Retreat | For the Writer's Soul

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If you’re driven and compelled to write, then write you must... and write you should. Embrace and cultivate your amazing writer-self. No matter what the outside world says.

"Retreat for the Writer's Soul" is about dispelling the myths and hurdles that hold you back, learning to acknowledge and accept your writer-self, and choosing to truly and deeply express your truth.

In this nurturing, inspiring online retreat, you’ll take a 14-day journey of healing, appreciation, and inspiration. Over the course of two weeks, you’ll learn to become more authentic, free, and inspired to speak the truth you hold within you.

"Retreat for the Writer's Soul" has helped thousands of writers from around the world. If you could use support and inspiration to connect with your truth and (re)discover your amazing writer-self, we welcome you to join us and see where the retreat leads you!

WHEN: April 7-20, 2024 (FULL)

TIME: 30 minutes per day

COST: $85.00 USD

WHERE: Guided online course

Email Melanie to be notified when our next retreat is scheduled.

Hosted on our secure online course platform.

Your Guide: Melanie Steele

Melanie has spent two decades helping writers find and embrace

the gift they hold within. A dedicated teacher, writer, coach, and guide, Melanie provides a beautiful combination of support and inspiration to lead and guide you through a powerful journey to become the writer you can be. Email Melanie

ABOUT THE RETREAT

A Gift to Yourself

Most writers are impeded more by a lack of self-esteem than by a lack of talent. The truth is that it's hard to make it as a writer, and the hurdles writers face often beat them down and make them lose their way.

If you love to write, but you're uncertain if you should...
If you're discouraged by feedback you've received or fearful of feedback you might receive...
If you feel lost about your path and wonder if you should continue writing...

This is for you! It's a safe place to come, retreat, and explore... to find yourself, your passion, and your voice... to rekindle your love of writing and embrace the writer you can and should be.

Topics We'll Cover:

"Retreat for the Writer's Soul" is a special mix of instruction, guidance, and self-discovery. Each day will offer informative insights, inspiring meditations, creative prompts, and action items to incorporate concepts into your life, helping you transform your relationship with your writer-self over the course of two weeks. Topics include:

APPRECIATING YOURSELF.

We often focus on the negative rather than appreciating the positive. Together, we'll shift the focus to what you have accomplished, and we'll celebrate the amazing talent you hold within.

REDEFINING SUCCESS.

What does it mean to be successful, and what does it mean for you to be a successful writer?

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF.

Writers tend to give a lot of themselves and often don't get much in return. We'll learn to nourish and nurture ourselves to regain our strength.

CONNECTING WITH YOUR TRUTH.

What inspires, motivates, and moves you? We'll tap into that to find your authentic voice and bring it to the surface.

MAKING YOUR WRITING SHINE.

What do you want to say? What do you really want to say? We'll uncover your authentic truth and use it to inspire your writing.

AND MUCH MORE!

Together, we'll go through a journey of self-discovery and transformation to support and inspire you to be the writer you're capable of being!

Retreat Philosophy

We believe writers are important. They have been essential throughout history, and they are especially important today, in this turbulent world. Writers have the power to make people think, feel, and move. They have the potential to heal, inspire, and lead people through important changes.

Unfortunately, writers are often beaten down by the coldness of the world. Many are discouraged, and some even turn their backs on writing.

This is a place for writers to retreat, recharge, and empower their writer-selves to do what they need to do, and say what they need to say, in order to create the lives they're meant to live.

Guiding Principles

We believe in you. You are important, and what you have to say matters.
Retreat for the Writer's Soul is a safe place to do something good for your writer-self.
We support you. You are not alone. There are many like-minded people who are on the same journey.
You deserve to invest in yourself. Writers give a lot and rarely receive. Retreat for the Writer's Soul is an opportunity to invest in your potential and nurture your writer-self.

