Writing Retreats

Writing retreats can serve a range of purposes. They can offer writers dedicated time and space to focus on their writing in a supportive environment, connect writers within or across disciplines, teach new strategies for building and sustaining momentum, or provide writers time to pause, reflect, and consider what’s next.

I design and lead writing retreats for individual departments and research teams, writing groups, universities, and organizations.

Read about participant experiences in these articles:

For weary scholars, a moment to regroup, reconnect, and write. Duke Research Blog. (2023)

Writing retreat supports community engaged scholars across the state. North Carolina Campus Engagement. (2022)

At summer retreat, faculty brush up on their writing. Duke today (2017). Co-facilitated with Monique Dufour.

Participant Testimonials

“Really respected the no judgement approach demonstrated & shared today. I have tried to participate in other similar writing sessions/retreats and find that experts tend to think their way is the only way that works. Typically involves being selfish to everyone else (students, colleagues, and especially family) so not much of a model for work/life balance. I think this balance is especially important for engaged scholars.“

“First time I’ve really stepped back to think about the process of writing. Very helpful to get a new perspective on how to be more efficient and intentional with writing goals.”

“The variety of activities during the day helped me to keep up momentum and not get burned out on any one task. I loved getting to know fellow writers in a non-hierarchical, non-judgmental setting where I felt like I could release the guilt I often have around feeling behind with writing projects.”

“I get more done in a couple hours in one of these workshops than I do in a week in my office or at home.”

“Having experienced faculty writing retreats and faculty advice before, I think what’s most valuable about this program is that it doesn’t have the attitude that faculty should be research machines and if you apply X productivity technique, you will be able to produce research like a machine. Instead, this retreat has the idea that you should learn to work efficiently, within a community of support, and with joy for your research.”