Your Writing Retreat Connection

If you've hosted a writing retreat before, you've experienced first hand how much writers can accomplish when they have dedicated writing time, free of outside distractions.

If you want to help your guests stay motivated and inspired after your writing retreat is over, in this episode I share some ways you can support writers when they return home to real life.

Show Links:

When someone has signed up for a Writing Retreat Directory Premium Plan, their retreat(s) get mentioned in one episode per quarter. This week I highlight two upcoming retreats from Wild Ground Wrting.

Wild Ground Writing Retreats

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Resources:

Get the latest information about promoting, planning, or finding a writing retreat.

Promote Your Writing Retreat

Find a Writing Retreat

Writing Retreat Hosts Community Facebook Group (for current and aspiring writing retreat hosts)

Connect with Lisa & the Writing Retreat Directory:

On Instagram @writingretreatdirectory

On Facebook @writingretreatdirectory

On LinkedIn @writingretreatdirectory

Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

I absolutely loved talking with Kelli Watson about all the ways she and her business partner, Greg Justice, are helping writers realize their dreams of having a published book.

We chatted about how she and Greg formed Scriptor Publishing Group, the virtual writing retreats they started during the pandemic, and so much more!

Her writing retreat in Ireland sounds absolutely amazing and she doesn't stop with the writing part. Kelli and her team also provide support for editing, publishing and marketing your book.

Show Links:

Scriptor Publishing Group

Ireland Writing Retreat

QuaranTEEN (the book mentioned in the interview that Kelli facilitated during the pandemic)

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Resources:

Get the latest information about promoting, planning, or finding a writing retreat.

Promote Your Writing Retreat

Find a Writing Retreat

Writing Retreat Hosts Community Facebook Group (for current and aspiring writing retreat hosts)

Connect with Lisa & the Writing Retreat Directory:

On Instagram @writingretreatdirectory

On Facebook @writingretreatdirectory

On LinkedIn @writingretreatdirectory

Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

This week's guest is Bonnie Wolkenstein, a clicnical psychologist, writer, and writing retreat host. Her plans for a year-long writing sabbatical in different locations were derailed when the pandemic struck while she was at her first location, Guanajuato, Mexico.

We talked about how she took advantage of new opportunities, how she uses her skills and expertise to guide writers during her retreats, and the unique way she promoted her retreat.

Bonnie also shared all of the details about her next writing retreat in September 2024 in Guanajuato.

Show Links:

Guanajuato Writing Retreat

Dreaming in Cantera by Bonnie Wolkenstein

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Resources:

Get the latest information about promoting, planning, or finding a writing retreat.

Promote Your Writing Retreat

Find a Writing Retreat

Writing Retreat Hosts Community Facebook Group (for current and aspiring writing retreat hosts)

Connect with Lisa & the Writing Retreat Directory:

On Instagram @writingretreatdirectory

On Facebook @writingretreatdirectory

On LinkedIn @writingretreatdirectory

Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

If you followed along with episode 33 to create your plan to promote your writing retreat, and episode 37 to create you registration or application page, now is the time to put your marketing plan to work.

Show Links:

Planning a Writing Retreat Checklists, Phase 6 - Promotion

Episode 33: Planning a Writing Retreat - Create a Marketing Plan

Episode 37: Planning a Writing Retreat - Create Registration Page

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Resources:

Get the latest information about promoting, planning, or finding a writing retreat.

Plan A Writing Retreat

Promote Your Writing Retreat

Find a Writing Retreat

Writing Retreat Hosts Community Facebook Group (for current and aspiring writing retreat hosts)

Connect with Lisa & the Writing Retreat Directory:

On Instagram @writingretreatdirectory

On Facebook @writingretreatdirectory

On LinkedIn @writingretreatdirectory

Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

I'm always on the lookout for more venue options for writing retreat hosts, so I was thrilled to have this week's guest on.

In this episode, I chatted with Sara Lewis, owner of the Lakefront Retreat Network. She works with retreat hosts to find the perfect lake house that fits the vision for their retreats.

Sara's company can also take care of planning your retreat, as well as arrange private chefs, scout local activities, and provide amenities, so all you have to do is focus on giving your retreat guests a world-class experience.

Show Links:

Lakefront Retreat Network

Instagram: @retreatswithsara

LinkedIn: Sara Lewis

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Resources:

Get the latest information about promoting, planning, or finding a writing retreat.

