Write Your Journey

Santa Fe, NM / July 1 -July 3, 2024 / $999

“Writing has so much to give, so much to teach, so many surprises. That thing you had to force yourself to do — the actual act of writing — turns out to be the best part. It’s like discovering that while you thought you needed the tea ceremony for the caffeine, what you really needed was the tea ceremony. The act of writing turns out to be its own reward.” — Anne Lamott

This unique L+D experience will give you the gift of time and space for introspection, reflection and writing. Through a combination of reflective activities, a study of your core values, a mapping of your journey, short poetry and prose models and writing prompts, we will explore through writing how your past, present and future connect – and how you can use writing as a tool for growth and renewal. 

Expect to spend time on your own drafting micro pieces and in small groups engaged in activities and conversation that lead to reflection and feedback. You’ll have the opportunity to do some revision of a final piece to read in our “soiree” on our final day. 

This two day/two night retreat will be followed by two virtual meetings with writing prompts suggested for each one. These will be scheduled throughout the year (Fall and Spring) for check in, connection and follow up. Ideally we will publish a small compilation of polished pieces in the spring.

  • How can you build in time and structures to regularly reflect on your personal and professional journey?

  • What are the pathways and ideas that writing can open up for you as you explore who you are now and where you might go in the future?

  • What might it be like to write, edit and share portions of your personal and/or professional journey with others in an intimate and supportive setting?

  • How might writing strengthen your work in your school, provide a space for renewal and give you another set of tools for navigating the day-to-day?

July 1 -July 3, 2024// Santa Fe, NM // $999

Program Info and Details

Who Should Attend?

Beginning writers, advanced writers, anyone who is interested in carving out time to put “pen” to paper.

  • Those who are intrigued to do more personal writing as a complement or break from professional writing. 

  • Those who need time and focus to launch a more regular (and more joyful) writing practice.

  • Anyone who is interested in the intersection of writing and place. 

  • Anyone interested in writing as a form of self-reflection and exploration.

Dates and Location

  • Our writing retreat will be held at La Fonda On the Plaza in beautiful Santa Fe.

  • Hotel availability beginning June 30. Program runs Monday July 1 - Wednesday, July 3, 2024 — 3 days, 2 nights

  • Meals: 

    • Lunch on Monday, breakfast on Tuesday and Wednesday

  • Rooms (limited) are available at the historic La Fonda On the Plaza for a rate of $249 (lafondasantafe.com). To get this rate, call reservations directly at 800-523-5002, #1 (8am to 5pm, 7 days a week -MT).  And say it is for "Writing your Journey" or provide the group code 1103632.

  • Walk to restaurants, shops, and museums right from the hotel. Other options include the Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza, a few minutes walk from La Fonda, or you can check out other local hotels and Airbnbs near the downtown Plaza. 

  • Flights are available into Albuquerque (one hour drive or shuttle service from the hotel) or Santa Fe. Once in Santa Fe, a car is not needed unless you plan to take any adventures outside of the city. 

Price

$999 per person or $899 for members of L+Doers Unite. This includes lunch on Monday, breakfasts on Tuesday and Wednesday, and a happy hour with heavy appetizers. Plus some L+D swag! Travel and hotel are not included.

Refund Policy

When requested in writing, L+D will refund registration fees as follows: 75% of registration fee when requested 45 days or more from first day of the seminar; 50% of registration fee when requested 31–44 days from first day of the seminar; no refund within 30 days of the first day of the seminar.

Facilitators

Antonio Viva

Antonio’s background is in creative writing and theater. As a classroom teacher, he explored the nature of storytelling with writing and theater students alike. His current writing practice includes using one of his many typewriters to explore one page stories and his camera to explore the genre of photo essays. He continues to be inspired by the work of Natalie Goldberg and her book, Writing Down the Bones and looks forward to learning and sharing with other writers on their creative journey.

Crystal Land

Crystal’s background as a literature and memoir writing teacher combined with her interest in the many ways we grow and evolve as leaders and humans has led her to develop this collaborative retreat. She sees writing as a process of discovery and exploration we can each enter into wherever we are in our lives. A long-time journaler and writer, she is excited to be both a facilitator and writer in Santa Fe, where the sky always tells a story.

Shu Shu Costa

Shu Shu started her career oh-so-long ago as a professional writer, editor, and author. These days, her writing is mostly an internal journey of reflection - sometimes a solace, sometimes a challenge, sometimes a moment of insight and truth. She is a great believer in examining the stories of our lives to understand more deeply who we are, where we’ve been, and where we dream of going…and she is eager to hear your stories in beautiful Santa Fe.