The Novel Writers’ Workshop: A Wholistic Approach to Your Book-Length Project

With Janis Cooke Newman

October 30 - November 1, 2026

Workshop Schedule

Friday
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm*How to Drop into Esalen*
7:15 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturday
9:30 am – 12:45 pm
3:00 pm – 6:15 pm
Sunday
10:00 am – 12:00 pm

See general schedule information including arrival, departure and meal times.

  • Sleeping Bag Space – $560.00
  • Bunk Bed Space – $740.00
  • Standard Shared Space – $930.00
  • Standard Queen Room – $1,230.00
  • Standard Room Two Beds – $1,950.00
  • Premium Queen Room – $1,800.00
  • Premium King Room – $1,932.00
  • Premium Plus King Room – $2,184.00
  • Premium Wooden Yurt – $2,184.00
  • Premium Wooden Yurt Two Beds – $2,184.00
  • Price House Suite – $2,950.00
  • Rolf Suite – $4,176.00
  • Point House – $4,176.00
  • Fritz Point House – $4,176.00
  • South Point House – $5,000.00

Haruki Murakami wrote that writing a novel is like running a marathon — it requires endurance, consistency, and mental discipline over a long stretch. 

In this workshop, we will look at all the ways writers, both beginning and experienced, can support themselves both creatively and physically during the novel-writing process.

Using a combination of generative exercises meant to spark creativity, meditations designed to build focus, and practical advice on how to keep going, we’ll talk about how to take a fictional project from beginning to end without losing our way. We’ll also touch on the craft of creating compelling stories and characters by looking at published works and sharing our own writing.

And, we’ll discuss ways to build your own literary community to provide emotional and creative support and make the solitary process of writing a little less solitary.

By the end of the weekend, participants will leave with a road map to finishing a novel and taking care of themselves in the process.

About the Leader

Janis Cooke Newman

Janis Cooke Newman is the author of two award-winning novels and a memoir. She is also the founder of the Lit Camp writers conference, and Creative Caffeine Daily, an online community for writers. She is also a long-time Buddhist practitioner. Email Me www.janiscookenewman.com

Learn more about Janis Cooke Newman

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