Plan A Writing Retreat

Promote Your Writing Retreat

Find a Writing Retreat

Writing Retreat Hosts Community Facebook Group (for current and aspiring writing retreat hosts)

Connect with Lisa & the Writing Retreat Directory:

On Instagram @writingretreatdirectory

On Facebook @writingretreatdirectory

On LinkedIn @writingretreatdirectory

Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, Australian author, Jacinta Dietrich shares her experiences at the Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers Centre.

During her two-week residency, Jacinta finished the structural edits for the first 20,000 words of her upcoming middle grade fantasy novel.

We also talked about why she thinks writing retreats or fellowships are so amazing for writers, and some unexpected things she learned that helped elevate her writing.

Show Links:

Jacinta Dietrich's Website

Books by Jacinta Dietrich

Instagram @jacintadietrich

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Resources:

Get the latest information about promoting, planning, or finding a writing retreat.

Plan A Writing Retreat

Promote Your Writing Retreat

Find a Writing Retreat

Writing Retreat Hosts Community Facebook Group (for current and aspiring writing retreat hosts)

Connect with Lisa & the Writing Retreat Directory:

On Instagram @writingretreatdirectory

On Facebook @writingretreatdirectory

On LinkedIn @writingretreatdirectory

Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

Kathy Garland, a business and leadership coach and consultant, shares her takeaways from the three solo writing retreats she booked for herself.

We also chatted about how she completed the first draft of her historical fiction novel during her third retreat, the importance of finding what works best for you and your writing, and how she gives her brain a break from writing while staying in the creative mindset.

I also loved how she talked about how a solo writing retreat complements a group writing retreat because they offer different ways of reaching your goals.

Show Links:

Kathy Garland's Website

The Light In Us Substack

Instagram: @kathygarland

LinkedIn: Kathy Garland

Facebook: Kathy Garland International

Twitter: @kgarland

A Writer Within Tuscany Retreats

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Resources:

Get the latest information about promoting, planning, or finding a writing retreat.

Plan A Writing Retreat

Promote Your Writing Retreat

Find a Writing Retreat

Writing Retreat Hosts Community Facebook Group (for current and aspiring writing retreat hosts)

Connect with Lisa & the Writing Retreat Directory:

On Instagram @writingretreatdirectory

On Facebook @writingretreatdirectory

On LinkedIn @writingretreatdirectory

Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

Once you're ready to create your registration or application page for your writing retreat, make sure you know all of the elements that will entice writers to want to attend.

In this episode I walk you through the checklist so you don't forget anything. I also talk about why you would want potential guests to fill out an application rather than be able to register directly.

Show Links:

Planning a Writing Retreat Checklists, Phase 6 Promotion

Plan a Writing Retreat Roadmap

Episode 15: Planning a Writing Retreat - Asking for Input

Episode 17: Planning a Writing Retreat - Defining Your Purpose

Email List Building for Writing Retreat Hosts Live Online Workshop

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Resources:

Get the latest information about promoting, planning, or finding a writing retreat.

Plan A Writing Retreat

Promote Your Writing Retreat

Find a Writing Retreat

Writing Retreat Hosts Community Facebook Group (for current and aspiring writing retreat hosts)

Connect with Lisa & the Writing Retreat Directory:

On Instagram @writingretreatdirectory

On Facebook @writingretreatdirectory

On LinkedIn @writingretreatdirectory

Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, Kristi Leonard shares how the idea for Writers in the Wild Retreats came to her. In addition to being an author and writing retreat host, Kristi is an audio narrator for nonfiction books, future podcast host, and president of the Women's Fiction Writers Association, so we had a great conversation about all of the writer adjacent projects she's involved in.

As a new writing retreat host, Kristi had some great lessons learned. I also really enjoyed hearing about the different aspects of her retreats like why she doesn't include coaching in them, and what goes into finding the perfect spot that writers will love.

If you're a writing retreat host, or thinking of hosting one, Kristi also gives insights into how she promotes her writing retreats and the role email marketing plays.

Show Links:

Website for Writers In The Wild Retreats

Instagram: @writersinthewildretreats

Facebook: @Writers In The Wild

Women's Fiction Writers Association

Email Marketing for Writing Retreat Hosts Workshop

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Resources:

Get the latest information about promoting, planning, or finding a writing retreat.