What to Expect

Every day for two weeks starting Sunday, April 7, you’ll log in to the retreat. Think of it as a coffee break, a little time for yourself. The lessons will open at 7 a.m. Eastern time (EDT). We designed the retreat to work no matter what time zone you are in, so you may come into each day's lesson at whatever time works best for you after 7 a.m. EDT, and they will remain open to access for as long as you need.

Every day when you stop by, you’ll be introduced to a new discussion topic, and you’ll listen to a guided meditation that will help you align and connect. You’ll then have a task to complete at your convenience, and we’ll share and discuss the progress we’re making as we go along.

This retreat is a safe place, where we respect and encourage each other. It is a place for you, and you are always welcome. I am here to guide and support you during our time together.

What's Required?

THIRTY MINUTES A DAY.

Decide to put aside thirty minutes of your time each day to invest in yourself through this course. That is all it takes to transform your relationship with your writer self. You don’t need to clear your schedule or abandon your obligations. Just set aside thirty minutes a day to join us in this safe place, and allow yourself the opportunity to transform into the writer you can and should be. Note: You can stop by for 30 minutes each day at whatever time works best for you. The door is always open!

A QUIET SPOT.

As we go through our two weeks together, we will be listening to a series of guided meditations. Each one is only five minutes, but you'll need to spend the entire five minutes in a quiet spot where you will be comfortable and undisturbed. Maybe that spot is at your computer... or maybe you know of a great spot outside. You decide. Just make sure you'll be comfortable and undisturbed for the full five minutes as you listen to the audio.

A COMMITMENT TO YOURSELF.

We ask that you come to "Retreat for the Writer's Soul" with an open heart and mind. Be willing to explore and discover. Think about the material we cover, complete the tasks every day, and be open to becoming happier and living more in line with your truth. This retreat is an investment in yourself... and it's worth it!

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What Others Have Said

"The two weeks spent participating in "Retreat for the Writer's Soul" felt like the writer in me was reborn. If you are new to writing, or you've lost your motivation to write, I implore you to sign up for this experience. You will not regret it. Whether you are finding or reestablishing your writer-self, you deserve to give yourself the gift of being a part of this journey." ~Charlie A., retreat participant 2023

"This retreat has filled my soul in ways that I did not even realize I needed. It has released my writer-self. There is no stopping her and no going back." ~Katherine K., retreat participant 2023

"Thank you so much for the retreat. I loved waking up to these meditations, which set the stage for me to reflect and move forward in understanding life’s journey. You helped me to look at myself from a different perspective and move on toward understanding the core of who I am." ~Mary P., retreat participant 2023

"I recently had the pleasure of attending Retreat for the Writer’s Soul. Melanie has prepared some excellent, thought-provoking exercises over the two-week course. She encourages you to reach deep inside yourself and share in a zero-judgment environment. You will receive lots of encouragement and support from her and the other attendees. I highly recommend attending her retreat!" ~Michelle S., retreat participant 2023

"I loved the Retreat for the Writer's Soul. I loved the simplicity of the format, the powerful meditations, the deceptively challenging daily tasks, and the gentle approach Melanie takes to encourage us to dig a little deeper. And I loved reading the often inspiring contributions made by other participants. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to explore their writer self, whether that's on a first-time voyage of discovery or as an opportunity to step back, take stock, and reset in a safe and loving environment.' ~Eugenie V., retreat participant 2023

"I want to thank you for the opportunity to be a part of Retreat for the Writer's Soul. It was a great experience! As writers, we tend to isolate. This group of people made it welcoming, and all intimidation went out the window. The tasks were so reflective and thought-provoking. I highly recommend this retreat for anyone who wants to focus on all of the positive aspects of writing. Thanks again!" ~Pamela H., retreat participant 2023

"I loved being part of your retreat, and I’m so surprised at what happened to me as a result. I’m writing every day and resisting the urge to correct the soul out of what I write. I wrote my first poem this morning—can’t remember how long that’s been. Thanks again so much for creating this amazing retreat." ~Gail B., retreat participant 2023

