WRITERS' RETREAT
with
Anne Lamott, Julia Cameron, SARK
and other teachers
OCTOBER 29-30
COLLEGE OF MARIN & LIVE BROADCAST
Calling All Writers
(and those who want to be)
Are you called to write but ...
find yourself stuck, ashamed of your lack of progress – and confused by why all of those other people seem to write and share themselves with the world – but it remains so difficult for you?
Join us in beautiful Marin, California – or from anywhere via live broadcast – for an immersive experience designed to spark your creative nature, dissolve your writing blocks + equip you with the tools and practices you need for a lifetime of writing.
Meet the Teachers
(Click on the teacher’s image for more information)
Anne Lamott
The beloved author of ten New York Times bestselling books, Anne Lamott brings her passion, humor, and skill as a writer and human to this retreat. Allow this creative activist to reignite your spark for writing – and life.
Julia Cameron
Hailed by the New York Times as “The Queen of Change,” Julia Cameron is credited with starting a movement in 1992 that has brought creativity into the mainstream conversation— in the arts, in business, and in everyday life. She will share lessons from her brand new forthcoming book on writing during this retreat!
*Julia will join us for a special live session via Zoom from her home in Santa Fe.
SARK
SARK (Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy) is the bestselling author and artist of eighteen books, including national bestsellers Succulent Wild Woman, Eat Mangoes Naked, and Make Your Creative Dreams Real. Her art, programs, products, and services have been treasured by millions of people around the world. SARK will inspire you to heal and create like never before.
Eric Maisel
Eric Maisel, Ph.D., is the author of 50+ books and known as America’s foremost Creativity Coach. A retired family therapist, and worldwide workshop leader and teacher, his recent books include The Power of Daily Practice, Lighting the Way, and Redesign Your Mind. His books for creatives include Fearless Creating, The Van Gogh Blues, Coaching the Artist Within, and Mastering Creative Anxiety.
LINDA JONES
Known as "The Writing Doula," Linda's work is informed by her experience as a veteran news journalist, certified grief recovery practitioner, and 'spoken notes' artist who appreciates writing in its most expressive and therapeutic forms. She is the author of "Family Scribes: Writing Memories for your Family Tree" and the Afrobituary Legacy Writing Course producer.
JACOB NORDBY
Author of Blessed are the Weird, The Creative Cure, and other books, Jacob teaches from his personal experiences of healing, transformation, and creative recovery. He is the founder of the Institute for Creative Living and Heal + Create community programs.
LAUREN SAPALA
Known for her work with highly-sensitive, intuitive, and empathic creatives, Lauren is the author of five books, including The INFJ Writer, & Firefly Magic. She founded popular "Silent Writing" group programs and keeps a full teaching and coaching schedule.
Sam Lamott
Millions have met Sam as a child through his mother's books, and now he has emerged as a creative leader through his work as founder & host of the popular Hello Humans podcast, vocal advocate of recovery and mental health, and creator of the Square 1 Studio.
These teachers bring years of experience to invite you into healing and creative expression
See below for full schedule
Details
When
October 29-30, 2022
The retreat starts on Saturday morning with a general gathering and keynote – and runs through Sunday afternoon.
See below for the full schedule and session descriptions.
Where
Marin County, California
Held at the beautiful College of Marin, you can also enjoy nearby wine country, San Francisco, and the autumn vibes of Marin, California. Notable alumni of this college include the artist Prince and Robin Williams.
Can’t travel? No problem! You can join us via live broadcast from wherever you are.
Who
Writers – and those who want to be
This special experience with leading creative teachers is designed for writers of all levels.
If you know that you want to grow (or start) your writing life and career, join with people from around the world for a deeply inspiring retreat.
Live Broadcast
Join us from anywhere!
Want to join us from the comfort of your home?
Each session will be broadcast live AND recorded. After the retreat has concluded, we will make the full video replays available to every ticketholder in a dedicated portal so you can enjoy these recorded workshops for up to 12 months – as often as you like!
Register Now
Choose your adventure
Secure your in-person spot ASAP if you can travel to this event. Otherwise, claim your pass to stream it live from anywhere in the world!
✅ All ticketholders will have full access to the video replays for up to 12 months after the event has concluded.
In Person
-
✅ Limited spots available
-
✅ Includes all replays
-
✅ Interact with your favorite authors
SOLD OUT!
Unfortunately, the In-Person tickets are no longer available. Add your name to the form below to be notified of the next Heal + Create Writers’ Retreat coming soon.
