Transformative Book Retreat
Elevate Your Writing and Your Book's Influence,
Whatever Your Starting Point
Whatever Your Starting Point
February 17-24, 2026
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
If you have a burning desire to write a book, or you’re well on your way but feel frustrated about getting your book published, then join us for an exciting retreat. You’ll break through barriers, ignite your creativity, and come away with a clear plan for your book. Most importantly, you’ll gain the confidence and strategies you need to bring your powerful message to the world – including how to leverage your book for speaking and income opportunities.
Imagine yourself here…
You walk through the central courtyard at Hotel Casa Primavera, charmed by the round leather-and-wicker equipale tables, potted plants, and traditional architecture.
Stepping outside to the pool area, you smile, feeling the warm Mexican sun on your skin, hearing birds chirping from the local neighbourhood.
Settling on a blue lounge chair, you place your notebook on the table beside you. It’s filled with fresh ideas and new writing from the morning session.
You take a deep breath, feeling a sense of peace, accomplishment.
Here, surrounded by the hotel’s tranquil beauty and creative energy, your book—which has lived so vividly in your imagination—is now coming together on the written page, taking shape one word at a time. And you are beginning to see all the opportunities that your book can open up for you.
Escape The Ordinary, Embrace Your Creativity
Imagine waking up to the San Miguel de Allende sunshine, your mind quiet, your purpose clear.
No emails demanding attention, no meetings to rush to—just you, your ideas.
From Overwhelmed to Inspired
Life at home can be nonstop—emails, notifications, endless to-dos—leaving little room for your story.
No time to write? Here, the week is yours—untouched, uninterrupted, devoted entirely to your book. Every morning, afternoon, and quiet moment is a chance to write, explore, and watch your story take shape.
Battling self-doubt? Our expert-led workshops, one-on-one guidance, and supportive community will help you move past resistance, trust your voice, write with confidence, and strategically map out your path to publishing.
Beyond the Retreat
This isn’t just a week away—it’s a chance to shift your writing life. By the time you leave, you’ll have more than just pages—you’ll have tools, clarity, and momentum that carry beyond San Miguel.
Develop a writing rhythm that fits your life at home. We’ll explore routines that feel natural, sustainable, and flexible, so your book keeps moving even after the retreat ends. You’ll also learn simple tai chi techniques to maintain creative energy and focus in your daily writing practice.
Gain insider insight into publishing and leveraging your book. From shaping your manuscript to understanding today’s publishing landscape, you’ll get a clear sense of the next steps and how to position your work for success. Plus, you’ll discover how to start generating speaking opportunities and income even before your book is published.
Leave with a roadmap for your book. You’ll walk away knowing not just what to write, but how to bring it all together into a compelling, polished manuscript ready for readers.
Enough of mañana—of putting this off until tomorrow. Your readers are waiting. Your voice is needed. Your book’s time is now.
Under the Warm Mexican Sun
In late February, San Miguel de Allende features clear skies and fresh, sunlit days. The climate is comfortable—warm enough to wander the cobblestone streets without a jacket by day, yet crisp and cool in the evenings, inviting a sweater or light jacket.
This city, celebrated for its vibrant literary life, provides the ideal environment for your writing project to flourish.
Our retreat takes place at Hotel Casa Primavera, just outside the city centre. Here you find an oasis from the bustle of the city, with delightful Spanish colonial style architecture, Mexican furnishings, handcrafted details, and artful touches.
Each bedroom suite features comfortable beds, desks and seating areas that give you room to both spread out and settle in, a private marble-tiled bathroom, and lovely décor.
The courtyard provides a natural gathering place for conversations with fellow writers, after workshops and writing sessions. Beyond that, you’ll find quiet corners and shaded spots that invite you to retreat into your own thoughts.
Whether you’re in a lounge, by the pool, or tucked into your private room, you’ll have spaces that support both connection and the restorative privacy every writer needs.
