Blurry Zoom screenshots aside, this Virtual Retreat group was/is PERFECT. Words rarely escape me—unless I’m trying to capture the magic of a circle of writers who mean the world to me, and to each other. How does life-altering connection grow so strong in just one month? After all these years, it still feels like a mystery—one I’m endlessly grateful for.
While I won’t tag or name these five beauties here on this sleepy Tuesday morning from my bed-office (though they kindly gave me permission to post this graphic—thank you, love bugs!), I will share some of their anonymous reflections from our closing “brunch” last Friday. I’m floored. And stupid-grateful for their faith, generosity, and talent—and for the fact that this is the work of my life.
🫶 “My life feels bigger. I didn’t know what to expect, but it really feels so much bigger. Maybe you could call it the Bigger Writers Group?”
One thing I know for certain: When writers gather in an intimate, safe space—often reading their words aloud for the first time—the results are breathtaking. We exhale deeply. We laugh from our guts. We cry (every damn time). And most importantly, we learn to trust ourselves: our voices, our visions, our knowing, our wants.
What a relief to discover that it’s not only okay—but imperative—to want what you want. To write with the newfound confidence that blooms when brainstorming with other fully present writers. To be astonished by your own creative power. Was it here all along? (Yes. Totally.)
🫶 “You guys! This can’t ever end. I know I said maybe not for the rest of my life, but YES, for the rest of my life!” [Ha. And yes, they’ve already scheduled their first Zoom call without me.]
Did you know that wanting to write is reason enough?
Even if the people around you don’t understand.
Even when life throws curveballs.
Even when you’re scared out of your mind.
The ache to write is reason enough. Then. Now. Tomorrow. All the days.
It’s my greatest joy to hold this container—to give storytellers permission to say what they long to say, to step into who they’ve always dreamed of being. I marvel at who shows up (always the most glorious surprise), and somehow, it is indeed perfect.
Ladies, I love you. Thank you for your generous, soulful reflections of our time together. I’m humbled, deeply moved, and forever in your corner.
Write on!
Lindagrateful xo
🫶 “This was life-altering for me. I’ve been so mesmerized by your stories that I haven’t needed anything else, not even munchies! LOL.” [Chorus: “Yes, no munchies. No munchies!”]
🫶 “I’m very glad that I did the virtual retreat versus going to Carmel. I love Carmel; I love the opportunity to be in person. But for some reason I’ve been able to digest this information and make the changes I’ve had to make both in myself and in my story. I needed that integration time. It worked for me. I loved the pacing of this. I loved the space between our sessions.”
🫶 “Linda, you’re really, really special. The largesse in this room, the women in this room, your capacity to hear, see, and bear witness is extraordinary. I am 18,000 ways grateful. You truly are a book mama. But you’re a little bit more than that. You’re a whisper, but also a gatherer of the perfect group. Every time, I’m sure.”
🫶 “I’m so grateful to be here and with your good minds. Wow. How many different ways can I say grateful? Thank you so much for all this time, presence, and generosity. I feel heard and complete.”
🫶 “I want to say that when I did one of my private sessions with Linda, I knew she was in the middle of Cheyenne, Wyoming, on a horse trip. Surprise isn’t the right word, but I think I was surprised that she was so focused, bringing 110% of herself to our session. My point is that we get what we pay for here. I’ve been to other retreats with Linda, and she takes our investment very seriously. You gals need to come to the BWG Write-Ins, where we tap into this kind of energy all the time.”
PS. My 2026 Virtual Writers Group begins March 24th. If you’re feeling the pull, I’d love to chat about you joining us.
PSS. Want to become a member of the super-supportive, affordable #BeautifulWritersGroup, where we connect in nine Zoom Write-In sessions each month?
PSSS. My promised Carmel #2-of-2 blog on recent book deals is coming soon. As usual, so many new wins keep flying in that I keep pausing to add just “one more.” A high-quality problem I’ll take every time.
PSSSS. Thoughts on any of this? Mama LOVES hearing from you, especially if you’re a prior retreater and want to share a comment with the peoples over on Insta, Facebook, or X.
Lastly, to quote Sam Bennett, my partner in the Beautiful Writers Group Monthly Q & A calls, “By the Way, You Look Really Great Today.” Fact.