Plan A Writing Retreat

Promote Your Writing Retreat

Find a Writing Retreat

Writing Retreat Hosts Community Facebook Group (for current and aspiring writing retreat hosts)

Connect with Lisa & the Writing Retreat Directory:

On Instagram @writingretreatdirectory

On Facebook @writingretreatdirectory

On LinkedIn @writingretreatdirectory

Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

Figuring out how much to charge each person to attend your writing retreat is probably the least fun part of the planning. But definitely one of the most necessary.

If you're still struggling to decide the cost of your retreat per person, I've got you covered in this episode. I share the simple formula for figuring out a base fee for your retreat, plus factors to take into account for your final pricing decision.

Show Links:

Planning a Writing Retreat Checklists, Phase 6 Promotion

Episode 15: Planning a Writing Retreat - Asking for Input

Episode 17: Planning a Writing Retreat - Defining Your Purpose

Episode 19: Planning a Writing Retreat - Who You're Serving

Email List Building for Writing Retreat Hosts Live Online Workshop

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Resources:

Get the latest information about promoting, planning, or finding a writing retreat.

Plan A Writing Retreat

Promote Your Writing Retreat

Find a Writing Retreat

Writing Retreat Hosts Community Facebook Group (for current and aspiring writing retreat hosts)

Connect with Lisa & the Writing Retreat Directory:

On Instagram @writingretreatdirectory

On Facebook @writingretreatdirectory

On LinkedIn @writingretreatdirectory

Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

If a writing retreat in Italy is on your bucket list, this episode is for you! Wendy Ridolini, host of Creative Writing Retreats in Italy and Greer Glover, one of Wendy's workshop leaders chatted with me about the retreat coming up in September 2024.

We also talked about creating a place where writers feel comfortable sharing, the powerful impact writing retreats have, and all of the details about the next Creative Writing Retreat in Italy.

Wendy knows how to play to her strengths and hire others who have the expertise in writing craft, so if you're a writing retreat host, you'll get a lot of good info from this episode as well.

Show Links:

Sunflower Publishing (for details about the writing retreat)

Sunflower Publishing on Instagram

Sunflower Publishing on Facebook

Sunflower Publishing on Twitter

Greer Glover's website

Greer Glover on Instagram

Greer Glover on Facebook

Greer Glover on Twitter

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Resources:

Get the latest information about promoting, planning, or finding a writing retreat.

Plan A Writing Retreat

Promote Your Writing Retreat

Find a Writing Retreat

Writing Retreat Hosts Community Facebook Group (for current and aspiring writing retreat hosts)

Connect with Lisa & the Writing Retreat Directory:

On Instagram @writingretreatdirectory

On Facebook @writingretreatdirectory

On LinkedIn @writingretreatdirectory

Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

Your amazing writing retreat won't inspire, motivate, and support writers unless they know about it.

It's not enough to book a venue and put up a registration page with payment options. If you expect people to use their valuable time and money to attend your retreat, they have to know more about your retreat and what it offers.

That's where a good marketing plan comes in. In this bonus episode, I share the steps you can take to create a quick and effective marketing plan to make it easier to promote your retreat when you're ready.

Show Links:

Planning a Writing Retreat Checklists, Phase 6 Promotion

Episode 13: Planning a Writing Retreat - Building Your Audience

Email List Building for Writing Reteat Hosts Live Online Workshop

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Resources:

Get the latest information about promoting, planning, or finding a writing retreat.

Plan A Writing Retreat

Promote Your Writing Retreat

Find a Writing Retreat

Writing Retreat Hosts Community Facebook Group (for current and aspiring writing retreat hosts)

Connect with Lisa & the Writing Retreat Directory:

On Instagram @writingretreatdirectory

On Facebook @writingretreatdirectory

On LinkedIn @writingretreatdirectory

Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

In this episode I talked with Susanne Dunlap, Suzette Mullen, and Barbara Boyd about their Mainely Memoir Writing Retreat.

All three of them are Author Accelerator Certified Book Coaches and we had great conversations about how their retreat guests will get feedback and perspectives from all three of them, as well as the powerful impact their retreat had on them and their participants.

We also chatted about why they didn't hesitate to plan their second writing retreat immediately after their first one, and why they have a coaching session with each writer before the retreat date.