What makes Hotel Casa Primavera especially welcoming is its staff—friendly, attentive, and genuinely helpful. Their presence adds ease to your days, so you can focus fully on your writing and soak in the inspiration of your surroundings, and absorb the strategic insights that will transform how you think about your book’s potential. And when you want to restore your body as well as your mind, the hotel’s spa facilities offer an added layer of relaxation, just steps away.
Modern amenities, including high-speed internet and air-conditioning, ensure connectivity and comfort.
To complement your stay, Hotel Casa Primavera offers a range of on-site facilities:
- An on-site restaurant serving Mexican fusion cuisine
- A cozy lounge bar with fireplace for relaxation and socializing
- An outdoor swimming pool
- A full-service spa for relaxation and rejuvenation
- Free shuttle service to San Miguel’s historic city center
- Business center and meeting facilities
At Hotel Casa Primavera, you’ll find a comfortable base for your writing retreat, allowing you to focus on your book while enjoying the beautiful surroundings and warm climate of San Miguel de Allende.
The Cuisine
I love, love, love Mexico, and its food is a big reason why! Mexican cooks whip up miracles with simple fresh ingredients, spiced up with an endless variety of chiles, herbs, and seasonings.
Mexican cuisine is a feast for both the eye and palate, ranking among the world’s top ten. At our retreat, you’ll experience exactly why.
Breakfast:
Start your day with a spread of fresh tropical fruits, granola, and yogurt. Savor traditional dishes like chilaquiles or huevos rancheros, or enjoy eggs prepared just the way you like. Sip on freshly squeezed fruit juices and rich Mexican coffee, energizing you for the morning’s writing sessions.
Lunch and Dinner:
The chefs at Hotel Casa Primavera offer an array of visually stunning and delicious dishes. Drawing inspiration from Mexican gastronomical traditions and international cuisine, they accommodate various dietary requirements and preferences.
Feast on meals created with fresh local ingredients, combining different meats, fish, and seafood with a rich variety of spices, herbs, and chile peppers. Brightly colored red and green salsas, fresh green salads, refried beans, rice, and creamy guacamole round out the dishes.
You can savor the robust, spiced cacao flavors of mole poblano, dine on beautifully prepared fish and seafood, or enjoy zesty ceviches. Each meal is an opportunity to fuel your creativity and delight your senses.
Beverages:
Complement your meals with wines from the hotel’s cellar, or sip on salt-rimmed Margaritas, blending the delicious tastes of orange liqueur, triple sec, tequila, and lime juice. My favourite is Pina Colada, combining coconut cream, pineapple and crushed ice. Yum!
A range of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is also available.
As you dine, we’ll share laughter and conversation with other retreat participants, creating a nourishing environment for both your body and your writing spirit.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” ― Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Itinerary
Our retreat is carefully crafted to nurture your creativity, hone your writing skills, and immerse you in the rich culture of San Miguel de Allende.
Here’s a glimpse of what your days will entail:
Morning Mindful Movement: Each day begins with gentle tai chi and qigong led by fellow writer and certified instructor Michael Clark, designed to center your mind and unlock creative flow for productive writing sessions.
Morning Writing Sessions: After tai chi we move into focused writing sessions. I’ll be there to provide prompts, guidance, and support as needed. Then, you’ll settle into your favourite spot—perhaps by the pool, in the colonial courtyard, or in our dedicated writing room—and let your words flow.
Afternoon Activities: We mix things up in the afternoons. Some days, we’ll reconvene for interactive workshops—think storytelling techniques, clearing writer’s blocks and honing your unique voice, and book leverage strategies. Literary Agent Sam Hiyate will share his wisdom and be available for individual consultations. Book Strategist and Editor, Andrea J. Lee will lead specialized workshops on creating multiple income streams from your book and developing compelling visual content that makes your concepts memorable. On other days, we’ll embark on cultural excursions, immersing ourselves in San Miguel de Allende’s rich history and vibrant culture. These outings aren’t just fun; they fuel your creative fire!
Evening Outings and Sharing Circles: Some evenings we’ll go out on the town to eat and take in San Miguel’s nightlife. Other times we’ll gather for supportive sharing circles. Here, you can read excerpts from your work, receive constructive feedback, and celebrate your progress with fellow writers.
