REGISTRATION CLOSED…Sorry!

Please do though email deb AT jenniferlouden.com to be placed on the waiting list.

You love to write. You like to write. You think you’d like to write.

For sure you know that if you had time free of distractions, you would get out that thing that that burns in you onto the page or would finally get ______ done.

Oh, and it would be pretty darn great if someone was serving you delicious food, and there was a coach on hand to hold yours when you got stuck.

You know what would be good? A supportive circle of women to cackle with.

Some heart-fueling, creativity-expanding writing seminars to melt away your fears and charge you up with sparkly, crackling inspiration wouldn’t be bad either.

And while you’re dreaming, why not add in time with your very own destuckification expert, a tour of art studios, some brain training, and gentle yoga … and smack the whole kit-and-kaboodle down in the most gorgeous, magical, charged-up creative place ever?

Sounds kinda perfect?

Hot damn because I’ve got that and more cooked up and I would love, love, love to share it with you.

Jennifer Louden (that’s me)
invites you (yes, you) to
a truly life-changingly fabulous writing retreat

Saturday, July 24 – Friday, July 30, 2010
The Mabel Dodge Luhan House
Taos, New Mexico

Sometimes, when you least expect it, an experience awakens a spirit in us that we had believed was long gone. And that spirit comes to life with such clarity and purpose that inspires us to do the same… okay, that isn’t what happened at Jen’s retreat, but what did happen was even better… Until next year’s most amazing retreat!”

-Gail, 2009

Who it’s really for:

This week-long play and write and eat and laugh and learn and write more fest is made for you if you’ve just got to get some writing done and you need a mighty mainline dose of self-nurturing and mojo reclamation.

Could be you’ve never written much or you’ve been putting it off for years or maybe you journal all the time or maybe you’re writing your fiftieth book.

If you want and need to write, this is the retreat that was created with you in mind.

This isn’t like any other writer’s retreat or workshop out there that I know of.

Here’s what we aren’t going to do:

• We aren’t going to critique our work.
• We aren’t going to diagram sentences (even writing that makes me a little green around the gills).
• We aren’t going to network to get published.
• Actually, we aren’t even going to talk much about publishing (although I will answer any questions I can at any time–I’m very available throughout this retreat for conversations, coaching, and giggling–especially giggling).

This is about you and what you really need.

This is a place to unwind, slow down, lower your shoulders and get reacquainted with your creative juice, your truth, your voice and your vision.

It’s a cozy refuge where you renew and nurture your connection to why you must create and how it fits with your reason for being. It’s about creating–and living–with tender gentle kindness, so you can plug in to LOVE whenever you need it.

Jennifer has a magical way of creating a container for anyone to find their inner writer. If you’re ready to step deeply into your writerly self, do yourself a favor and sign up.”

– Christine Frei, 2006, 2007, 2008

What will you actually get out of this week?

• You’ll get writing done. A bunch of writing.
• You’ll write with more ease and more juice and more truth.
• You’ll get to feel joy and life and fun again–yes, that good stuff. Really and truly
• You’ll feel less alone. Ever feel like a round peg in a square hole? Not at this retreat! These are your people.
• You’ll get to learn some truly mind-blowing ways to get unstuck and access fresh creative insights courtesy of Havi Brooks, our amazing resident teacher of destuckification methods. (see bio below)
• You’ll get to rest. I mean, really, really rest. To recharge and gather strength.
• You’ll get perspective on your projects and your life, and a clearer picture of where you want to go next.
• You’ll get a rush of creative energy and the comfort of feeling less alone.
• You’ll get a serious dose of surprising, wonderful courage.
• Oh, and you’ll get the pleasure of knowing that you won’t have to cook, clean, or take care of anybody else for one whole week!

