“Elle’s Writing Club changed my life…"

Join best-selling author Elle van Rijn and write your book.

Do you love writing?

But never quite have the time? Is there a book you’ve been wanting to write? Don’t stay stuck. Put your manuscript in front of two best-selling authors and get honest, useful feedback.

In a small group of just eight writers, you’ll spend real time on your story—workshopping, revising, and moving it forward with personal guidance at every step.

At Elle’s Writing Club, you’ll write, learn, and recharge in an inspiring setting, with great food and plenty of space to enjoy the experience. We’ll help you sharpen your characters, strengthen your plot, and shape your story so it truly flows.

You’ll leave feeling more confident, with a clearer sense of the story you want to tell—and with real progress already made. From character and structure to pitching and publishing, you’ll head home with fresh insight, tangible improvements, and the momentum to keep going.

Los Angeles, California

July 26-31, 2026

Naarden, The Netherlands

September 13-18, 2026

  • "If you are serious about giving your writing career a boost, this is the best investment you can give yourself."

    —Annette

  • "Stunning views, inspiring surroundings, and guidance from bestselling authors who really move you forward. Everything was perfect! This is where your book comes to life."

    —Ramona

  • "Elle loves not only writing, but above all, people. You feel that from the very first moment. It was Wonderful to delve so deeply into my character and her true motivation. The way Elle wanted to clarify the necessity of something for someone—wow, what power and love was in that. Elle would really go through fire for you."

    —Marianne

  • "A few days of writing and learning in Lecco—it was wonderful. Elle gave exactly the right feedback to help me move forward with my book. I really learned a lot again and can continue! The atmosphere was great, the organization was very well arranged, and the expertise of the "teachers" was of a high standard. I came back very happy. And now: time to write!"

    —Malon

Photos are from Elle’s Writing Club in March 2026, Lecco, Italy

Who is this retreat for?

This intensive writing course is for people who have serious ambitions to write a novel or become a columnist. After our course, you will receive a certificate from us. As a bonus, if desired, we will bring the work to the attention of publishers we work with.

What are the costs?

Elle hosts a number of Writers’ Clubs in Italy and the Netherlands. To learn more about her next English-speaking event, please click here for all the details.

Who is Elle?

Elle van Rijn is a best-selling author of more than 15 books, including her novel The Orphans of Amsterdam, which has been translated into more than 10 languages. 

She studied at the Theateracademie Maastricht, the Austrian school for acting The Max Reinhardt Seminar in Vienna, and the Writersschool in Amsterdam. After successfully working as an actress for more than 15 years, she decided to write her first novel. Besides novels, she wrote 80+ scenarios for film and TV, 700+ columns, and 1500+ serials. She also worked as a Creative Director at a production company, where she developed three drama series released every two seasons. 

Ready to start?

We look forward to seeing you at our next retreat!