As we begin our journey together developing your story, we will take an in-depth look at the essence of story – that without which there would be no story – and the hidden structures all great stories have in common. These hidden structures are intimately linked to the source of your creativity, are extremely powerful, and are the reason some great stories defy time and remain active and relevant for thousands of years and why others become classics, best-selling novels, or top grossing films. Then as we continue our work together and fine tune your story, you will experience how to create charismatic characters, narrative structures that will make your story unique and high concept great ideas and log lines that will generate excitement and compel the right people to get involved.

The work is exciting and inspiring, but we always have a lot of fun. During lunch and dinner we will gather together, talk about an important film or book and enjoy laughter and stimulating conversations with new friends and colleagues over delicious food and excellent wine.

So if you have a new novel or screenplay you want to start, one you need to finish, or anything in between, let’s meet at l’Ombre du Chateau in Nans Sous Ste. Anne and take it to the next level.

You are invited to join us the evening before the first day to meet James Bonnet and the other participants at a get-together with wine and cheese and other Jura specialties.

The second edition of James Bonnet’s book, Stealing Fire from the Gods: The Complete Guide to Story for Writers and Filmmakers, will be sent to you upon registration. The important new ideas about story in this book have been taught in university courses around the world and are having a major impact on writers in all media.

Space is limited, so don’t delay in registering for this special opportunity.
If space is available, you can sign up for two consecutive weeks.

To register click here.

For lodging information click here

For addional information call: in US  (1) 310 451 5418
Or email us at:  bonnet@storymaking.com
For travel information contact Diane at:  dt@storymaking.com

“Unlocking the secrets of story reveals the secrets of the mind and awakens the power of story within you. Work with that power and you can steal fire from the gods. Master that power and you can create stories that will live forever.”

More about James Bonnet

A Few Reviews

“Employing psychological theory and his own hard-won insights, James Bonnet demystifies the magic of creative storytelling. Stealing Fire from the Gods is intelligent and fascinating.”  Robert Crais, New York Times Best-Selling Novelist

“My advice to aspiring writers is simple: Read this book. Go to this seminar. There are some real pearls here.”  Billy Ray, Screenwriter, The Hunger Games, Flight Plan, Shattered Glass,  Academy Award Nominee for Captain Phillips

“James Bonnet’s Storymaking Retreat in France introduced me to an approach that I have used in everything I have written since. As our group bonded and met again in Santa Monica, James’ process continued to become the natural way I write. As always, so many new ways of thinking and creating stories emerged, and this made me realize the incredible richness of James’ ongoing mentorship.”  Erin Byrne is an award winning writer, most recently for 2012 Travelers’ Tales Grand Prize Silver Solas Award forSpirals, Memoir of a Celtic Soul

“Not only does Jim have a profound understanding of story but he can apply it to a writer’s work to identify what’s working and what’s not working in their story. He saw the source of a big problem in my novel and showed me how to fix it on the first day of our one-on-one sessions.”  Gary Bower, physicist, author, The Physicists’ Code

“James Bonnet is about challenging you to look deeply into your own fascination and attraction, to mine your story for the richness and texture that compels you to write. His tools will jump-start and intrigue you. Your connection to your craft will deepen, and your horizons will expand.”Raymond Singer, screenwriter, Disney’s Mulan