FEAR! This is important. Because I get pretty terrified whenever I sign up for one of these creative fuzzy-wuzzy kind of spiritual retreat things. Whenever I think about plunking my money and precious time down, I’m sure I’ll be the only one attending with a) no talent, b) a loud obnoxious laugh, c) shyness issues, d) weird food allergies and bad gas, e) a tendency to burst into tears, and f) did I mention no talent? But you know what happens when I decide to go anyway–in spite of this lovely inner voice who insists she is the voice of TRUTH? Nothing. (Okay, maybe the bad gas but I just run outdoors.) I find stuff to eat without gluten (and Mabel Dodge does a pretty darn good job of feeding us weird food people), I find people like me to talk to. Nobody minds my laugh as much as my daughter. Sometimes I make a real lasting friend (or two). And most of all, my level of talent doesn’t matter because I tap into that sweet deep experience of being in the flow. (Maybe some of what I create does sucks but what happens afterwards is always great as in new ideas, new flow, renewed commitment and energy.) If you are ready to rekindle your creative love spark and experience creative breakthroughs, and give up some of the struggle and dryness and push-the-river quality that creeps into all our lives, join me and Havi and 24 like-minded women in Taos.

In August I went to my first writer’s retreat with Jen, and found that many of the women there had already been several times before. Now why would someone do that, come back year after year? Hmmm…Could it be the beautiful setting, the food (fantastic)? No, I think it’s because of Jen Louden and the creative environment she produces. It’s a heart thing, the retreat teaches you a great deal about getting in touch with and unleashing your Inner Writer. Go there, write, laugh, and experience a lasting shift where it counts.”

–Patsi Krakoff, Psy.D., The Blog Squad , 2009

Some of the stuff we’ll cover in our luscious, nurturing writer’s shangrila:

Carefully designed blocks of time where your writing can flow; it’s about giving you a container that will let you access and pour out your creative juice.

Helpful, funny, chock-full-of-ideas petite-seminars like:

• How to write naked (with your clothes on), or: how to get to that real juicy place in your writing
• How to turn the Inner Critic from a heckler to a helpmate who’s got your back
• How to take a rough draft or journal entry and mold into a deeper richer piece of writing
• How to access inspiration when you feel anything but
• How to leave behind time monsters and shadow comforts that may block your creative work (yes, including managing email)

Plus:

• Daily council to offer support and a place to be heard
• An on-call cracker jack writing coach–me–available for brief coaching if your writing hits a rough spot or your mind starts babbling that “who do you think you are” bullshit.
• A band of allies in the women who, like you, are willing to take a risk and make time and devote resources to their writing dreams–you’re going to make some dear new friends, and yes, we love the shy introverts and the outrageous extroverts: you are both embraced!
• A take-home folder of handouts to support what you’ve learned
• A field trip to local artist studios
• Gentle yoga with Havi every afternoon plus morning sessions of her wacky mind expanding stuff to bring on the creative ideas and melt away the stuck bits.
• Time to explore the vibrant, creative, funky environment of Taos.
• A discussion list to get to know each other beforehand and stay in touch afterwards

Click here to see last year’s schedule.

The women who attend this retreat are the most loving, giving, talented women I’ve ever met. Jen and Havi are truly awesome, open, honest, generous and accessible. They have changed my life!”

–Karen Mosher, 2008 & 2009

The Place

Your fee includes lodging, breakfast, all but one lunch and dinner (town is within easy walking distance on the other nights) daily writing seminars, nurturing extras, an optional field trip, yoga classes, on-the-spot writing coaching, and more. Massage therapist available at extra cost and info on booking massages will be available when you arrive.

As this is a historic building, you may encounter a level of “funkiness” you wouldn’t find at the Ritz but if you love stepping back in history and feeling like you are walking in Mabel’s shoes (or Georgia O’Keeffe, Ansel Adams, or even Dennis Hopper who once owned the place), you’ll love it. Rooms will be assigned in order of registration.

Smoking only in designated areas outdoors. Also, keep in mind that Taos is a high-elevation destination. It can take a little time to adjust, so you may wish to come to the area a day or two early if you know you are affected by altitude.

Mabel Dodge Luhan House

The Mabel Dodge Luhan House is a famous gathering spot for writers, painters, and geniuses. The house and Mabel’s hospitality inspired everyone from Carl Jung to Martha Graham and D.H. Lawrence. The food is excellent and plentiful (special dietary requests can most of the time be accommodated), with tea and cookies always available. There are numerous nooks and crannies to write in. The village of Taos is a 15-minute walk away.

