A funny thing happened while launching my book, Beautiful Writers, over the past six weeks. I started smelling the Carmel seashore. Like, for reals—an unexpected happening, seeing as how I’m 703 miles away in the desert of Arizona, loving my life and my horses and minding my own business.
It makes sense, though, when I think about it. I’ve led over eighty retreats in Carmel in the past thirteen years. My car practically drives to Ocean Avenue on autopilot. Carmel is my home away from home, my magic place. My parents honeymooned there. My sister and I logged endless hours on the beach, followed by family feasts and people-watching. Merv Griffin. Clint Eastwood. Doris Day. Ahhhh. Heady stuff for a little kid.
Mostly my memories are ones of love. Like Dad holding Mom’s shoes and socks as she danced nearby through the waves. I still see them around every corner as I walk at dusk, Mom’s laughter behind gallery and bakery windows, the smells of my favorite meals wafting from our family’s favorite cafes.
So, try as I might to ignore those sights and smells and sounds; this treasured hamlet is hard to shake. (And not just for me, I’m guessing legendary residents like Jack London, Mary Austin, Upton Sinclair, and Ansel Adams felt similarly.) I recently found myself drunk dialing (kidding, sort of… I don’t drink) my friends at the La Playa hotel. Before thinking twice, I’d cleared the dates later next year with the writing gods (my sister, the Vedic astrologer), whipped out my credit card, and reserved king beds and ocean views for my future guests. Maybe YOU?
Yipeeee! We’re going BAAAAAACK!!! For the weeks of October 2nd and November 27th, 2023. Long enough to get great work done before you come. Short enough to energize your every current writing day.
Join us in the place where countless bestsellers, friendships, and writerly dreams have been birthed.
I cannot wait. Good thing next year will be here in five minutes, kind of like New Year’s. (Some of you are on the waitlist. Others will see this and jump. Spots will go fast, so fill out this short form asap if you’re interested. My expenses to host the retreats have nearly tripled. Rather than seek out less-luxurious digs, prices may go up for following retreats.)
See you there!
Linda
xo
PS. Not ready to travel? Want a smaller price point and more time together? Check out my super fun Virtual Retreats. A few “regulars” who’ve been to multiple in-person retreats swear the vibe & results are nearly the same.
PSS. Can’t do a retreat now, but still want to work together? Check out my consulting sessions. No matter your situation, your Book Mama has got you.
Write on.
