There’s something deeply satisfying about coming together with other writers to explore and share in a very authentic and free environment, be in nature, eat amazing food, and find your Voice. In June, the Sanctuary hosted a two-day writer’s retreat with master writing teacher Tio Juan aka John Stifler, an incredible experience for everyone who participated, and we were fortunate to be there. Professor Stifler led us though a series of transformational writing exercises with effortless mastery, helping us to tap into deeper levels of creativity and facilitating dynamic sharing, conversation and very exciting creative growth all around. We are delighted that Tio Juan will be returning on August 11th to run this retreat again and help develop our local group of writers. If you are a writer, or want to write, or write more, or write something you’ve thought about writing for a while, this may be the perfect group for you.

Schedule of Retreat

9 a.m. - Noon – Introduction followed by a series of three writing exercises. Each of these begins with a writing prompt and everyone writing in response for 20-25 minutes. Following, anyone may share what they wrote and we take a few moments to respond. We’ll take a 25-minute break somewhere in the middle. 

Noon-1 p.m. Lunch, a walk, yoga and meditation

1:00 - 4:00 p.m. –  An extended writing period, each participant with an objective either chosen by themselves or offered by me. Followed by discussion.

4:00-4:45 – Break. Extra writing time, or time for a walk, conversation with other participants, etc. 

4:45-6 p.m. – General discussion, closing observations and questions, possibly one more short exercise, plus some suggestions for writing on one’s own in the days and weeks ahead. Includes a short list of recommended readings. 

6-8 p.m. – Dinner Party

Meals included. Guests are invited to stay at The Sanctuary the evening of August 11. Accommodations are available in the Sanctuary yurt or guests can pitch their own tent wherever they find a spot on the beautiful 40 acre land trust.

Suggested donation: $250