Thinking about coming to one of Jen’s retreats, but not sure how to get there? Check out Jen’s info on making it a reality here!

I admit I was nervous coming to a retreat alone. Would I like the women? Would I enjoy the content? There was absolutely no need to worry. All the women reached out to each other. Jen put together a program that awakened parts of me long dormant and brought new joy, understanding, and great take-aways that have ignited my passion to write. It was perfect!”

–Susan, 2009

Registration Requirements

This writer’s retreat is open to writers of all levels, from beginner to professional. How do you know if you’re “a writer”? Because you write. You do not need to be published to join us! You do not need to be working on a particular project or want to “do” anything with your writing or you might be getting away to finish something big–there is room for it all.

However, I only want you to come if you really want to write–if you’re ready to make a loving creative commitment to yourself. Therefore, please send me 3-5 pages of any kind of writing (fiction, non-fiction, journal, poetry, journalism, essay, etc.) that demonstrates you are willing to put pen to paper. Trust me, I’ll love it and I’ll love you!

Note: If this seems impossible, just think of it as the workshop beginning now! Allow yourself to sit with pen and paper and begin to write. If you’re not sure what to write, write about why you’d want to come to The Luscious, Nurturing Get Your Writing Done while Laughing Your Butt Off and Maybe Crying a little Too Writer’s Retreat.

Write down what comes to mind, despite what your inner critic may be screaming! Consider this a fun chance to fool around with your writing–it does not have to be award winning, deathless prose! There will be a place to submit your writing at the time you pay your deposit.

I’d been itching to get to Jen’s retreat for years and finally made it! I was not disappointed. There was room and PERMISSION to feel every feeling and safe places to write, process, find privacy, be supported, and laugh till my belly ached. It was nourishment at every level, each moment of the day … the fantastic food, the honest courageous women, the wickedly warm and creative leadership of Jen and Havi. If it’s calling to YOU, answer!”

–Anna, 2009

More on the Money Stuff

SORRY! Registration closed at this time. Please email deb AT jenniferlouden.com to be placed on the waiting list.

Single room with private bath: $1970
Double rooms with shared bath: $1670

The remainder of your payment is due on or before May 15th. We’ll remind you. Deb will remind you I should say.(Payment plans available.)

IF YOU HAVE TO CANCEL (please don’t, you don’t want to miss this!)
If you cancel before May 15th, 2009, I will refund all but $150 of your deposit or balance paid in full.

If you cancel after May 15th AND after paying the balance in full, and we can fill your place, we will refund everything minus $150. If we cannot fill your spot, we cannot refund any monies due to our contract with the Mable Dodge Luhan house.

Please note: all registrations three weeks prior to start date of the Spa must pay in full by credit card at time of registration. Otherwise, we love checks!

Why do I keep $150 bucks? To keep people from signing up on a whim and taking a place, and then canceling when it comes time to pay in full. It creates a ton of work for my assistant Deb and it’s draining to me. So I want you to look at your schedule, truly know you want to come, and then sign up.

About Jen

Jennifer Louden is a bestselling author of The Woman’s Comfort Book, The Couple’s Comfort Book, The Pregnant Woman’s Comfort Book, The Woman’s Retreat Book, and Comfort Secrets for Busy Women with over 850,000 copies in print worldwide. She’s an ontological coach, wrote a monthly column for Martha Stewart’s Body+Soul magazine for several years, a budding artist, a mother of a teenager and happily in love with a wonderful man named Bob. Her newest book is The Life Organizer: A Woman’s Guide to a Mindful Year.

About Havi

Havi (and her duck Selma) help smart, creative entrepreneurs work through their stuck patterns and habits so they can grow that crazy, wonderful thing they’re meant to do. Expect genius ideas, daily wacky brain training, bits of yoga wisdom and a seriously good time. And she’s a really good writer, too!

Learn a ton more about her and read her blog at FluentSelf.com

Questions? Concerns?

More questions or want to schedule a time to talk to see if this is right retreat for you? Please email jenniferATcomfortqueen.com with your request or questions. I’m happy to talk about whatever you need to be sure this is the right retreat for you. Really, no question is too weird or personal.

I know you will cherish your week with us–please come!

With love,