Free Writing Time: Ample time is built into the schedule for independent writing. Whether you prefer the solitude of your room, the energy of a local café, or in our writing room, you’ll have the space and time to make significant progress on your manuscript.
Relaxation and Reflection: Remember, this retreat is not just about productivity—it’s about nurturing your creative spirit. Take time to relax by the pool, or to stroll through the downtown city streets and soak up the artistic ambiance of San Miguel. These moments of pause are often when some of your most interesting ideas can pop up.
The best part? Our varied schedule means no two days are quite the same. You’ll have structure to keep you motivated, diversity to keep you inspired, and flexibility to honor your pace. The result – a productive and rejuvenating retreat that stays with you long after you leave.
Embarking on this Transformative Writers Retreat is more than just a lovely getaway—it’s an investment in your dream of becoming a published author.
Here’s what you’ll gain:
Clarity and Focus: Break free from the distractions of daily life and gain laser-like focus on your writing project.
Skill Enhancement: Learn proven techniques to elevate your storytelling and engage your readers.
Confidence Boost: Overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
Personalized Guidance: Receive tailored advice and strategies to overcome your specific writing challenges.
Momentum: Make significant progress on your book manuscript or proposal, creating momentum that carries you forward long after the retreat.
Publishing Insights: Gain valuable knowledge about how to navigate the publishing industry, preparing you for the next steps in your author journey.
Community: Connect with like-minded writers, forming relationships that can last long beyond the retreat.
Exclusive Bonuses for Your Writing Journey
To enrich your experience, we’ve curated a series of special bonuses to advance your
manuscript and provide clarity on today’s publishing landscape.
In-Depth Assessment: Dive deep into the purpose of your book, your goals, and the resources at your disposal. This comprehensive evaluation will lay the groundwork for our collaborative efforts on your project.
Pre-Retreat Group Q&A Session: An opportunity to discuss and clarify any queries before the retreat begins.
Book Blueprint Workbook: Your guide to structuring and planning your manuscript effectively.
Post-Retreat Online Group Session: A session to map out your next steps, ensuring sustained progress on your book.
SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE: UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE AND LITERARY SANCTUARY
Set in Mexico’s highlands, San Miguel de Allende is a UNESCO World Heritage city celebrated for its baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant culture. Over the centuries, San Miguel has become a haven for artists, writers, and creatives, from Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg to Sandra Cisneros and Mary Oliver, all drawn to its artistic energy and cultural richness. Travel + Leisure magazine named it the best city in the world for 2025.
What’s extraordinary is how this small Mexican town evolved into an international creative sanctuary, attracting legends like Frida Kahlo, who hosted intellectual salons here, Diego Rivera, and David Alfaro Siqueiros, who came to teach and create, alongside post-war students from around the world. Notably, women artists like Mai Onno played pioneering roles in establishing this creative legacy.The city now hosts the biggest writers’ conference in Latin America through organizations like the San Miguel Literary Sala, connecting writers, readers, and literary artists since 2005.
San Miguel offers the ideal combination for your creative retreat: a bustling historic center full of colourful markets, galleries, and a vibrant arts scene for inspiration, while our peaceful retreat venue provides the serene space you need for focused writing. It’s this rich creative legacy—from independence heroes to artistic pioneers to today’s thriving literary community—that continues to inspire writers and creative changemakers from around the world. And it’s this incredible creative legacy that can fuel your own writing journey—and who knows, you might just fall in love with this place like so many writers before you.
During your stay, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of San Miguel de Allende. We’ll explore vibrant markets where the colors, sounds, and aromas of Mexico come alive – perfect fodder for descriptive writing.
You’ll dine at local restaurants, savouring authentic flavors that might just inspire a scene in your book. We’ll also visit art galleries and museums that showcase the rich history and culture of the region, providing a deeper understanding of the city that has inspired so many writers before you. Join us in San Miguel, where the literary traditions run strong.
Ready to write your book?
Then this retreat can be your perfect next step.