"I loved this retreat and feel more like writing again than I have in a long time." ~Laura P., retreat participant 2023

"Beginning the new year by diving into the "Retreat for the Writer's Soul" beautifully organized by Melanie was the perfect way to embrace my identity as a writer. The many themes that I explored with the accompanying meditations, reflections, and writing prompts empowered me as a writer and allowed me to really dig deep into the different facets of me as a person and as a writer-self. The supportive feedback provided by Melanie and other like-minded writers on the retreat each day were very motivating. I highly recommend the retreat for novice as well as experienced writers. This personal writing journey is one that you will be very glad that you went on and will benefit you in many different ways. Bon voyage!" ~Pierre Bohémier, retreat participant 2023

"The Retreat for the Writer's Soul is a true sanctuary for the writer's wellbeing. Every day I looked forward to starting the meditation and specific task for reflection. The two weeks were nourishing to the soul, soothing for the heart and joyful as a whole thanks to Melanie's skillful guidance and the (optional) group sharing. Recommended if you want to start, refresh or awaken your creative side." ~Marianne K., retreat participant October 2022

"Melanie's retreat was an amazing experience. She does a fantastic job guiding with heartfelt encouragement. I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed taking the retreat with all the other writers from around the world. It truly was an eye-opening experience, and I'm so happy to say I have a deeper understanding of why I write and why it's important to me. I'm going to take this new energy and dive into my writing with confidence! Thank you Melanie!" ~Stephanie W., retreat participant October 2022

"Your workshop was so wonderful! It rekindled my love and commitment to writing. Your reflections and tasks brought us to writing again, without really realizing that we were. You did this for me by stirring up memories and affirmation of creativity that is an integral part of me, that I often don’t see or acknowledge is there. Writing was not a chore, but a creative expression that I looked forward to each day of the workshop." ~Isabelle M., retreat participant October 2022

"I thoroughly enjoyed this writer’s retreat. Melanie offers kindness and stillness in a world that is noisy and distracting. Her meditations and reflections help guide us back to our centers, where our best selves reside, enabling us to reflect on and return to knowing and embracing ourselves as writers and soulmates in this world we occupy. Thank you for sharing your gift with us." ~Ginda Simpson, retreat participant July 2022

"The retreat is designed to take only 30 minutes of your day but I became increasingly drawn in as I invested more time. Most valuable of all is the warmth & encouragement from Melanie & sharing with fellow writers. This felt like a safe space to express myself honestly. It is affordably priced and I would recommend it to any writer in need of refreshment." ~Jill Castelo, retreat participant July 2022

"The Retreat for the Writer's Soul by Melanie Steele has been a gift. I am grateful to have re-kindled my love of writing with Melanie's support and suggestions. Her guidance has led me to a new perspective and allowed me to bring out the best in me when it comes to writing. The daily meditations and reflections followed by the tasks have been vital to lead me on a new direction along my writing path. Thank you kindly, Melanie, for all your care, inspiration and kindness. I highly recommend this course to writers of all calibers." ~Andrea Winterbottom, retreat participant May 2022

"I thoroughly enjoyed the writer's retreat. I loved the exercises and meditations and will definitely be going back to review. Overall, it was uplifting and I looked forward to each day. I'm grateful that I've signed up for your weekly insights so I can continue to be inspired." ~Cathy Corbett-Schock, retreat participant May 2022

"Really enjoyed the structure of the course. Felt gentle, encouraging. Lessons prompted me to think hard about my writing life. Was able to identify several barriers, created by myself, of course. The whole experience resonated with the writer-me." ~Susan Persons, retreat participant May 2022

"Thank you for creating Retreat for the Writer’s Soul, it has been such an uplifting experience. I chose to participate as the perfect opportunity to honor my creative-self, and reclaim what I love most to do. I am both grateful and joy-filled to focus on writing again." ~LS Marie, retreat participant January 2022

