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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.

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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

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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. 

Writing with Pen

CHEF-PREPARED HEALTHY MEALS

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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

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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.

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FEES

Program fee + meals $1,199

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Lodging is TBD at checkout based on room selection; prices range from $150-290/night and accommodate between 2-4 people per room. 

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CONTACT

Questions about the retreat? Contact me here, and feel free to request a phone call.

Thanks for submitting!

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