What’s Included:
1. Concentrated Writing Sessions
Imagine a serene spa setting free from daily distractions, the camaraderie of a focused group, and undivided attention on your manuscript, all of which would make each writing session deeply productive. All enhanced by a morning tai chi to center your mind and enhance your flow.
2. Personalized Coaching and Guidance from Literary Agent, Sam Hiyate, Author Accelerator Book Coach Katie Curtin, and Book Strategist Andrea Lee
Tailored One-on-One Coaching: Experience personalized coaching and feedback sessions from Sam and Katie that cater specifically to your writing needs. This includes a one-on-one “Your Path To Publishing” coaching session with literary agent Sam Hiyate.
Insights into Publishing: Gain essential insights into the contemporary publishing landscape from literary agent extraordinaire Sam Hiyate, who brings over 30 years of experience to help ensure your book is perfectly positioned for success.
Income Generation and Visuals: Learn to generate income from your book before and after publication, plus create compelling diagrams, infographics, and visual metaphors that make your concepts stick and get shared. Led by Andrea J. Lee, coaching industry pioneer and strategic coach.
Overcome Writer’s Blocks: Leverage Katie’s expertise as a multi-disciplinary artist, activist, and breakthrough coach to conquer any writing obstacles and unlock your best writing.
Empower Your Creative Journey: Benefit from our diverse backgrounds combined with our deep understanding of the creative process, to allow you to confidently navigate every stage of your writing journey.
3. Cultural Immersion, Delicious Food and Fun Activities
Experience the richness of San Miguel de Allende’s history and culture, with curated outings that will invigorate and inspire you.
Artistic Journeys: Explore Spanish colonial style architecture, visit historic churches, and discover local art galleries and museums showcasing centuries of Mexican culture.
Local Artisanal Finds: Experience the charm of local markets, brimming with exquisite crafts and traditional Mexican goods.
Recreation & Wellness: Enjoy leisurely swims and spa amenities at Hotel Casa Primavera.
Outdoor Leisure: Soak up the sun while enjoying a book and sipping on tropical drinks.
Creative Companions: Mingle with a supportive community of creative minds.
Gastronomic Adventure: Indulge in the rich and varied flavours of Mexican cuisine.
Special Addition: Morning Tai Chi with Fellow Writer Michael Clark: We’re excited to include a unique wellness component led by one of our retreat participants, Michael Clark. What makes this especially valuable is that Michael combines his decades of experience in tai chi with his personal journey as a writer. He’ll share how these gentle practices have supported his own creative process and how you can adapt them to your unique writing routine.
Accommodation, Food, & Transport
Included in retreat package:
7 nights accommodation at Hotel Casa Primavera Bejar
7 days of Breakfast, Lunches and Dinners, along with Snacks and Beverages during sessions
Local Transport for group cultural and meal outings
What’s Not Included:
Your round-trip airfare from home
Ground transportation from the airport to San Miguel de Allende
Souvenir shopping, spa services, taxis, laundry, tips for hotel staff & bar services
Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance (STRONGLY recommended)
Not quite sure yet?
Apply for a FREE Consultation! Find out if this inspiring and productive retreat is the perfect fit for you.
Retreat Facilitation
This retreat is led and organized by Katie Curtin, who brings her deep understanding of the creative process, years of coaching expertise, and a gift for helping writers move past blocks and into flow. Katie has co-facilitated this retreat for the past two years, guiding participants to generate fresh material and real progress on their books.
Joining her is Sam Hiyate, literary agent and president of The Rights Factory, whose extensive publishing experience offers participants invaluable insight into what makes a book succeed in today’s market. Together, Katie and Sam combine craft, creativity, and publishing know-how in both private and group sessions.
We are also delighted to welcome Andrea J. Lee as a guest speaker. Andrea is a pioneer in the coaching world, author of several influential books, and a practicing artist. She brings an inspiring perspective that bridges creativity, business, and personal expression — including fresh insight into how writers can successfully monetize their books.
About Katie (Retreat Organizer and Book Coach)
Hi, I’m Katie Curtin,
I’ve always loved books, so I’m excited to be hosting this book writing retreat. My path to becoming an author, multi-disciplinary artist, and book coach has been anything but conventional. It all began at 24 when I wrote my first book, Women in China, which went on to be translated into several languages and used in academic curricula.
