A Novel Weekend
Stories aren’t just for the page.
A Novel Weekend was created for women who want to escape into a good book while creating a story of their own. Our retreats are designed to create a cozy, welcoming space where you can slow down, connect, and lose yourself in the pages of a story – while writing a chapter of your own.
Born from a love of books and community, A Novel Weekend is for the woman who wants to curl up with a novel by the fire, rave about her latest book boyfriend over girl dinner, or enjoy some time away from the noise of daily life.
We curate each weekend with:
- Spaces meant for gathering and connecting.
- Thoughtful itineraries that blend rest with connection and exploration.
- A bit of whimsy and wonder – because you’re never too old to fall down the rabbit hole.
Come for the stories. Stay for the friendships. Leave with your heart a little fuller and your to-be-read list a little longer.
Meet Hanna & Sarah
Hanna McCarthy
My life is a blend of purpose, passion, and a few unexpected turns that make perfect sense in hindsight. I earned my MBA from the Darden School of Business at UVA, and by day, I work in finance. I also serve my community as a volunteer firefighter—a role that’s taught me more about leadership and resilience than any classroom could. Those lessons inspired me to write a leadership book focused on overcoming adversity and growing through challenge. So, when the opportunity came to start a book retreat business with my friend Sarah, it felt like a natural next chapter.
What is your all-time favorite book?
The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum – the adventure, the allegory, the bravery, the imagery. I just love it.
Favorite place you’ve traveled?
Nicaragua because I have adventures and moments I still talk about with my best friend. It was beautiful, full of the kindest people, all at once.
What’s one random fact about you?
I love pretzels in every shape and form.
Sarah Wyland
I wrote my first story when I was five. It was about a princess and a horse. So were the next several dozen. I begged for a typewriter for my eighth birthday, and my parents somehow found one. I typed short stories – about princesses and horses – after school every afternoon. In third grade, while my classmates were learning how to type, I typed out an entire retelling of Aladdin. I got in trouble for not following directions. I’ve been writing stories when I was supposed to be doing something else ever since. I’m so excited to bring a novel weekend to life to share my love of stories with you.
What is your all-time favorite book?
The Sound and The Fury by William Faulkner – the experimental writing style, the exploration of the fall of the southern aristocracy… so good.
Favorite place you’ve traveled?
Nicaragua with Hanna. We went to surf camp and have so many stories we still talk about. Especially the monkey…
What’s one random fact about you?
The TSA agent at LAX once used my bin to show everyone the correct way to do it. It was my proudest moment.