Show up a little early and get your badge, then head into the retreat hall to get started with Silent Writing or Morning Pages.

After check-in, find your spot and use the time for journaling while quiet music plays. If you’re a practitioner of Morning Pages from The Artist’s Way, you’ll be familiar with this experience – but if you’re learning of this for the first time, we’ll provide simple instructions that will make this time valuable. Think of it as a time to settle in, wake up your writer’s mind, and relax as the day begins.

If you are joining us from a remote location, you will be provided with instructions so that you can set this time aside and get into the experience of writing … as the writer you are.

During this opening workshop, your retreat host and teacher, Jacob Nordby will invite you into a frame of mind and heart that is meant to open you to the experience and lessons of this extraordinary weekend. 
You will learn to use the classic storytelling device of the Hero's Journey to understand your calling as a writer and creative – and to more easily work with your inner Victim, Villain, Hero, and Guide. 

Come prepared to reflect, revise your sense of purpose and possibility, and see yourself through new eyes. 

Bring your favorite notebook and writing instruments.

Do you suffer from procrastination that feels insurmountable? Perfectionism that feels utterly crippling? Most writers struggle with these two demons periodically, but for some writers it’s more than just a temporary problem. For writers who have suffered from procrastination and perfectionism for years, even decades, these two obstacles are more than just an ordinary bump in the road on the creative journey—they are deeply-rooted coping mechanisms that the writer adopted in childhood and adolescence to protect themselves from a dysfunctional home environment and/or toxic relationship with their primary caregiver.

In Healing from Procrastination and Perfectionism Lauren Sapala will share strategies she’s discovered that actually work for these kinds of writers. With over ten years of experience coaching writers who thought they could never move forward with writing, Lauren has developed techniques that not only conquer what she calls “toxic procrastination and severe perfectionism” but can also help any writer find their writing voice, rediscover the joy in writing, and finish their creative projects.

This 90-minute workshop requires only you and your favorite writing tools.  

With two hours to relax, you can choose from the meal options onsite or take the short drive into the nearby town to enjoy local restaurants.

This retreat is held on the edge of walking trails, so you can go outside, move your body, and allow what you’re learning to settle in. Or you can use any extra time for writing, journaling, and private reflection.

Poetry is one of the oldest forms of writing and many of us have forgotten the healing nature of expressing ourselves in this way. Join the Writing Doula and tap into the power of your creativity to give birth to poetry.

Watch what unfolds when you learn how to seamlessly transform your thoughts and reflections into poetic expressions – and create rhythms with your words.  Don’t be surprised if what you write evokes laughter or rocks your emotions. The goal of this gathering of creative kindred spirits is to let it go and let it flow.

Come ready to:  

• Create spirit-lifting poetry
• Reactivate your muse
• Engage in self-reflection
• Express in a safe space
• Have fun!

No advanced writing skills are necessary to participate in this spirit-lifting experience. All you need to bring is your favorite writing tools and a mind that is open to trust your magic.

* You will have a chance to share your words in the evening Poetry Share Gathering (no one is required to share, and you can simply attend to celebrate the sharing of others).

Julia Cameron has been teaching the world about creativity since her seminal book, The Artist’s Way, first broke open the conversation around art. With the learned experience of a lifetime of writing, Cameron gives you practical tools to start, pursue, and finish your writing projects. 

During a lively session, Julia will teach from her forthcoming book Write for Life, coming January 2023.

You will be the first to experience a sneak peek at her latest book before it hits the shelves!

Write for Life

·  Introduces a new tool and expands on powerful tried and true methods.

·  Gently guides readers through many common creative issues

·  Will help you reach your goals, whether your project is a novel, poetry, screenplay, standup, or songwriting.

Please bring a notebook and pen.

*Julia will join us for a special live session via Zoom from her home in Santa Fe.

This is your time to be seen and heard.

Step up to the microphone and read a short, original piece of your own! We’ll moderate this with timed sharing so that everyone who wants to speak will get a chance.

In our experience, the live poetry sharing is one of the most powerful, exhilarating sessions as we all celebrate those who overcome fears and anxiety, release perfectionism, and allow themselves to exchange with a loving, supportive audience.

Since this is in the weekend before Hallowe’en, we encourage you to show up wearing something fanciful, festive, or outrageous! A colorful scarf or hat, some meaningful piece of family heirloom jewelry, a masquerade mask … let your imagination run and this gathering will be alive with playfulness, love, and celebration of our creative selves.

* To be sure that those joining us via live broadcast can participate, we will host a special online-only session with everyone around the world via Zoom. Just because you can’t make the trip to California doesn’t mean that you will miss this extraordinary portion of the retreat experience!