Since then, I’ve worn many hats – from journalist, mask and theatre artist, playwright, and social justice advocate to creativity mentor and book coach. Each role has deepened my understanding of the power of words and the transformative potential of storytelling.
Over the past three years, I’ve also earned my certification as an Author Accelerator coach in both fiction and nonfiction. This connects me to a network of experienced coaches and gives me systematic tools for helping you plan and shape your book from the very beginning – whether you’re writing a business book, a novel, or your personal story. I stay current on publishing paths, industry trends, and innovative techniques for overcoming creative challenges.
Currently, I’m working on the 2nd edition of The Happy Well Fed Artist, with other book projects on the back burner.
My journey hasn’t been without challenges. I’ve faced the same fears, doubts, and stumbling blocks that you might be experiencing now. The difference is, I’ve learned how to push through them, and now, I’m here to help you do the same.
My passion lies in helping creatives and changemakers like you bring your important stories and ideas into the world. I believe that your voice matters, and your book has the power to inspire, heal, and create positive change.
With my guidance, you’ll make significant progress on your manuscript and discover the joy in the writing process itself. Together, we’ll unlock your creative potential and set you on the path to a book that can delight your audience – and positions you well for whichever publishing path you choose.
About Sam (Special Guest Workshop Leader and Consultant)
Sam Hiyate is the President and CEO of The Rights Factory, an international literary agency based in Toronto. With over two decades of experience in the publishing industry, Sam is passionate about discovering new voices and helping writers prepare their works for market, as well as building lasting careers.
At The Rights Factory, Sam has orchestrated hundreds of book deals, resulting in several bestsellers. His impressive portfolio includes the recent New York Times Bestseller More by Molly Roden Winter, This One Summer, a graphic novel by Jillian and Mariko Tamaki, and The Myth of Capitalism by Jonathan Tepper and Denise Hearn.
Sam hosts the podcast Agent Provocateur, teaches publishing at Toronto Metropolitan University, and creative writing at the University of Toronto. He is also a regular at writers’ conferences.
Sam Hiyate is not only one of Canada’s top literary agents; he’s a mentor, educator, and a beacon for those navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the book world.
At our retreat, Sam will share invaluable insights into the current publishing landscape, offer tips on crafting query letters and book proposals, and provide one-on-one feedback sessions to help you position your book for success in the market.
About Andrea (Author, Editor, Book Strategist & Coaching Industry Pioneer)
Andrea Lee is a Taiwanese-Canadian creative who helped build the coaching industry alongside Thomas Leonard at CoachVille. Her Multiple Streams of Coaching Income became known as “the Bible for coaches who want to make money,” written back when people still asked “what sport?” when you mentioned coaching.
As a multimedia artist, author, editor, and strategic coach, Andrea has a gift for helping you see possibilities you never knew existed. She brings that rare combination of creative vision and business savvy, with a gentle way of challenging you to think bigger about what your book could become.
Whether she’s creating collage art, editing books, or helping authors build profitable intellectual property, Andrea understands that your book is more than just words on a page—it’s a foundation for multiple income streams and lasting impact.
At the retreat, Andrea will lead workshops on:
Multiple Streams of Book Income – Start monetizing before, during and after you write. Discover the most efficient paths to income while strengthening your book’s structure and content.
Strengthening Your Book and Intellectual Property with Visuals – Create memorable diagrams, infographics, and visual metaphors that make your concepts stick and give your book outsized cultural impact.
With decades of experience helping authors and coaches build sustainable businesses, Andrea’s sessions will shift how you think about your book’s possibilities before and beyond publication.
Morning Tai Chi with Fellow Writer Michael Clark
We’re excited to include a unique wellness component led by one of our retreat participants, Michael Clark. As a certified tai chi instructor and fellow writer working on his own manuscript, Michael will share his decades of experience using mindful movement to enhance creative practice.
