Beautiful Writers Virtual Retreat:
Me, You, and 4 other Magic Makers. xo
March 24th – April 22nd, 2026
“
I am sooo glad I took this retreat. It’s the best money I’ve ever spent. I feel like the wind is at my back instead of in my face. I’ve been doing creative work my entire life, but I’ve never done anything this powerful, profound, or transformational. The time with Linda and our amazing group of brilliant women has been exactly what I wanted.”
Alicia Kratzer, writer, child welfare advocate
[From Linda: THIS BOOK! If you’ve been losing faith—in people, our country, or your own purpose—Mailman (Simon & Schuster, July 2025) is a miracle of a memoir. Alicia, an incredibly talented writer, has lovingly supported her husband, Steve Grant, through this journey. Her 2023 retreat mates still rave about her book, which she’s held off shopping until his launches. That’s love. That’s partnership. I’m so grateful to be in their orbit—writers with grit, heart, and stories that matter. Stay tuned for her upcoming book news! Read my blog post of alumnae book releases for more of the story behind the Mailman story.]
“Linda is like a real-life muse. When you’re stumped about what you want to say—or how to say it with elegance and clarity—she swoops in to save the day (or more specifically, your book). With her retreats, this beloved ‘Book Mama’ has created a vibrant, modern-day version of those centuries-old literary salons, where creatives come together to share their work, offer feedback, and thrive in the magic of community.
“Thankfully, when retreats are over, the magic continues—with invaluable support. For instance, I’m so grateful for Linda’s beautiful, suggested literary tweaks that helped me finally complete the pivotal first chapter of my book, I Blew My Diet! Now What?
“Now that my third book is out in the world, I finally carved out time to savor Beautiful Writers, Linda’s own dazzling book. In it, she joins forces with literary legends like Terry McMillan, Cheryl Strayed, Steven Pressfield, Elizabeth Gilbert, Anne Lamott, Lee Child, Patricia Cornwell, Dean Koontz, and Ann Patchett to deliver invaluable tools and insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and mindset shifts that are priceless to writers. Speaking of which, I’m off for a long walk now to hear Linda and her cast of narrators bring her book to life.”
Connie Bennett, bestselling author of I Blew My Diet! Now What? (Greenleaf, 2025) and Sugar Shock! (Berkley Books)
[From Linda: Congrats, Connie! Seeing some of the biggest names in health and publishing—including Mel Robbins and Dave Asprey—sing your praises for this book brings me so much joy I can’t even. And your beautiful testimony for my book? Instant goosebumps. I’m so grateful. Here’s to continued win-wins & unlimited magic ahead. xo]
“Working with Linda has been an essential and indispensable part of my journey toward the publication of my book, Kizuki. As far as I know, Linda is the only writing coach who goes so far as to extend herself as a liaison to potential agents—and now that I’m on the other side (yes, Linda helped connect me to my agent!), I understand why.
“It’s because she has to put her name, face, and reputation on the line for you—all of which she does because Linda is ALL HEART. I respect her tremendously for living, loving, and working this way.”
Mae Yoshikawa, yogini, adidas ambassador, & author of the upcoming memoir Kizuki: Life’s Tidal Waves + Epiphanies = Love Beyond Time and Death
“I’ve been to three in-person writing retreats with Linda and several virtual retreats. As a trial lawyer, my job has always been demanding. The retreats are my gift to myself—a place where I can take a deep dive into my stories. I love Carmel and was amazed to find that the online version of this work was equally special. The connections were just as deep if not more so, and having additional weeks together to brainstorm as a group and evolve our projects has been the sweetest gift.”
Linda Northrup, environmental lawyer, former mayor (Agoura Hills, CA), and author.
[From Linda S: Linda N. is an incredible human + writer, and in addition to working on her projects, she also ghostwrites. I adored collaborating with her on a proposal we then sold to St. Martin’s Press via one of my agent connections, and I can’t wait for the next one. Working as a team and literary matchmaking = my happy place.]
Hi, hi! Are you a writer craving the magic of an in-person retreat—but needing something more affordable (and with more time to dive deep)?
I started hosting virtual retreats in 2020, when the world shut down, and kept them going because they turned out to be perfect for writers who couldn’t travel or preferred a longer, more spacious creative process. And guess what? They were a blast. Like, OMG fun. Who knew Zoom could feel so intimate, inspiring, and productive?
In late 2024, I pressed pause on all retreats to devote myself more fully to my own writing. After 17 years of annual pilgrimages to Carmel, it felt like time to nest. To stay close to my man, my desk, our dogs and horses, and the desert skies that whisper, Remember—you’re a writer.
