Writing Connections

In this episode, writing retreat co-hosts Liisa Kovala and Dinah Laprairie chatted with me about their upcoming Rekindle Creativity Women's Writing Retreat in Muskoka, Ontario, Canada.  We also discussed a range of topics including:  Why they decided to co-host a writing retreat  The surprises that came with planning their first retreat  How a writing retreat is such a gift for you and your w...

Before you get too deep into planning your writing retreat, you want to make sure you're creating a retreat people will pay money to attend. The best way to do that is to ask the writers you want to serve at your writing retreat. You can do this through a lot of different ways: Ask your current clients if you're a book coach, editor, or work in the writing industry. Poll your email newsl...

In this episode I talked with Katherine Sanford, an award-winning author who attended a writing retreat that helped her kickstart the book that had been in her head for awhile.  We chatted about how she came to the Birth A Book Writing Retreat not understanding the process of creative writing and leaving with a sense of direction that helped her continue working on her book after the retreat was o...

I've been in the online business world for over a decade and know from my and others' experiences that an email list is the best way to grow, nurture, and communicate with your audience.  Someone who's opted in to get your emails is actively seeking the information your provide.  Social media posts aren't guaranteed to be seen. A lot of likes and shares doesn't mean it&apo...

 In this episode I talked with writing retreat host Kathryn Kay about her writing retreats for women in Tuscany and Martha's Vineyard. While the retreat in Martha's Vineyard is over, there are still spots in the two retreats in Tuscany held in May 2024.  If you're looking for a peaceful and inspirational place to attend a writing retreat, the villa in Tuscany is nearly 700 years old...

In this episode I talked with writer Culley Holderfield about his experiences at seven Writeaways Writing Retreats. We discussed how he was a reluctant writing retreat goer turned enthusiastic proponent.  Attending the writing retreats helped him finish and publish his book, Hemlock Hollow , and introduced him to a supportive community of writers who helped elevate his creativity and writing.  Sho...

In this episode I talked with Jan Birley, the owner of a very cool writing retreat venue called The Retreat in Yorkshire, UK. She didn't start out to run a writing retreat venue, but when the opportunity came up, she jumped at the chance. She hosts retreats there under the name Writers' Retreat UK, as well as opening up The Retreat for people who want to host their own writing retreat. W...

In this episode I talked with writing retreat host Robin Henry about her writing retreat in historic Galveston, Texas. We talked about the challenges with organizing a writing retreat from the other side of the world, the magic of attending a writing retreat, and great tips on what to think about when planning one. You'll also hear what Robin's superpower is and how she uses it to create...

In this episode I talked with Dr. Andrea Silva McManus about the traumatic events that led her to attend a writing retreat.  What I love most, though, is her book will be the catlyst to help so many others who have gone through similar experiences as Andrea has, as well as give her a new career focused on recovery counseling.  Show Links: Birth a Book Writing Retreats Andrea Silva McManus on Faceb...

This week's episode is the first solo one where I talk about planning a wrting retreat. Since I started the Writing Retreat Directory, many people have emailed and DM'd me on Instagram looking for information on planning a writing retreat because there's not much out there on the steps to take to plan and host a successful one. Most people are winging it, asking other retreat hosts,...

 In this episode I talked with writing retreat hosts Mimi Herman and John Yewell about their Writeaways Writing Retreats in France, Ireland, and New Mexico. You'll hear how taking advantage of an unexpected opportunity allowed them to bring their highly successful writing workshops to beautiful locations around the world.  We also talked about Mimi's recent novel, The Kudzu Queen , John&...

This week's guest is Michael Neece, a writer who attended a writing retreat that took him from idea to solid outline in just five days! Michael shares what happened during the retreat to transform his vague idea into a book, "In Kind: Consciously Craft a Meaningful Life and Career," that was ready for editing just nine months later. I also enjoyed hearing how the sense of community...

In this episode I talked with writing retreat host Caroline Malloy about her Iconic Writing Retreat for Iconic Women nonfiction writers in Athens, Greece.  Not only will you get to hear about her retreat near the Parthenon, she also opened up about her fears and nervousness in planning her first writing retreat - and the people who helped her along the way. Show Links:   The Write Malloy website (...

I was thrilled to talk with the owner of the gorgeous cottages in Northern Ontario, Canada that would be a perfect place for writers to get away to. A well known musician stayed there recently so artists and creative types are already discovering this inspiring getaway. If you’re looking for a venue to host a writing retreat, you won’t want to miss this episode. The owners of the two cottages cons...

In this first episode I talked with writing retreat host Karrie Loomis about how she’s managed to host five writing retreats in one year and the challenges with planning a writing retreat. Karrie does some very cool things at her writing retreat that help her guests tap into their creativity and get past blocks in their writing. Show Links: Ego Break Retreats Article on Reiki mentioned in the show...

 Thank you for taking the time to listen and join this growing community of writing retreat hosts, writers, and venue owners, hosted by Lisa Shaughnessy, owner of the Writing Retreat Directory.  I created this podcast to build a vibrant writing retreat community where writers and aspiring authors discover retreats to help you reach your writing and publishing goals faster. And where writing retrea...