GUIDED WRITING IMMERSION

• My first poems were published while in a City College extension class. A few of us formed a writing group and shared submission market research.

• It was my collaboration with an award-winning Young Adult Author that earned an Emmy nomination – we gave each other comments and helped each other interpret often cryptic producer’s notes.

• For each one of my published pieces, I received rounds and rounds of notes from mentors and fellow writers. 

Here’s what else I’ve learned: gathering with others in a relaxed, natural setting, with a shared intention and facilitated guidance, is the catalyst for sparking insights, shifting perspective and transformative renewal. 

It starts with you. 

I’ve chosen this location for this specific purpose.  

“Mission Ranch has a guest house, patio, cottages, giant eucalyptus trees, and a casual restaurant that overlooks sheep in a field and the sand dunes guarding the Pacific Ocean.”

—Junius Rochester

Mornings we’ll convene in the farmhouse where you’ll write to timed prompts with guided visioning, curated especially for your project. My writing prompts are designed to drop you into a specific moment in your story, to best convey the emotional impact with authenticity and immediacy.

We’ll read and share, and I’ll offer guidance on how what you’ve written could be expanded or integrated into your project – something for you to explore during your solo writing time. 

Your solo writing time. How does that sound? 

The day is yours. Sometimes writing doesn’t look like filling pages. Sometimes it looks like a long hike or poking around the shops in town. Sometimes it looks like sitting and watching sheep. Or a nap. 

I’m researching a couple of day outings that will be mini-Guided Writing Tours where we can also stop for lunch. I’ll also list some lunch options for you. 

If you like, let’s reconnect at the restaurant for happy hour, and let it spill into dinner. There, we’ll check in about the progress of the day and share stories about what we discovered. After dinner, you’re invited to read what you wrote that day for feedback or just talk about where you are with your project and ask questions. 

This is an intentionally small group experience, with a maximum of six participants, which means lots of personal attention, opportunities to get to know each other, and the value of receiving reflection from varied perspectives coming together with a shared goal. 

Here’s what I do distinctly:  

• Facilitate groups and work one on one with writers, meeting them where they are to offer personalized guidance that enhances their writing practice and elevates their level of craft.

• Offer experiential writing prompts that bring writers directly into their stories.

• Provide innovative instruction on structure, craft and revision.

• Facilitate supportive feedback from peers that validates your work from a variety of perspectives.

And here’s why it might be just right for you:

• Repeated positive experiences of sharing your work and having it received will help overcome fears and provide encouragement and validation. 

• Working on your project in a guided group will help you maintain momentum and motivate solo writing. 

• You’ll have the tools and inspiration you need to complete and publish your project.

Here’s what’s included:

• Pre-Retreat Zoom 1:1 call with me to talk about your project and what you’d like to work on. 

• Morning and evening sessions with writing prompts, reading, group feedback and professional writing guidance. 

• Optional 1:1 in-person sessions with me during the retreat at a reduced rate. 

• Private room and bath (book early for best selection) in The Farmhouse.

• Free parking and internet. 

• Post-Retreat Follow up group zoom call on November 10, to check on your progress. 

What’s not included:

• Travel to and from Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

• Food and beverages at the hotel or off-property

• Transportation during your stay

• Lodging is booked directly with the hotel, you’ll get to choose your preferred room in the Farmhouse.

Registration for this experience is open from May 29 to July 29. Early pricing is on until June 29 - save $200 by booking early. 

Here are the available rooms. They are all located in the Farmhouse, which is also our gathering place. With six participants, we will have the Farmhouse to ourselves. 

Please indicate your first and second choice on the application.