CL Pauwels at Large

I’ve been a fan and multiple-time participant in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) since 2005. In fact, all four of my novels had their start during what I’ve always described as a “sadistic” 30-day challenge.

Julia Bartz takes that event – and the sadism – and ratchets it up several notches in The Writing Retreat. The MC, Alex, arrives at an exclusive, invitation-only writers’ retreat to learn each of the handpicked attendees, including her rival and former best friend Wren, have 30 days to produce an entire horror novel. The prize: a life-changing publishing contract to the author who produces the best manuscript as chosen by their host, feminist horror writer Roza Vallo.

A secluded, supposedly haunted mansion. Five young women, eager to break into the publishing world. A famous, reclusive, more-than-a-little eccentric author…. Terrifying enough to any writer facing a blank page, but what could possibly go wrong besides an embarassing writer’s block?

Trust me: you’ll never guess. Suffice it to say, Bartz made me think twice about attending any other writing retreats in the future!