• Early Bird pricing good through September 15
• Regular Pricing September 16–October 12*
• Late Pricing $799 October 13–Retreat Start*
* IF tickets still available!
Live Broadcast
-
✅ Join from anywhere via Zoom
-
✅ Includes all replays!
• Early Bird pricing good through September 15
• Regular Pricing September 16–October 12
• Late Pricing $279 October 13–Retreat Start
Upon successful registration, we will send you an email confirmation. Please check your spam folder if you haven’t received that and add us to your “safe senders” list. Use your best email as we will send you important updates and instructions – including Zoom links or driving maps and other details as applicable – via email.
Retreat Location
Held at the beautiful College of Marin's Bill and Adele Jonas Center, you can also enjoy nearby wine country, San Francisco, and the autumn vibes of Marin, California. Notable alumni of this college include the artist Prince and Robin Williams.
Remote Live Broadcast Option
Join from anywhere
No travel required! Join us from wherever you are in the world. Delivered via Zoom technology, your smartphone, tablet, or computer will get you there.
Affordable
Easy on your budget – and with payment options available – it makes attending this transformative retreat accessible.
All Live sessions
Because all of our sessions are general gatherings, you don't have to choose between attending one live workshop and another.
Full video replays
Whether your schedule allows you to attend all of the live sessions, or you need to come back and experience some later, you'll have full access to the video replays for up to 12 months after the retreat has ended.
Event Schedule
See below for full schedule!
Plan on two days full of learning, sharing, connection – and fun – with spacious breaks that will allow you to absorb the full value of this remarkable experience.
The retreat program includes:
Live General Sessions
Each workshop is designed to invite you deeper into your creativity, dissolve the blocks that have stymied your progress in the past, and gain new courage and skills to create like never before
Silent Writing & Journaling
We don't just talk about writing, we get right into it. Experience the power of dedicated group writing time to help you internalize the truth – you are a writer. These sessions will lead you into the act of writing in real time
Poetry Share Gathering
Come experience being heard and seen – or participate as an observer. This experience is powerful as it invites all who share to share from their hearts and be celebrated as the creatives they are
Yoga, Meditation, Walking
Enjoy the quiet spaces of this retreat with optional yoga, meditation times, and walking trails to help you release anxiety and tune into your inner creative self
Register now to secure your spot and we will send detailed email updates with all of the information you need to plan ahead!
SATURDAY
All times listed in Pacific Time (US)
CLICK HERE to use the World Clock Converter and find the time in your location
* Schedule subject to minor adjustments – you will receive all of your needed information via email
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!
SUNDAY
All times listed in Pacific Time (US)
CLICK HERE to use the World Clock Converter and find the time in your location
Start the day by moving into your mind and body with gentle, reflective practice. Weather permitting, a local yoga instructor will lead an outdoor session. Bring your yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing.
Or go inside and join the guided meditation and journaling experience that is dedicated to helping you listen to your inner creative self, relax, and integrate what you’re experiencing during this retreat.
If you are joining us from a remote location, we will host a special Zoom session that will include a guided meditation and journaling.
You’ve heard it all before: you incubate an idea, the idea percolates up, you start writing, you complete a draft, you revise the draft, and, voila, a book!
But how does this process really work? Why does it take so many writers years and years to get their book written? How can the process of bringing a book into existence be handled much better than it usually is?
Learn how from America’s foremost creativity coach and the author of more than fifty books, among them Fearless Creating, Coaching the Artist Within, A Writer’s Paris, and A Writer’s San Francisco. Come experience this one-of-a-kind, information-packed ninety-minute workshop.
You’re invited to get your lunch onsite and join us back in the main hall for a special presentation with Sam Lamott.
Many people struggle for years with the traditional approaches to giving birth to the book that lives inside them. They start and find themselves stymied over and over again.
In the true spirit of creativity, Sam Lamott has developed a different approach. During this interactive workshop, he will draw on his years as a top podcaster and storyteller to show you how a process of recorded interviews could be the way to help you unearth those stories, characters, and lessons that you long to bring into life on the page.
Rather than staring at the blank page and wondering why the words won’t come out, learn how to use techniques that professional interviewers and ghostwriters employ to produce captivating works of fiction and nonfiction.
During this session, you will be invited into curiosity, humor, and imagination that can become the keys to unlock your best work.
In this session, you will learn to Revitalize and Re-Energize Your Dreams and Life in every way!
What’s a story you’re telling about yourself that you would like to shift? Bring it to this magical conversation and learn how to move from the stories you typically tell about yourself and your life, to stories that empower you and ignite your creative spark!