"When I saw the advertisement for the writer’s retreat, I thought wow, this is exactly what I need. Writing had become a struggle and almost drudgery when I would sit down. I had no idea what to expect because it would be online, but I was thoroughly blessed by the 2-week retreat. It came at a time when I was really frustrated with not being able to just sit and write like I used to. I wanted to regain my love for writing so I signed up. The 2-week retreat has reignited in me a desire to write again and to give myself some grace. The meditations were amazing and allowed my mind to be free to explore. The activities were engaging and allowed me to grow my writer self. It was so good, I didn’t want the 2 weeks to end. I encourage anyone wanting to reignite their fire to take this course and allow Melanie to guide you." ~Monique, retreat participant January 2022

"A friend of mine recommended Melanie and Retreat for the Writer's Soul to me; as a beginner, I was a bit anxious, not knowing whether this would be for me or not. I am so grateful I joined! The daily meditation spoke to my heart, I had tears whenever I was listening to it. I totally recommend this retreat; it has given me self-confidence, enthusiasm, and confirms that I need to pursue this journey to find my voice and write from my heart. Thank you Melanie for such a healing and constructive retreat!" ~Nathalie B., retreat participant January 2022

"I am so grateful to have discovered this retreat. It was exactly what I needed to bring life again to my imagination. Every lesson was like discovering a new layer of myself, seeing these layers as a whole that is the 'writer' part of me, and making that part shine. Thank you from my heart and my soul for gifting me this knowledge. Whoever else does this retreat, you too will come away changed for the better. I know it." ~Enisa Haines, retreat participant January 2022

"I loved the Writer’s Retreat put on by Melanie. It drew out the writer in me and went far deeper than I could ever imagine. I have much more confidence now and so much more insight. I am ready to press forward and release the writer in me pushing it full speed ahead not allowing any obstacles to stand in my way. I fully recommend this retreat to everyone. I can assure you that your life, perspective and writer’s journey will change dramatically and set you up for a successful journey ahead." ~Gail Johnson, retreat participant January 2022

"I want to thank you for the opportunity to experience and grow from your beautiful retreat. This has been my favorite writing retreat. The meditations, metaphors, and reflections were simply enlightening. Thank you!" ~Glenda Izumi, retreat participant October 2021

"Thank you Melanie for providing this retreat, for your insight, for your words of hope, of encouragement. For believing that I can do this, that we all can do this! I have thoroughly enjoyed this retreat! Peace to you!" ~Chris Gal, retreat participant October 2021

"Thank you, Melanie, for this wonderful training. It helped in more ways than you will ever know!" ~Pamela Lemaster, retreat participant October 2021

"Retreat for the Writer’s Soul is an online course that only takes 30 minutes a day and you can participate at a time to suit you. Unlike so many online courses, the other participants were very open and encouraging in the feedback they gave to my posts and those of other participants. However, no-one could have been more responsive or encouraging than our course leader, Melanie. I would recommend this retreat to anyone who is feeling emotionally stuck with their writing. The daily exercises encouraged us to find our self-writer and cherish it so it could come out to play and help us craft words that really matter to us and their intended audience. Thanks Melanie" ~Tina Allen, retreat participant July 2021

"I have a habit of signing up for multi-session classes but halfway through the classes, I quit. This was not the case with "Retreat for the Writer's Soul." I have recently completed Melanie's wonderful two-week, virtual retreat. It was just what I needed to reignite my passion for writing and help me make a commitment to nurture my writer-self. Melanie's supportive responses and positive encouragement helped me stay committed to the course and grow as a writer. The ability to share responses with other attendees created a community of connection. I look forward to experiencing more of Melanie's wonderful writing retreats. It is an experience like none other." ~Catherine Conway, retreat participant July 2021

