Mexico Writing Retreat – mid February every year – play video

TESTIMONIALS
“I got my passion for writing back and what I accomplished is both valuable and sellable … Kathrin as a facilitator is extraordinary and for me personally gave me exactly what I was looking for. …the group was great, and we contributed and  supported each other (so important)!” Read more testimonials below…

Writing Retreat in Mexico — Reservation

$200 deposit for Annual Mexico Writing Retreat in February.
Reserves your accommodation and spot at the early bird price. Fully refundable up to 45 days before the retreat. Balance due by January 2nd. More questions? Call 778-300-5152 and we will return your call promptly.

I Want to Write a Book Retreat

February 15 – 26 (12 day) or February 15 – 21 (7 day) 2013

Kathrin Lake will give both group instruction and one-on-one coaching in writing using her powerful Power of Story method, and also instruction on publishing in our eWorld. She is an author and speaker who has over 20 years experience teaching writing to adults and coaching speakers and authors. Kathrin is an award winning playwright, former newspaper editor and has helped hundreds of people write their first published works, and helped many more get over their fears and procrastination around writing and speaking.

“Every Winter, usually in mid February, I take people on a retreat to my beautiful small town in Mexico to show them how to start to take their dream out of the box and write their book.”

Make sure you get on our list as an interested person, and see below for all costs and details.

TESTIMONIALS
“I got my passion for writing back and what I accomplished is both valuable and sellable… the group was great, and we contributed and  supported each other (so important !). The town was great and rustic. Loved the people. Loved the food. Loved the weather.  Kathrin as a facilitator is extraordinary and for me personally gave me exactly what I was looking for.  Confidence… Coaching on how to have my dialogue and the “gory” scenes work.  Also great coaching on next steps for getting an agent and a publisher.  The retreat was  basically everything I wanted and more!”                                     – Ellen Chauvet, When Darkness Falls

“The town is a really good choice for the retreat. The timing – mid Feb – worked
well, too, and I appreciate the flexibility of being able to attend for just
one week. The accommodation was perfect, and you really gave a lot of attention
to detail. I finished a novel, and already have the first chapters and synopsis agent-ready! So, the retreat worked for me. I would never have finished the
novel without the kind of support we had – I could write all day, then meet up
with people, so I never got lonely!” - Julie H (published author)

“I really enjoyed the whole experience.  Being a part of a group of writers who share a common goal was a valuable experience that yielded new contacts and connections that I treasure.  To me, the town was a little scruffy, but felt safe and comfortable fairly soon after arrival and seemed a good choice for such an event, especially because of the familiarity and friendships.  Kathrin and Jim were great hosts, warm and personable, offering suggestions for activities and creating a bond between the participants by providing opportunities for the group to socialize together while allowing freedom for individual options.  As a facilitator, Kathrin was insightful, and helpful, and kept the classes interesting.”   – Jacquelyn Johnston

“I thought the town was a friendly place, and I felt completely safe there, even at
night.  I also appreciated the apartment being so central. Kathrin’s guidance was extremely helpful, especially in the areas of character development.  Asking me what my characters were like made me realize they needed more meat on their bones.  I enjoyed the writing exercises in our class too. