The Constellation Writing Retreat
A memoir and personal essay retreat.
Anna Maria Island, Florida · January 26–30, 2027
A constellation is a group of individual stars that, viewed together, create a shape.
Each star shines on its own. Together, they become a guide.
That's this retreat. Four nights by the Gulf, 5–10 visionary souls, each writing their own story, side by side. Plus a group writing experience to expand your mind and keep your writing muscles sharp. Aquarius loves the unexpected!
Your own room with a king bed and your own bathroom — or share it with a friend. Focused time to write, inspiring time together, and room to breathe in between.
Who this is for
You're writing memoir, personal essays, or a business book that contains both.
Maybe you've been carrying a story for years. Maybe you've written slices of it — a draft, notes on your phone, pages scattered across notebooks. Either way, you know you need to get these words out.
No matter where you are, this retreat is for turning the moments of your life into stories other people can feel.
What you'll leave with
A clear map of your story. For memoir: the shape of the book, its key moments, and where it begins. For essays: the pieces you're meant to write and the thread that connects them. Plus what your next 90 days look like.
At least one story drafted — a chapter or a complete essay — with my feedback during the retreat and after.
A writing rhythm that fits your life. One you'll keep and work with for the 90 days after the retreat.
Something to hold. On our last night, we'll write a piece together, one voice from all of ours. I'll have it printed, bound, and mailed to you.
Support before and after
Before: a group welcome call in early January and a 30-minute 1:1 with me in mid-January.
During: a 45-minute 1:1 session.
After: a 30-minute 1:1, a recap with photos and prompts (I'll always ask before taking or sharing photos), a group integration call in late February, detailed written feedback on up to 10 pages (submitted by March 14), and your bound copy of our collective piece.
THE RHYTHM OF OUR DAYS
Subject to change based on weather. This is a loose guide.
Tuesday — Arrive between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. Welcome dinner at 7:30 p.m. and opening circle.
Wednesday — Morning movement, a mini lesson on finding the story inside a memory, and long writing time, together or alone. 1:1 sessions with me. A walk to the Bridge Street pier. We prepare dinner together, then end with a storytelling circle.
Thursday — A slow, free morning. In the afternoon, we head to St. Petersburg for the Dalí Museum, then dinner at The Library, a restaurant set in a library, with great vegan options. We drive home over the Skyway Bridge after dark.
Friday — Yoga, a mini lesson on scene, voice, and writing about real people, writing time, and more 1:1s. An art session to unlock new perspectives, plus writing our collective piece. Then a plant-based closing dinner by a private chef.
Saturday — Breakfast, closing ritual, and goodbyes by 10 a.m.
WHY AQUARIUS SEASON
Aquarius season begins on January 20. Aquarius is the sign of community, originality, imagination, and the future — belonging to a circle while staying fully yourself. That’s what a constellation is, and that’s what we’ll practice together.
The day before we arrive, the Sun meets Pluto, the planet of deep change and rebirth. We gather in that energy, under a waning moon after the January 22 full moon. It’s a natural time to let go of old ways of writing and make room for what wants to come through. Waning moons are fantastic for focusing on the details.
We gather under a waning moon, just after the January 22 full moon.
Your Home for the Week
A brand-new private home in Bradenton Beach, a two-minute walk from Cortez Beach, near the free island trolley, restaurants, and the pier on historic Bridge Street.
Your own suite: every room has a king bed and its own bathroom with a walk-in shower. The Primary Suite adds a California king and a freestanding soaking tub.
A saltwater pool and in-ground spa for afternoon breaks and evening soaks under the stars.
A rooftop deck for sunrise morning pages and sunset toasts, with views across the island.
An open, light-filled living space and a large dining table for meals, mini lessons, and writing side by side.
A covered patio for writing outside in the fresh air.
Nourishing, high-vibe food: all meals, snacks, and drinks are included, and everything is vegan. Tell me about any allergies or dietary needs in your application.
YOUR INVESTMENT
Primary Suite (one available) — $3,950 early bird through November 20 · $4,200 after
King Room (five available) — $3,550 early bird through November 20 · $3,800 after
Bring a friend (shares your king room, full retreat) — $1,500 early bird · $1,900 after
Included: four nights, all meals and drinks, the St. Pete outing (transport, museum, dinner), the chef’s dinner, movement, art supplies, and every call and 1:1. Not included: airfare and airport travel.
How to reserve: Apply below. Once you’re approved, a $1,000 deposit holds your room — first come, first served. Pay the rest on November 20, or in two installments: half on November 20 and half on December 15. Approved after November 20? Your deposit and first installment are due at booking.
The live writing experience to bring your personal essays to life.
Good to Know
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In a brand-new private home in Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island, Florida — a two-minute walk from Cortez Beach, near the free island trolley, restaurants, and the pier on historic Bridge Street. It's a small, quiet, walkable beach town.
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Sarasota (SRQ) is about 30 minutes away. Tampa (TPA) is about 75 minutes away. Saturday, January 30 is Gasparilla in Tampa, so if you're flying out of TPA, leave extra time. I'll help coordinate shared rides.
Traveling internationally? Check your passport and visa requirements now. I'm happy to provide a registration letter.
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Yes. This is a small group of five to ten, and I'm with you the whole time. What's shared in the circle stays in the circle, and you always decide how much to share.
Writing memoir means writing about real people and moments that might feel heavy. We'll talk about how to tell the truth while caring for yourself and the people in your stories, and nothing you write here is shared beyond these walls.
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Yes! A friend can share your king room for the full retreat — $1,500 early bird through November 20, or $1,900 after. Their payment is due in full by January 4. Just tell me who in your application.
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You keep going — with support. You'll get a 30-minute 1:1 with me, a recap with photos and prompts, a group integration call in late February, detailed written feedback on up to 10 pages of a chapter or essay (submitted by March 14), and your bound copy of our collective piece. Plus the writing rhythm you'll carry through the next 90 days.
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Your deposit isn't refundable, but payments after it are refundable until December 20. After that, you're welcome to transfer your spot to someone else once their application is approved.
If I cancel the retreat for any reason, including not reaching the minimum group size by December 20, you'll get a full refund, deposit included.
Ready to Join the Constellation?
If you've read this far and something in you said yes, trust that. Tell me about you and the story you're carrying. I read every application myself.
Not ready for a retreat? Start with a Writing Map Session — one hour to map your book, essays, or Substack.