a community of writers, readers, & seekers
WINTER WRITING RETREAT
Joshua Tree, CA
ABOUT THE RETREAT
December 4-9, 2022
In the tradition of Natalie Goldberg, this retreat is rooted in writing practice. With a morning and afternoon session, you can sink more deeply into your practice, learning to wake up to this life and to trust your mind. Beginning with yoga and meditation in the morning, you'll start your day grounded and enjoy healthy, professionally-made meals in this serene desert environment. We'll be in gentle silence for the first half of the day in order to "not distill the energy" in our writing. Come and immerse yourself in this nourishing space and see what unfolds.
This is an alcohol- and drug-free retreat.
ABOUT YOUR TEACHER
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.
YOGA & MEDITATION STUDIO
WRITING PRACTICE SESSIONS
This retreat is open to new and experienced writing practice students. While no experience is necessary, participants are required to have read Writing Down the Bones and The True Secret of Writing by Natalie Goldberg prior to the retreat along with 2 memoirs, all of which will be discussed in the afternoon sessions. During our twice-daily sessions, we will do timed writing practice on various topics and of varying lengths followed by optional reading. Participants who wish to work on a writing project may use these sessions as an independent practice.
CHEF-PREPARED HEALTHY MEALS
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!
Katie is a passionate and at the same time experienced and level headed writing workshop leader. Participating fully herself, everyone is made to feel welcome, accepted, open, and relaxed to fully participate also. The strong foundation provided lends itself to the risk taking we writers crave in community.
Siw Heede, retreat participant
Former workshop student
DAILY SCHEDULE
Sunday, December 4th to Friday, December 9th
Schedule subject to slight changes that will be shared with registered participants the week prior to the retreat
YOGA AND MEDITATION
7:30 - 8:30 AM
Asana yoga including ~15 minutes meditation taught by Yucca Yoga in yoga studio
BREAKFAST
8:30 - 9:30 AM
In main house
WRITING PRACTICE GROUP SESSION
10:00 - 12:30 PM
Small and large group writing and reading
LUNCH
12:30 - 1:30 PM
In main house
INDIVIDUAL PRACTICE
12:30 - 3:30 PM
Walk, hike, yoga, nap, write, explore, meditate, read
GROUP SESSION
3:30 - 6:00 PM
Discuss assigned readings, writing practice, reading, Q&A
DINNER
6:00 - 7:00 PM
In main house
EVENING MEDITATION
7:30 - 8:00 PM
Silent meditation in the Insight / Vipassana tradition
STARGAZING, BONFIRES, FREE TIME
Evening
Enjoy the starry night sky wrapped up in a cozy blanket, or meet around the bonfire pit to unwind and connect with others
Check-in on Sunday between 4:30 - 5:30 PM with dinner at 6:00 PM. Check-out on Friday by 10:00 AM with optional guided hike and writing practice opportunity in the afternoon at Joshua Tree National Park.
FEES
Program fee + meals $1,199
Lodging is TBD at checkout based on room selection; prices range from $150-290/night and accommodate between 2-4 people per room.
CONTACT
Questions about the retreat? Contact me here, and feel free to request a phone call.