Why You Should Attend a Writers' Retreat

If you've ever felt a tug in your heart to write a book, share an incredible story–maybe even yours, or simply explore your creative voice, you are not alone. So many aspiring writers dream of bringing their words to life but struggle with where to begin, how to stay motivated, or how to break through the fear that often comes with putting pen to paper. 

That's where the power of a writing retreat comes in. 

A truly effective retreat isn’t just an event; it’s an experience—one that can unlock your creativity, give you the tools you need, and introduce you to a community of writers that believes in your story as much as you do.

The Moment That Sparked It All 

When my second book, co-authored with Melissa Moore, was featured on the Oprah and Dr. Phil reunion show, it was a surreal experience (and as you know, having a book on Oprah never hurts). Suddenly, hundreds of people with extraordinary, powerful stories began reaching out to me. They were yearning to tell their stories, but didn’t know where to start.

At the time, I was a single mom running a trucking company and a phone book business, while also writing other incredible and true stories. I loved what I was doing, but I couldn’t personally help everyone who had a story to tell. It crushed me not to have a way to support them in all the ways they deserved.

I remember praying for inspiration on how to support these incredible individuals and their stories. The pain stayed with me.

After my next book, The Witness Wore Red with Rebecca Musser, hit the New York Times Bestsellers list following its feature on Dateline, it clicked:

💡 What if I created an event where people could dig deep into their stories, learn the essential writing and publishing skills I'd discovered, and truly bring their books to life?

And just like that, the Inspired Writers Retreat was born.

Why Attend a Retreat Like This?

When people ask why they should attend a writing retreat, my answer is simple: because it can change everything.

I’ve worked with all levels of writers, at every stage of story development. Regardless of your skill level when you begin this journey, every great storyteller must have certain fundamentals. You could read and study several books, take a handful of writing courses, and spend months working in Executive Coaching with a professional to fill those gaps. 

OR you can spend three days with me at my powerful and insanely effective writing retreat. The immersive nature of the experience ensures that you walk away changed, mentally and emotionally. 

How Do Retreats Accelerate Your Book? 

Did you know that over 90% of people dream about writing a book, but less than 3% will ever do it?

As you consider yourself, your life and schedule, does your dream to write a book feel unreachable? 

What if we could remove whatever is standing in the way of achieving this goal? 

The first step to becoming a powerful bestselling author is to Believe in the Power of Your Story to Change the World. Once you have experienced that mindset shift, nothing can stop you from finding and implementing the tools and techniques that produce an unforgettable story that changes lives. You will pursue excellence and share your story relentlessly!

Second, we need to put you in an environment where you can’t help but succeed. The very best option is to step away from your daily responsibilities and step into a beautiful, nurturing space that’s completely devoted to your growth as a writer. Picture yourself surrounded by others who believe in the power of stories just as much as you do. Every class, every exercise, and every spare moment is single-mindedly focused on making you a powerful storyteller. 

A Retreat Designed for Your Breakthrough

It truly feels like so much of the retreat was downloaded to me—inspiration that helps others unleash the most powerful version of their stories into the world. There’s a reason we call it the Inspired Writers Retreat.

Over the years, the retreat has grown into something even more magical, shaped by the incredible participants who bring themselves, their dreams, their talents and their determination to our luxe lodge at the lake. 

Now into its second decade, the retreat has become a concentrated firehose that washes away the fluff, fears, doubts, and excuses that all writers face. In its place, we pour into you a high-level overview of the writing process, the publishing industry, and a vision of what you can achieve with your writing dreams. 

During specific class sessions, you are immersed in the creative process that defines the difference between good books and bestsellers. Knowing the steps to writing a great story and instinctively being able to produce great writing are two different things. And by the end of the weekend, we give you tools to tap into that new skillset effortlessly.  

You will leave with new skills, clear direction, powerful breakthroughs, and lasting connections that continue long after the retreat ends.

Here’s what you can expect when participating in one of our retreats:

• Dedicated Focus Time: Life is busy. This retreat gives you intentional, distraction-free time to dive deep into your writing process.

• Expert Guidance: You'll learn real techniques and insider secrets to make your story come alive on the page.

• Community and Connection: Surround yourself with other aspiring authors who truly get it — the dreams, the doubts, the drive.

• Inspiration and Clarity: Whether you're just starting or polishing a manuscript, you'll leave with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear path forward.

• A Creative Reawakening: Many attendees say they reconnect with a part of themselves they'd forgotten—their courage, their voice, their passion for storytelling.

  
  

One of my favorite reflections from an attendee perfectly captures the heart of it:"The Inspired Writers Retreat is the skeleton key to access our creativity — unlocking both right brains and left brains for the best storytelling ever!"

If you've been feeling that nudge to write your book... if your story has been whispering (or shouting) that it's time... if you’re ready to finally stop dreaming and start doing…

The Inspired Writers Retreat is waiting for you.

Learn more and join us at: www.inspiredwritersretreat.com

Come experience why it's called Inspired—and let your story come alive!