We covered a lot more topics that writers and writing retreat hosts will be very interested in so make sure to listen to the whole episode.

Show Links:

Mainely Memoir Writing Retreat (click on Meet the Coaches link to find out more about each of them).

Preorder The Only Way Through is Out by Suzette Mullen

How to work with Suzette

Susanne Dunlap's books and how to work with her

How to work with Barbara Boyd

Bookshop.org (to find and support independent bookstores)

Email List Building for Writing Retreat Hosts Workshop

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Resources:

Get the latest information about promoting, planning, or finding a writing retreat.

Plan A Writing Retreat

Promote Your Writing Retreat

Find a Writing Retreat

Writing Retreat Hosts Community Facebook Group (for current and aspiring writing retreat hosts)

Connect with Lisa & the Writing Retreat Directory:

On Instagram @writingretreatdirectory

On Facebook @writingretreatdirectory

On LinkedIn @writingretreatdirectory

Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

Writing retreat attendees value conversations with fellow writers and sharing their work as much as they value the free writing time.

In this episode, I give you tips on how to encourage connection and collaboration among your writing retreat guests naturally, without taking anything away from their individual time.

Putting together this plan before setting up your registration page will make it easier for you in two ways. First, you won't have to worry or think about what comes next once you're at the retreat. Second, you can use the information from your plan in the sales copy and FAQs for that page.

Show Links:

Planning a Writing Retreat Checklists, Phase 5 Connection

Episode 21: Planning a Writing Retreat - Deciding Your Schedule

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Resources:

Get the latest information about promoting, planning, or finding a writing retreat.

Plan A Writing Retreat

Promote Your Writing Retreat

Find a Writing Retreat

Writing Retreat Hosts Community Facebook Group (for current and aspiring writing retreat hosts)

Connect with Lisa & the Writing Retreat Directory:

On Instagram @writingretreatdirectory

On Facebook @writingretreatdirectory

On LinkedIn @writingretreatdirectory

Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

If you've ever tried to understand who you are as a writer, a creator, or artist, this episode is for you!

Nkem Chukwumerije, an international author and writing teacher/coach, shares how she used solo writing retreats to discover her writing voice. Each one served a different purpose along her journey and helped her finish her book of poetry and get her first novel ready for edits.

I love how Nkem didn't wait around for someone else to validate her creating, experiences, and poetic voice and self published her work.

We also had a great conversation about her approach to helping other writers, especially women of color, find their voices and tell their stories.

Show Links:

Poetry and the immediate: A collection of sensed spaces by Nkem Chukwumerije

Wellspringwords (Nkem's literary and creative enrichment studio)

Wellspringwords: The Podcast

Workshop: Email List Building for Writing Retreat Hosts

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 Resources:

Get the latest information about promoting, planning, or finding a writing retreat.

Plan A Writing Retreat

Promote Your Writing Retreat

Find a Writing Retreat

Writing Retreat Hosts Community Facebook Group (for current and aspiring writing retreat hosts)

Connect with Lisa & the Writing Retreat Directory:

On Instagram @writingretreatdirectory

On Facebook @writingretreatdirectory

On LinkedIn @writingretreatdirectory

Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

Create a plan for onboarding writing retreat guest before you even open your registration page so that once they've signed up for your writing retreat, you can easily welcome them without stressing if you're sending them all the right info. Or even worse, not knowing what to send them.

In this episode, I guide you through creating a plan for your welcome email and what to send to make sure they have everything they need way ahead of time.

I'll also go over some ideas on how to connect your guests with you and the others to help them feel comfortable before the retreat date.

Show Links:

Planning a Writing Retreat Checklists, Phase 5 Connection

Episode 21: Planning a Writing Retreat - Deciding Your Schedule

Email List Building for Writing Retreat Hosts Workshop

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Resources:

Get the latest information about promoting, planning, or finding a writing retreat.

Plan A Writing Retreat

Promote Your Writing Retreat

Find a Writing Retreat

Writing Retreat Hosts Community Facebook Group (for current and aspiring writing retreat hosts)

Connect with Lisa & the Writing Retreat Directory:

On Instagram @writingretreatdirectory

On Facebook @writingretreatdirectory

On LinkedIn @writingretreatdirectory

Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

What are your goals for your writing in 2024? Or, if you're planning to host a writing reterat in the next 12 months, what goals have you set to see it through?

