a community of writers & word lovers
Mindful Writing Retreat
Join us for a week-long writing salon retreat in the serene mountain town of Idyllwild, California at Spirit Mountain Retreat.
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June 17-22nd 2024
ABOUT THE RETREAT
June 17-22nd 2024
This is a week for writers who are looking to go deeply into their writing. Guided meditations for writers are offered twice daily along with mindful movement in the afternoon, a "writers cafe" lunch, and optional excursions and hikes. Each day, there will be an afternoon feedback workshop where two writers each have a "writers spotlight" for ~50 minutes. We will be in gentle silence while on campus at Spirit Mountain Retreat.
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This is a great week to focus on a writing project or bunker down to get some editing done. Participants will come to the afternoon sessions with a short piece to share and receive feedback, facilitated by Katie. There will be the option to add on individual sessions for a fee with Katie the day before and after the retreat as well as each morning of the retreat. These can be used for clarity/accountability meetings and/or editing work.
ABOUT YOUR TEACHER & HOST
Katie Allen, MA
I've been teaching for over 12 years and have added on writing retreats since 2021. I've taught in the United States, France, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, China, and have traveled to over 30 countries altogether. I published my first book in 2021 after reading "Writing Down the Bones" by Natalie Goldberg, which helped free me of my inner critic so I could finally write my story and share it with the world. I then had a chance to study in-person with her for 2 weeks and I've been focusing on carrying on her lineage ever since, teaching writing workshops online and hosting retreats in-person based on her teachings and modeling my retreats after her own while bringing my own skills and personality to the experience.
TESTIMONIALS
Katie is a great facilitator for creating meditation, writing and love of nature during her retreats. You feel a sense of belonging and a reaffirmation of why we write. Would highly recommend the retreat experience!
Siw Heede, Past Idyllwild Retreat Participant
I highly recommend attending Katie's writing retreats. At the one I attended, everything was very well organized, the lodging comfortable and charming. The insightful topics Katie picked allowed us to discover things about ourselves. It was mentally stimulating. We got to go on walks in nature with others or on your own. Everything was voluntary, so you could create your own flow. I came back renewed and very happy to have attended. I will definitely return.
Britt, Past Idyllwild Retreat Participant
DAILY SCHEDULE
Subject to Change with Notice
MEDITATION
7:40 - 8:00am
Outside, weather permitting
BREAKFAST
Morning
Participants take care of their own meals
WRITING PRACTICE GROUP SESSION
9:00 - 12:30 PM
Independent writing time
LUNCH
12:30+
Writers Cafe | Participants take care of their own meals
INDIVIDUAL PRACTICE
12:30 - 3:30 PM
Optional excursions, walk, hike, yoga, nap, write, explore, meditate, read
GROUP SESSION
3:30 - 4:00 PM
Mindful Movement
GROUP SESSION
4:00 - 6:00 PM
Feedback session (2 writers per day)
DINNER
Evening
Participants take care of their own meals
COMMON READ
7:00 - 7: 45 PM
Common Read Discussion (Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert)
FREE TIME
7:30pm+
Free time: sunset walk, stargaze, explore town, read, connect with others around wood-burning stove
Check-in time TBD, check-out Fridays 11:00am
FEES
Writing Salon Retreat fee: $499 or $449 for early bird registration (ends in February 2024)
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Meals are not included: participants can prepare meals at Spirit Mountain and/or eat out in downtown Idyllwild, which is 5 minutes by foot from venue
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Lodging at Spirit Mountain Retreat Center is $90/night. There are 5 modest rooms available and one attached, private apartment. Once full, participants will need to book off-site lodging. There are many options nearby and within walking distance, including cabins, AirBNBs, motels, and a campground.
ABOUT SPIRIT MOUNTAIN RETREAT
Spirit Mountain Retreat Center is a non-profit organization located in Idyllwild, California, approximately 124 miles east of Los Angeles. It has 4 simple and clean private rooms with a shared kitchen and living room and 2 shared bathrooms. There are 2 additional rooms that don't share the public spaces that each have a private bathroom. It has a cozy house atmosphere with a wood-burning stove and a meditation room.
The grounds are nestled among the pines with spaces for writing, meditation, yoga, and self-reflection. To walk to downtown Idyllwild takes approximately 3-5 minutes by foot.