SOLO WRITING RETREATS

The greatest gift you can give a writer. Especially if the writer is you. 

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UPDATE: Due to the pandemic and Joni's hectic publishing schedule, we will not be scheduling solo retreats during 2021. We hope to see you at the beach at a future date.

 

"For now she need not think of anybody. She could be herself, by herself... and this self having shed its attachments was free for the strangest adventures." 

VIRGINIA WOOLF

TO THE LIGHTHOUSE

 

If you're writing or revising a novel or memoir, I'd love to take you under my wing.  You'll stay in a private condo on the beach. Meals are at our place or a local eatery, or you can cook for yourself in your fully equipped condo kitchen. When you need a break, climb the lighthouse, hike the dunes, soak in the hot tub, or visit the sea lions in the harbor. We personalize each solo retreat to serve the needs of the visiting writer. Our goal is to give you the creative space, technical guidance, and TLC you need to take your idea, your manuscript or your career to the next level. Rates vary, depending on season and your needs, but we find most of our visiting writers are looking for something like this:

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PLOT WHISPER

Developmental editing involves a lot of blood, sweat, and sticky notes. This is how you take your idea from flicker to flame and develop a powerful strategy for completing your manuscript. I've worked my Plot Whisper mojo on NYT bestsellers and an Oscar-nominated screenplay. Trust me. It'll work for your unique project too.

The Goal: A fully developed story and chapter-by-chapter structure for your novel, memoir, or screenplay.

The Process: Day 1: Arrival and orientation. Day 2: We'll talk through content and characters and define story meta and micro arcs. Days 3-4: We get the structure on its feet, building a detailed outline. Day 5: You'll leave with a solid strategy for completion, polish, and a path to publishing.  

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TABLE READ

If you have a finished first draft in hand, the single most powerful thing you can do is read the whole thing aloud with a knowledgable critique partner. Our Table Read experience includes a private ocean view condo, printing and office supplies, and top tier editorial guidance. 

The Goal: A finished manuscript suitable for handoff to agents/editor or to put into the self-publishing pipeline.

The Process: Day 1: Arrival and orientation. Days 2-3: As our reader reads the entire ms aloud, you and I mark hard copies. Day 4: You and I will go through the entire ms, discussing changes. Day 5: You'll leave with a solid strategy for completion, polish, and a path to publishing.

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GIFT FROM THE SEA

Sometimes you just need a little time, space, silence, and support to get started, get unstuck, or power down a deadline. Sometimes you just need to be around someone who understands the joys and challenges of writing a book. I get it. Come to the beach for a powerful mix of structured work hours, solitude, TLC, and informal walk/talk coaching. 

The Goal: A bombastically productive nose-to-the-grindstone writing binge.

The Process: Your condo is one of several prime workspace options. Coffee and breakfast fixings are available in your kitchen. We'll do a brisk walk/talk to get the day started. Lunch is delivered to your door. After a solid work day, we'll walk/talk again at sunset. Enjoy family style supper at our place or walk to the local brewery or bistro.

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SPARK SESH

"Can you hop on the phone with me for an hour?" I get this question a lot, and the answer is yes! If you just need an hour of brain-tap, reality check, or mentoring, let's hop on Zoom, FaceTime or phone and talk about whatever's on your mind.

The Goal: Tell Mama.

The Process: Flip me an email, and I'll get back to you to schedule.

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QUESTIONS about rates/availability?

CONTACT US