But then… magic.
A flurry of extraordinary writers and screenwriters joined the waitlist—some with letters so moving I had to sit down. I wasn’t prepared for the tug on my heart. Their bios, their book dreams, their deep calling to this work? Irresistible. I found myself “ratwheeling”—spinning with ideas, lit up with inspiration. (It’s always been this way: one glance at a story that wants to be born and I’m all in. Yes, I’m a writer, but I’m also a longtime literary matchmaker—on a mission to make the writing path easier whenever I can. It’s as natural to me as breathing. Duh. I should’ve known that passion wasn’t going anywhere.)
So… I’m opening the circle again. Just a little.
I hosted one Virtual Retreat in 2025—and oh my, this coziest of September gatherings with five beautiful writers was i.n.c.r.e.d.i.b.l.e. (Their closing feedback gave me such goosebumps that I couldn’t resist writing a blog about it for you.) And because not everyone who sent those heartfelt letters could make that date, I vowed that if this continues to feel so aligned, I’ll occasionally host more in the future.
Turns out, the world is still FULL of best friends I haven’t met yet. And this homebody’s heart will forever beat wildly for community and co-creation.
If you’re feeling the nudge, fill out the form below—and let’s see what’s waiting to be written.✍️
Want the specifics? Here’s the 411 on the Beautiful Writers Virtual Retreat—inspired by my beloved in-person gatherings by the sea, but with a few unique (and fabulous) perks:
Ease & Affordability.
Since I’m not hosting you at a world-class hotel with ocean views, king beds, and catered feasts, those luxury costs are removed from your tuition. While still an investment, no doubt, the transformation is just as powerful—without the travel price tag.
Total comfort = your terms.
My pastry chef may be off baking for someone else’s dreams, but at home, you get to sip your favorite tea, coffee, or green juice on your schedule. No schlepping bags, delayed flights, or jet lag. Just you, your writing, and your cozy blankets. Bonus: No expensive boutique temptations, car rental fees, or pet-sitting bills. Hello, savings.
More time, more magic.
Because we’re not bound by hotel checkouts or travel windows, we stretch out the container. We meet over WEEKS (yes, four!)—giving you more time to bond with your fellow writers, deepen your creative groove, and bring your masterpiece(s) to life.
I feel you. You’re bursting at the seams with this book. Odds are, you’ve been carrying her around for a lonnng time—and the urgency is real.
Instead of putting it off another day, the moment you sign up, you’ll get instant access to my 6-module Book Proposal Magic course, including Your Big Beautiful Book Plan, co-authored with bestselling author Danielle LaPorte. This is my most current, comprehensive guidance for getting your book out of your head and into the hands of agents and publishers—and it’s helped so many writers land book deals. (The course currently sells for $800, but it’s included with your retreat.)
Even if you’re not quite ready to write your proposal, you can listen to the audios while you multitask, skim through the templates, and let your imagination run wild. Watch what happens when your brain starts connecting the dots—for your proposal and the book itself.
(And yep, you might just fall in love with this part of the process you thought you’d dread.)
Here’s what else you get—the elements that makes my in-person retreats so powerful:
✨ An intimate, high-touch circle.
We keep it cozy with just five participants max, so everyone gets loads of personal attention. The bonding that happens when we read for and listen to each other’s stories is unreal. We laugh. We cry. We truly see each other. I can’t tell you how often I hear that these groups continue meeting on Zoom—and even in person—years after the retreat ends. Stories heal. Support = priceless. Love lasts.
⚡ Lightning-fast group brainstorming sessions.
Want feedback on a chapter, blog post, outline, proposal—or just a delicious mess of ideas? Bring it on. These sessions are packed with clarity, insight, and major momentum. Writers tell me they rewatch or listen to the recordings anytime they need a creative boost or a confidence recharge. (And yes—you’ll be eligible to join our post-retreat Read-Ins to keep that magic flowing.)
💫 Private 1:1 coaching with me.
You’ll get one-on-one time with me weekly during the retreat—and support afterward—to work through anything you need: editing, brainstorming, blocks, or healing your inner teenager. (Kidding/not kidding—success stirs everything up.) If you’re on a roll, you can bank those sessions for after the retreat, too. And when you’re ready for literary matchmaking, I’ll help polish your query, proposal, and sample pages with all the love.