In this episode I share my 2024 goals for the Writing Retreat Directory, this podcast, and my Plan a Writing Retreat workshops and courses.

Show Links:

Get the latest information about promoting, planning, or finding a writing retreat.

Plan A Writing Retreat

Promote Your Writing Retreat

Find a Writing Retreat

Writing Retreat Hosts Community Facebook Group (for current and aspiring writing retreat hosts)

Connect with Lisa & the Writing Retreat Directory:

On Instagram @writingretreatdirectory

On Facebook @writingretreatdirectory

On LinkedIn @writingretreatdirectory

Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

After you have your schedule of activities, several dates that work for you, the duration of your retreat, and your venue criteria you can start searching for the right space to hold your writing retreat.

The sooner you start researching online and contacting venues, the better chance you'll find a place you want. Especially if you're looking at a popular destination during the time of your retreat.

In this episode, I guide you through my Planning a Writing Retreat Choose a Venue Checklist so you can have the right list of questions to ask before signing any agreement or putting down a deposit.

Show Links:

Planning a Writing Retreat Checklists, Phase 4 Location

Episode 25 - Planning a Writing Retreat - Choosing Venue Criteria

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Resources:

Get the latest information about promoting, planning, or finding a writing retreat.

Plan A Writing Retreat

Promote Your Writing Retreat

Find a Writing Retreat

Writing Retreat Hosts Community Facebook Group (for current and aspiring writing retreat hosts)

Connect with Lisa & the Writing Retreat Directory:

On Instagram @writingretreatdirectory

On Facebook @writingretreatdirectory

On LinkedIn @writingretreatdirectory

Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

If you've been looking for a writing retreat that pushes your writing to the next level - including live editing, in depth craft workshops, publishing panels, and more - you'll want to check out this writing retreat cruise led by Jane Friedman, Allison K Williams, and Dinty W. Moore.

Amy Goldmacher, an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach who is leading several of the workshops during the retreat, gives us the full scoop in this episode.

We also talked about why Amy decided to be part of a writing retreat hosted by someone else instead of going through with one she was planning. She also had some really good tips for writers to think about before attending a writing retreat.

And, if you contact Amy about the writing retreat on the Queen Mary 2, she'll give you a coupon code for two bonuses when you sign up for her workshop at the retreat.

Show Links:

Cruise Idea to Outline with Amy Goldmacher (contact her from this website for your coupon codes)

Craft and Publishing Voyage Retreat Information (including travel agent details and making travel arrangements)

Instagram: @solidgoldmacher

Twitter: @Solidgoldmacher

Facebook: Amy Goldmacher

LinkedIn: Amy Goldmacher

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Resources:

Get the latest information about promoting, planning, or finding a writing retreat.

Plan A Writing Retreat

Promote Your Writing Retreat

Find a Writing Retreat

Writing Retreat Hosts Community Facebook Group (for current and aspiring writing retreat hosts)

Connect with Lisa & the Writing Retreat Directory:

On Instagram @writingretreatdirectory

On Facebook @writingretreatdirectory

On LinkedIn @writingretreatdirectory

Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

Once you know what you're going to offer at your writing retreat and the length, your next step is to decide the criteria you'll use to determine which venues will suit your and your guests' needs during the retreat.

The last thing you want to happen is to send a deposit to reserve some place only to find out it's not a good fit.

In this episode, I'll run through my Planning a Writing Retreat Venue Criteria checklist with you so you don't leave anything to chance.

Show Links:

Planning a Writing Retreat Checklists, Phase 4 Location

Episode 2 - Rock Candy Mountain Cottages

Episode 9 - Writers' Retreat UK

Keith Lefkof, Certified Cruise Planner (if you want to look into holding your writing retreat on a cruise.

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Resources:

Get the latest information about promoting, planning, or finding a writing retreat.

Plan A Writing Retreat

Promote Your Writing Retreat

Find a Writing Retreat

Writing Retreat Hosts Community Facebook Group (for current and aspiring writing retreat hosts)

Connect with Lisa & the Writing Retreat Directory:

On Instagram @writingretreatdirectory

On Facebook @writingretreatdirectory

On LinkedIn @writingretreatdirectory

Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!