved.

THE QUEENSBERRY HOTEL

Abroad Writers’ Conference is hosting our Literary Event at the Queensberry Hotel. It was built in 1771 as a private residence for the Marquess of Queensberry. There we will be pairing the Georgian elegance of the Queensberry Hotel. Joined with the Michelin–starred artistry of The Olive Tree Restaurant perfectly honors the 250th birthday of Jane Austen. She so brilliantly captured Bath’s social and culinary nuances.

Culinary Inspiration: The Olive Tree is renowned for its tasting menus, which provides a creative springboard for sensory writing exercises.

Atmospheric Venues: The hotel’s drawing rooms offer the exact “fashionable, gossipy society” atmosphere Austen used in Northanger Abbey.

Garden
Garden

Daily workshops and readings will take place in the Garden.  Since August in Bath typically sees about 60-70mm of rainfall, having an “indoor” literary room inside has been arranged.

Screenshot

Why the Queensberry Hotel is the Perfect Venue

The Queensberry Hotel is positioned as a premier venue for our workshops and readings. This is due to its seamless blend of literary history. It also embraces Georgian heritage and modern excellence. 

Creative Atmosphere: The venue’s mission is to honor the classic. It also aims to create something fresh. This makes the venue ideal for masterclasses and creative retreats.

Historical Significance: The hotel is located near St. James’s Square, the site where Charles Dickens reportedly conceived the character Little Nell.

Architectural Context: It sits close to the Royal Crescent and Assembly Rooms. These are landmarks famous for their appearance in Jane Austen’s Persuasion.

The “Living Classroom”: Its physical space acts as an educational environment, balancing classic 18th-century design with contemporary innovation.

Michelin-Starred Innovation: It houses The Olive Tree in Bath. It is the city’s only Michelin-starred restaurant. The restaurant represents the “fresh and vital” counterpart to the city’s historic roots.

Where will You be Housed

Unfortunately, not everyone will be lucky enough to stay at the Queensberry Hotel. It’s a small hotel with limited rooms.

These hotels are excellent alternatives. They are located within a 6 to 15-minute walk from the Queensberry Hotel in Bath.

We offer discounted room rates for full non-refundable payment.

The Queensberry Hotel 4.6 stars (426)

The Queensberry Hotel in Bath offers 29 uniquely designed, stylish bedrooms across four Georgian townhouses. It’s a blend of modern comfort with historic charm. Rooms have high ceilings, Georgian windows and some with fireplaces.

$2,180 (1503 pounds) Classic Room

$2,375 (1638 pounds) King Size Bedroom Room

$2,570 (1773 pounds) Deluxe Room

$3,129 (2158 pounds) Junior Suite Non-refundable

The Francis Hotel 4.5 stars (1.3K)

The Francis Hotel in Bath, England, is a Bridgerton-style place to stay in Bath.This historic hotel is a Grade I listed Georgian townhouses that were converted in 1884.

Room Rate: 6 nights, breakfast not included.

Hotel Overview for Writers

  • Literary Atmosphere: The hotel is situated in Queen Square. This area is central to Bath’s rich literary heritage.
  • Writer-Friendly Features:
    • Dedicated Writing Spaces: The hotel recently added a new “snug”. It is designed specifically for guests to think. It also serves to spark conversation and make new connections.
    • Historic Setting: The interior features period charm with Regency-inspired decor. It includes crystal chandeliers and antique writing desks. This setting is ideal for an immersive writing environment.
  • Significance of the Location: While the hotel itself is not the specific location of the Austen family home, the surrounding Queen Square area was where Jane Austen lived

Proximity to Conference Events 

The Abroad Writers’ Conference hosts its primary literary events at the Queensberry Hotel. It’s .3 miles away, 5–15 minute walk, from the Francis Hotel.

Room Rate: 6 nights, breakfast not included

$2,003.00: Small Classic Bedroom Non-refundable rate $1,694.00

$2,198.00: Deluxe Bedroom with King Size Bed Non-refundable rate $1,876

Apex City of Bath Hotel 4.5 stars (2.1K)

The Apex is Bath’s newest luxury four-star hotel. The Apex Hotel represents two distinct complementary sides of Bath’s identity. Offering a functional bridge between modern and the historical inspiration of a quintessential Georgian residence built in 1771. The Apex serves as a contemporary counterpart that reflects modern luxury.

The contemporary hotel design features a curved facade of blond Bath stone. This design is meant to blend modern elements with the city’s UNESCO World Heritage status.

The Apex is situated on James Street West, approximately 0.4 miles (about a 9–11 minute walk) from Queensberry Hotel. It is one of the larger hotels in the city and features a pool, gym, and on-site restaurant.

Room Rate: 6 nights, breakfast not included.

$870.00 : Classic twin bedroom shared room by two AWC participants.

$1,875.00 : Deluxe King Size Bedroom non-refundable rate $1,593

Hampton Hilton 4.4 Stars (854)

The Hampton Hilton  serves as a practical and modern “home base.” It complements the historical and atmospheric experience of the Abroad Writers’ Conference at The Queensberry Hotel. The Queensberry provides Regency-era inspiration. It offers Michelin-starred dining. Meanwhile, the Hampton offers functional amenities. These amenities support a writer’s daily needs.

Located on Avon Street, this hotel is approximately 0.5 miles (a 10–13 minute walk) from Queensberry Hotel. It offers dependable, modern accommodations and is very close to the main shopping areas and Bath College.

Convenient Commute to the Queensberry Hotel 10-15 minutes

Room Rate: 6 Nights, Complimentary Hot Buffet Breakfast included

$810.00 per person: Twin Room shared by two paying participants. Non-refundable $616

$1,620.00: Room with Queen size bedroom. Non-refundable $1,232

Three Star Non-Refundable Hotels–I will need to reserve for you

***The Z Hotel Bath Queen size non-refundable room for $883 for 6 nights.

***Holiday Inn Express Bath Standard Room, Double Bed with Free Breakfast $923. 2 Twin Beds Room with two paying participants $461.50

***Premier Inn Bath City Centre Standard Double Room non-refundable room $993.00 for 6 nights

For the 

Abroad Writers’ Conference,

Nancy Gerbault, Founding Director

Nancy Gerbault, through the following channels:

If you are looking to apply for a program, you need to first email your resume. Include your literary career details in the email. Send it to the email above. This is required before you receive an official application form.