🌟 3 Months FREE in the Beautiful Writers Group (BWG): A gift-with-purchase when you join my Book Proposal Magic program—and since it’s bundled with the retreat, you’re automatically in, baby! Picture writerly paradise: twice-weekly 3+ hour Write-Ins (my favorite perk!) plus a special last-Sunday-of-the-month session. It’s the perfect way to gather momentum, find your flow, and feel the magic even before your retreat. No strings—after your 3 free months, you can join anytime if you’re loving it.
📘 A PDF copy of my book proposal for Beautiful Writers.
This is my most button-busting, buzzworthy proposal yet. Agents and publishers told me it blew them away—and it resulted in a 3-house bidding war for the audiobook. Now it’s yours—to study, borrow from, and spark inspiration for your own.
📬 Literary agent introductions—when you’re ready.
When the time comes, I’ll personally email your polished query letter along with my hearty recommendation to my favorite agent picks. Then we cross our fingers… and celebrate when requests roll in! (Of course, I can’t promise a match—no one can—but there are 1,000 agents in the US and roughly the same number abroad. I’ll arm you with everything you need to pitch yourself like a pro if needed.)
📚 Ongoing access to our retreat alum-only Read-Ins.
These 3.5+-hour Zoomtastic sessions are pure writerly fuel. They mimic our retreat reading circles and are perfect when you’re craving accountability, feedback, and the magic of being witnessed by brilliant peers. Many writers return again and again—for a reason.
“I started the New Year to complete my first memoir, which I co-authored with my husband, John. Within weeks of deciding to work with Linda and participate in her virtual retreat, a publisher (a fan of my work at Waxing Poetic) approached me, asking if I’d be interested in authoring a book. About Wonder!
“This is the kind of serendipitous magic that happens around Linda. Not only is she a masterful writing facilitator, but she also has a magnetic ability to cultivate the ground for opportunities like this. While I was a Beautiful Writers retreater, Linda helped nurture my memoir’s structure and voice while advising on the book deal for The Way of Wonder. She is a writer’s best friend, confidence-booster, listener, and unwavering guide. I am so glad I followed my intuition to work with Linda. I now have a book in the world and a dear, wonder-filled friend!”
Patti Pagliei, co-author of The Way of Wonder (RocK Point/Quarto/Hachette) and CEO of Waxing Poetic
Want to see what’s possible? You can check out past agent signings, book deals, and more about the retreat experience over on the Carmel Retreat page—because the results speak for themselves, no matter the venue. While I’ll always cherish in-person gatherings, the virtual format has been delicious. I’m so grateful.
I LOVE leading these groups. I vet carefully and attract stop-you-in-your-tracks talent. With open hearts and boundless creativity, new books are born, long-lingering drafts find their way, and—just like in person—we often have psychic-level revelations for each other. It’s heaven.
What kind of writers show up?
All kinds. Every single one, phenomenal. From all corners of the country (and globe!), they come craving connection, synchronicity, and the soul-deep magic that happens when you’re surrounded by fellow creatives who get it.
Curious about joining our next one? Fill out the form below, and we’ll hop on Zoom so you can tell me all about your book. I can’t wait to hear what’s calling you to write.
“I feel like I’ve met my new best friends at this virtual retreat–long lost sisters that have come together. It’s magical. I wasn’t expecting this. Thank you, Linda, for putting us together. Whatever wizardry you do behind the scenes, it works! I can’t even begin to explain it to people.”
Ami Au-Yeung, career coach, world traveler
Our Schedule
(Each retreat takes place
over 3-4 weeks.)
Our Meet-‘n-Greet start date:
Tuesday, March 24th, 2026: 12:30 – 3:30 pm PT
All Virtual Retreats begin with a cozy, get-to-know-you Zoom “lunch,” where we introduce ourselves, share our goals and dreams, and set the tone for the magic ahead. We don’t dive into reading just yet—that starts in our next session—but even this first gathering sparks surprising synchronicities and connections I could never predict.
It happens every time. Writers even find themselves dreaming about each other’s projects, waking up with title ideas or plot twists: “Hey, I had a few titles come to me last night for you…” #magic
Our 1st brainstorming session takes place after our intro session:
Wednesday, March 25th, 2026: 12:30 – 5:00 pm PT
In this “formal” brainstorming session, each writer gets 30 minutes devoted entirely to them. You’ll read something aloud that gives us a feel for your voice on the page. And then… whoa. You’ll hear us laugh or get misty-eyed—maybe for the first time sensing just how powerfully your work moves a room. (Many retreaters have never shared their writing aloud before and are blown away by how good it feels to stop creating in a vacuum.)