Michael understands firsthand the physical and mental challenges writers face – from the tension that builds during intense writing sessions to the anxiety that can block creative expression. His morning sessions provide both immediate benefits for your retreat experience and practical tools you can use to maintain energy, focus, and creative flow in your daily writing life.
What makes this especially valuable is that Michael combines his tai chi expertise with his personal journey as a writer. He’ll share how these gentle practices have supported his own creative process and how you can adapt them to your unique writing routine.
With his calm presence and practical teaching style, Michael creates a supportive environment where even complete beginners feel comfortable exploring these ancient practices. His sessions are designed to complement your writing work, giving you more energy and mental clarity for your creative pursuits – insights he’s gained through his own writing journey.
Retreat Memories: Creativity and Fun
What Other People Say About Us
Alex Baisley
I’ve been working with Katie Curtin for two years now as a trusted guide and advisor as I attempt to tame 20 years of my insights working with people in the Big Dream Program into a book. No easy feat, and I now see why I’d never got very far on my own. Katie is INCREDIBLE. I’ve known her for 15 years now – and as a social activist, artist, brilliant coach, and friend she is 100% the right kind of vibe I needed in a mentor. She ‘gets me’ in a way that was crucial to this working.
Davina Beacham
Katie’s approach was both pragmatic and transformative. She instructed me to engage with the Blueprint Your Memoir workbook in preparation for our first session, a pivotal ‘Get It Done Day.’ In just two hours, we successfully structured and mapped out the entire memoir, neatly dividing it into ten chapters, giving me the clarity and momentum I had long been seeking.
Katie’s wisdom, guidance, and unwavering encouragement have been instrumental in this process, allowing me to finally break free from years of stagnation. I am now on the verge of completing the final chapter of my rough draft. I highly recommend working with Katie.
Allison Stieger
Katie and Sam are powerhouses in their own right, but as a team they are incomparable. They work together so beautifully, and they made my experience both incredibly helpful for getting my book into the world, and deeply meaningful for me as a creative.
I can’t recommend this experience highly enough. Your work will be the better for it, and, as if that wasn’t enough, you’ll have an amazing time! Katie knows Mexico, and she showed me a part of it I would never have experienced any other way.
Go. You won’t regret it.
Loretta McCarthy
Thanks to Katie Curtin’s breakthrough coaching, I am presently the author of two books with a third one on its way. Discovering Your Heart Voice and ABC’s of Grief are both Amazon best sellers! All this because of Katie’s ability to help me identify and clear away the sources of the resistance that blocked my writing flow time and time again.
Being in her book-writing program gave me the tools and structures I needed to be both productive and clear. It also facilitated my remaining accountable throughout the process. Katie’s one-on-one coaching empowered me to rediscover purpose and clarity when I felt stuck or inadequate for the task of writing a book.
Most importantly Katie taught me how to process my feelings and arrive at a place of freedom when points of resistance would surface. Our sessions left me feeling free and focused. I am so grateful that Katie Curtin’s gifts have touched my life!
Amy Dixon
What I love about working with Sam is that it gives me a greater understanding of the industry. You can try to study creative writing in a class, but it’s hard to learn what will set you apart until you work with someone who sells books for a living! If your goal is to eventually publish, I think Sam’s advice and support is invaluable. He has added tremendous value to my near-finished manuscript.
Tim Christian
I can’t remember a more enjoyable and informative presentation. Sam’s stories from the world of publishing vividly illustrated his points. His ability to focus on each person’s work and rearrange elements showed directorial genius… I am very glad I attended and look forward to querying Sam when I am further along in my writing.
Yale Wang
I had a wonderful time with Sam yesterday. Could you please extend my appreciation to him for his time and all his invaluable advice? I cannot thank you and Sam enough for organizing this unique opportunity for new novelists such as myself. I hope to have another meeting with him in the future.
Anjanette Harper
I’ve worked with hundreds of authors and some of the top thought leaders of our time, and Andrea Lee is a rare bird. In her writing, she gently guides you down a path toward bold shifts and fresh ideas. To read her work is a privilege, because I always come away with a perspective on my own life and work that I could not have come to on my own.