"Halfway into this retreat for the writer's soul, I simply want to thank you for this incredible journey, these amazing meditations, reflections and tasks to reconnect and strengthen the writer self within me. I am so grateful for this retreat, so inspiring and soothing to the soul. And thank you so much for all your comments to my posts, so kind and lovely, very honored by them." ~Elisabeth, retreat participant July 2021

"I loved everything about the retreat! I want to express my deepest gratitude to you for creating this beautiful retreat and for your gentle and wise guidance over the past fourteen days. Thank you for guiding us with grace, kindness, beauty, and wisdom! Thank you for encouraging us every single day by finding the right words. Thank you for building a beautiful community with your words, encouragement, and gentle care. I'm grateful that this retreat and your presence magically appeared in my life at the right time. This feels like one of those pivotal moments for my inner writer. Much gratitude!" ~Natalya Androsova, PhD, retreat participant April 2021

"I want to thank you for a writing course with a difference. The meditation initially helped me be at peace with myself, allowing all the ideas that I could write about each day. It released underlying stress and I was free to allow the creative juices to flow from within without any preconceived ideas. I will take time now to revisit the many words I wrote and believe me, I did write a lot of words but promised myself I would let them flow and at the end of the course re-visit." ~Mary Gorman, retreat participant April 2021

"Thank you so much for the opportunity to be part of the "Retreat for the Writer's Soul." It was engaging, fun and also took the writer's soul to the deep places. Each day's retreat was short and sweet, which I really appreciated, but within the short sweetness was the gift to remember and bring forth the writer's soul. And thank you so much for the scholarship. I would not have been able to attend and experience this beautiful retreat without it. And many thanks for sharing your gifts!" ~Deborah Ann Richman, retreat participant April 2021

"I cannot recommend this retreat enough to anyone no matter where you are in the process of writing something or becoming a writer. I was honestly shocked at some of the things I was able to write that naturally came through me. Most importantly, I have my writing voice back and I’m so excited to get back to being a writer!" ~Traci Dyer, retreat participant February 2021

"Retreat for the Writer's Soul is one of the least expensive but best investments I could have made in myself as a writer. Not only was it inspiring, it confirmed that to follow my passion to write brings a sense of freedom that every soul craves, regardless of the circumstances" ~Myrtle Russell, retreat participant February 2021

"I just wanted to thank you for the retreat, which has really been so helpful to me in determining my next steps in my writing." ~Holly Galbus, retreat participant February 2021

"The retreat was an amazing experience; confidence builder and therapeutic. I am glad I decided to invest in the experience." ~Tana S. Riley, retreat participant January 2021

"I thoroughly enjoyed the writer's retreat. It offered me valuable insight, as well as opening up and sharing my thoughts. I would recommend it to anyone." ~Rhonda, retreat participant January 2021

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Scholarships - Limited partial scholarships are available for those in need.

We work hard to keep “Retreat for the Writer’s Soul” affordable. We think you’ll agree the course fee is very low for the amazing content, guidance, and inspiration you receive. As many past participants have noted, the retreat is invaluable, and the cost is worth every penny. We also have a few partial scholarships available, made possible by past retreat participants who wanted to help ensure that others could participate. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please contact Melanie at: melanie@forthewriterssoul.com

Why Participate?

"Retreat for the Writer's Soul" is an opportunity to become the writer you were meant to be. If you choose to take this journey, you'll set yourself on the path to a happier, more authentic, and more fulfilling life.

We know firsthand how hard it can be to take the step to invest in yourself. As writers, we're used to giving of ourselves rather than giving to ourselves. But it's worth it. You're worth it!

What magic is waiting for you? What truth lives within you? How would it feel to step in line with your authentic voice and become the writer you were meant to be? Make an investment in yourself and find out what's waiting for you!

We Welcome You to Join Us!

Do something good for your writer-self & see where the journey leads you...

START DATE: April 7-20, 2024 (FULL)