It’s time to make magical shifts in your life so that you can Begin, Continue and Expand upon Your Unique Gifts in this world.
Do you desire to embrace your healing journey so that you can:
- CREATE something NEW
- Get more MOVEment on something you've already started
- Spring your creative DREAMS into ACTION
Bring your favorite writing things – and you’re encouraged to add some colored pens or pencils to your bag for this one.
SARK has agreed to sign books during this afternoon interlude. We know that you’ll enjoy connecting with her and then take time for yourself!
Guided Forest Bathing
Everyone knows that being in nature is good for our wellbeing, but often we don't know how to slow down and just BE to receive all the healing, restorative gifts that nature has to offer our inner creative selves.
During this gentle, immersive experience, you will be guided through a series of relaxing activities designed to help you slow down, and mindfully engage with and explore the natural world through your senses while you discover new ways of being in and with nature.
People usually come to writing conferences because they love to write, or want to write, or used to write, and want to again. There is something inside some of us, a select few, that longs to create written stories about life and humanity and our deepest truths. And when we do not honor that longing, something inside us begins to atrophy. When we let that desire slide by the wayside of busy lives, we do not feel fully alive.
So how do we awaken and commit to the pursuit of a writing life? How do we reinvigorate this commitment when it has been too long since we last wrote with any sustained pleasure and conviction?
This is what Anne Lamott will discuss in her keynote address, the whys and hows of writing, as a debt of honor.
LODGING
For those traveling to the in-person location, we have arranged for special courtesy pricing at several nearby hotels in a range of pricing. Upon registration, we will provide instructions for you to reserve your hotel room at attractive rates.
Immediate Bonus Items!
As soon as you register, you’ll be directed to a Thank You page, where you can access all of these resources immediately.
Writer Audio Resources
Write for Life Excerpt
Ebook & Audio Program
Creative Exploration Game
FAQs
When and where does this retreat take place
The in-person retreat takes place at the Bill and Adele Jonas Center on the Indian Valley campus of the College of Marin in California. Full instructions for finding this location will be emailed after registration.
The live broadcast of all general sessions can be accessed from wherever you are via Zoom technology.
What happens after I register
You’ll immediately receive a payment confirmation email and a separate email with instructions, depending upon whether you registered for the in-person or live broadcast pass.
Please be sure that you have used your best email AND check your spam or Promotions folder if you don’t immediately receive your confirmation and instructions.
If you don’t find your confirmation, don’t panic! We’ll help you get it resolved and make sure that you can attend. You can send a message through this page or use the Support feature and we’ll respond as quickly as possible.
It’s very important that you use your best correct email address as this is how we will communicate before, during, and after the retreat with your instructions, links, and the follow-up to provide your access to the video replays.
What kind of writer do I need to be to attend and get value
Any kind! Writers of all stripes and all skill levels (even total beginners) are welcome. If you feel that you would be helped in fulfilling your writing dreams and goals, this is for you.
I live in a weird time zone for US-based programs, will I still get benefit and how can I participate from where I am?
Each live session will be recorded and all registered guests will be given full access to the video replays within 5 days after the event has ended.
We welcome our friends from all time zones and regions of the world and will seek to offer ways for you to connect as often as possible!
You will have access to these video replays for up to 12 months at no extra charge.
What computer requirements do I need to participate?
Almost any smartphone, PC, or tablet will work. The membership workshops and online sessions are delivered via Zoom. Video replays will be provided via our membership portal and can be viewed on any computer or mobile device.
What if I can’t make it to a live workshop session?
All workshops will be recorded and made available for streaming replay within 5 days after the event has ended.
You will have access to the video replay library for this event for up to 12 months, so you won’t miss a thing.
What about refunds
Can I give tickets as a gift
Yes! When you go through the registration process, please use your gift recipient’s email address so that they will receive instructions.
If you have any questions, please contact Support and we will assist you!
I'll be traveling to the retreat, where should I stay?
We have arranged reservation blocks (limited) with several nearby hotels. Upon registration, we will email you with links and information. You are also free to arrange your own lodging with AirBnB or local hotels that best suit your needs and budget.
4 Points by Sheraton: Booking Link (Reserve before September 15th)
Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn: Booking Link (Reserve before October 7th)
Embassy Suites by Hilton: Booking Link (Reserve before October 7th)
Transportation options to and from either the SF or Oakland airport:
https://www.rome2rio.com/s/San-Francisco-International-Airport/Novato
I have more questions, can you help me?
Please use the Contact form on this page and send us any questions you have! We will respond ASAP.
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Thanks to our affiliate sponsors for helping us produce this retreat!