R. Michael Anderson
Totally Over-Delivered!
Andrea understands the business of being an author, the business of being a speaker. So it’s not just getting the book out, it’s what goal does the book serve? She looks at it from a strategic and a tactical level. She’s also got this eagle eye, she picks out all the little things that I didn’t. But she also understands the strategy, which is really, to me, rare that someone has that eagle eye but they understand the big picture as well.
Now that I went through this process with her, I feel so confident about my book. It’s a really, really good book. I trust her implicitly. She’s one of those very high-character people, and she totally over-delivered.
Karen McMullen
My book proposal won a full publishing package in the Hay House Book Proposal competition!
Working with Andrea is like partnering with a happy puppy dog who has turbo-charged ninja skills and the killer instincts of a winner who takes no prisoners. Highly recommended.
I witnessed in real-time in Google docs as Andrea swept through my 50 page book proposal and took it from good to out-standing. It was thrilling. Two months later, Hay House contacted me to let me know that I had won 2nd prize out of 160 submissions: a full publishing package through their Balboa imprint.
Guess who I will contact when it comes time to edit the book? None other than the legend…AJL.
Let's Chat: Your Questions Answered
Hey there! I bet you’ve got some questions buzzing around in your head. Let’s tackle them, shall we?
If you’ve got a story burning inside your soul or wisdom you’re itching to share, but you’ve been stuck in the “one day” loop, then yes, this retreat is absolutely for you. Whether you’re staring at a blank page or you’re knee-deep in a manuscript, wondering where to go next, we’ve got your back. Artists, coaches, speakers, healers, changemakers – if you’re nodding your head right now, then start packing!
No worries, we’re not running a boot camp here! Your day starts with a leisurely breakfast and a morning writing session. After lunch, enjoy some rest and relaxation – take a siesta, lounge by the pool, or explore the surroundings.
Afternoons vary between interactive workshops and cultural excursions in San Miguel de Allende. Evenings are for sharing your work (if you choose), getting feedback, and connecting with fellow writers. There’s plenty of free time throughout for writing, exploring, or relaxing.
This varied schedule provides structure, diversity, and flexibility – the perfect recipe for a productive yet rejuvenating retreat!
Ain’t that the truth! Here’s the deal: if you need to cancel up to 60 days before the retreat, you’ll get a full refund. Between 60 and 30 days, we can refund 50%. Less than 30 days, and things get tricky because of our commitments to the venue and staff. But reach out to us, and we’ll do our best to work something out. And hey, travel insurance is your friend here – it’s saved many a traveler!
We understand that traveling with dietary restrictions can be challenging. The hotel chefs can cater to a variety of dietary needs and will do their best to provide safe and delicious meals for you. Please let us know your requirements when you register so we can work closely with the kitchen team to meet your needs. However, if you have severe allergies or highly specific dietary needs, we recommend bringing some backup snacks or essentials for peace of mind. A former participant with food allergies has also kindly offered to speak with anyone seeking advice on how to best prepare for the retreat. Feel free to reach out to us for more details!
I hear you loud and clear. Safety isn’t just a priority – it’s non-negotiable. San Miguel de Allende is widely known and considered one of the safer cities in Mexico, particularly for expatriates and tourists. That said, we always recommend using the same street smarts you’d use in any unfamiliar place. We’ll provide you with plenty of tips to ensure you feel comfortable and secure throughout your stay. Rest assured, we’ve vetted this location thoroughly, and we’ll be there to support you every step of the way. Your biggest danger might be falling in love with Mexico and not wanting to leave! Just like me, who has decided to make Mexico my home.
Comfort is king (or queen) here! Think casual, warm-weather clothes with some layers for evenings. Don’t forget your laptop or whatever you like to write with, a notebook for those brilliant 3 AM ideas, and maybe your lucky writing socks. Oh, and toss in a swimsuit for those “poolside brainstorming sessions” (aka relaxing floats). We’ll send you a detailed packing list once you’re registered, so don’t stress about forgetting anything.
Fire away! Drop us an email at katie@katiecurtin.com.
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