“Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.” ~Kenyan Proverb
“None of us is as smart as all of us.” ~Ken Blanchard
A client recently asked me: “Who comes to your writing retreats? And, are they always good groups?”
Maybe you’ve wondered the same thing…
It used to shock me that group after group of gals who drove or flew to Carmel and made their way to our retreat hideaway were always phenomenal women. Even though I interview all participants in advance, the first time was so magical I worried that maybe I’d just gotten lucky. The second time I wondered if flukes happen twice. By the third retreat, I stopped stressing and began relaxing into the concept that when a woman invests in herself to this degree, she’s not only committed to her creativity, but has something dang interesting to say (even if she’s scared sh**tless)!
So, who’s coming with us next week? We have 2 spots open due to participants scheduling changes, and I thought you might like to see who your housemates would be if you got wildly spontaneous and decided to join us. Our August and October Carmel retreats are filling up with an equally wonderful and unique group of writers, but specific to this one, here’s our magical/mystical group…
Jennifer’s flying in from Canada—and I’m lucky enough to have her assisting me again. Jen’s a very popular blogger and psychotherapist (with a specialty in eating disorders and low self-esteem, which is surprising she’d ever know about this firsthand because she’s beautiful). She’s also a life coach, which, she says, is informed by her lifelong experience as an equestrian (horses have much to teach us). Jen is a magnet for good juju. She’s got a thriving private practice, as well as loads of experience working in hospitals (with her heavenly bedside manner). I know from experience that she inspires everyone she touches to gain more clarity about their goals, and overcome any nagging self-doubt they may still have.
Juanita is joining us from rural Washington, where she started the most angelic (and successful, I might add) school—the kind we all wish we’d gone to as children. Juanita is outrageously creative and has written all sorts of plays and songs and dances for her students. Now it’s time for her to focus on herself and her OWN creativity. Amen to that, sistah! We can’t wait to watch the beauty unfold.
Shelby lives in Seattle, WA, and she’s hip and irreverent and whip-smart funny. She’s writing a memoir about a really cool aspect of her life that’s so juicy and timely that I don’t dare give it away. Let’s just say that this outgoing liberal retired very early in life (she’s one smart gal) and is excited to meet everyone and “get lots of work done!”
Nancy is coming all the way out from Virginia. She’s writing a book near and dear to her heart as a daughter of a Veteran—something that will serve those in the armed services. I can’t say more about it because it’s such a stellar idea that we’re keeping it mum for now, but Nancy’s looking forward to brainstorming time with the group and going deeper in our private coaching sessions. I couldn’t be more honored or excited to help with this sacred project!
Mary is traveling to us from my old stomping grounds in Northern California. Something tells me we’re all going to be hanging on her every word because Mary’s an expert in accessing creativity. I can’t reveal much about her book yet either, but check out this cool ditty from her blog (there really is “Something About Mary”): “I am an inciter of whatever makes people come alive, an excavator of buried gifts and talents, a fresh breeze that fans the smoldering embers of abandoned creativity.” How cool is that? The creativity is going to be through the roof—I feel it!
Me. Oh, yeah, I’ll be there too. With Merry, my toy poodle, for snuggles, of course—she always seems to know who needs those! Her stuffed bear and pink blanket are already packed!
Want to let your hair down, put your feet up, and take a leap for your book already? If so, come play with us! We arrive in beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea this coming Monday night for our delish group dinner, and then hit the books Tuesday morning after a great night’s sleep. The Monterey airport is minutes away. If you can see yourself jamming with our small and mighty group, give me a call or drop me an email and we’ll chat.
Looking so forward…
http://www.winningbookproposals.com/retreats
Yours,
Linda
xx