If you’d rather not read and instead talk through the many ideas and books swirling in your head, that’s perfect, too. This is YOUR time. We’re here to listen, ask smart questions, and help you find the shortest distance between where you are and where you long to be. Sometimes that looks like outlining a whole book series or mapping out a business model built around your work—often when you thought you were only showing up with one manuscript.
After you read or share, we’ll tell you what we see, feel, and love about your story—and offer ideas to help make it even more specific, cinematic, or marketable. This is where the braintrust shines. Six heads kick ass over one, every time. I guarantee someone will share insight you didn’t even know you needed. (Maybe they’re connected to an expert in your niche. Maybe they know the perfect comp title or blurt out the exact zinger to make your paragraph hilarious.)
You’ll leave this session clearer than you’ve been in forever—and more energized about what to write or revise next.
Prepare to be amazed by everyone’s transformation at our second brainstorming session. Once your subconscious (and your muse) sees we mean business, it snaps to attention: “Oh! They’re all paying attention. Time to get BUSY!”
Your first of four 45-minute private sessions with me happens between our group brainstorms.
We’ll schedule these at the end of our sessions together. And if you’re on a creative roll and don’t feel the need for a private in the moment, you can bank your time for post-retreat editorial or agent support. These sessions are fully yours—we can cover anything from writing and editing to business-ing and life-ing.
Week 2: Second Group Brainstorm
Wednesday, April 1st, 2026: 12:30 – 5:00 pm PT
You’ll read from your latest work-in-progress—and marvel at everyone’s progress, especially your own. It’s amazing what a week of focus and support can do.
Your second private session takes place before this call or whenever you’re ready (banked hours welcome).
Week 3: Third Group Brainstorm
Wednesday, April 8th, 2026: 12:30 – 5:00 pm PT
By now, the group is deeply bonded. You know each other’s voices and stories. You’ve been cheering one another on, offering support, and sharing breakthroughs (and yes, probably cried multiple times already). This is when the Title/Subtitle/Chapter Title/Log Line magic tends to flow like crazy. Stuck on something for days, months, or years? Bring it to your brilliant new besties.
Your third private session happens before our next group call—or whenever feels right.
Week 4: Fourth Group Brainstorm:
Wednesday, April 15th, 2026: 12:30 – 5:00 pm PT
I originally added this fourth session during the 2020 virtual retreat because… well, COVID. Everyone craved more connection, so we kept going—and it worked so well, I never looked back.
By this point, your fourth private session has likely already happened—or is just around the corner. You’re also welcome to bank this final hour for a future date.
Retreat Wrap Up: Final “Brunch”
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026: 12:30 – 4:00 pm PT
We go around the group and map out your next steps. My goal? That you leave with a clear game plan to maintain your momentum. We’ll cover time-wrangling (daily and long-term), your personalized to-do list, and my favorite go-to resources (yes, you’ll get The List).
Other hot topics we often dig into:
– Best writing practices
– Query magic & agent readiness
– Marketing & social media savvy
– Freelance help & virtual assistants
– Celebrating your wins (and how to stay in your creative power)
Post-Retreat Support: Two 1:1 Hours with Me
(Plus, any additional banked time.)
After the retreat, you’ll get my private calendar link to schedule two more 45-minute sessions—on your timeline, for whatever you need. We can:
– Review & polish your proposal or query letter (which you’ll have dialed in thanks to the Book Proposal Magic course)
– Mark up your sample pages (Mama loves her track changes & red pen!)
– Talk agents—who’s a good match, and when you’re ready, I’ll personally submit your work to my cherished dream teams.
Need more editorial or pitching help? I offer hourly support. Plus, I’ve got a list of stellar contacts and resources I’m happy to share—no kickbacks, just real-deal angels to help your book baby thrive. 💜
“Thank you, thank you, thank you again for inviting me to join this incredible retreat. I literally couldn’t have manifested a better experience. It’s a perfect match!”
Stacy Rose, personal & development coach
Investment
The cost of the Virtual Retreat is $12,000, payable in full or split into two payments of $6,000.
Once your initial payment is made, you’ll receive:
– A confirmation that your spot is reserved
– Immediate access to Book Proposal Magic and Your Big Beautiful Book Plan
– 3 months of complimentary access to the Beautiful Writers Group
If you’ve booked more than 60 days before the retreat, your second payment will be automatically charged one month later. If you’ve booked within 60 days of the retreat, the two payments will be spaced one week apart.
Interested? Complete the form below for a quick, no-obligation chat with me.
After you fill out the form, I’ll email you a link to my calendar so we can book your chat—on Zoom or by phone, whichever feels best. I’m so excited to meet you. BEST job ever! xo
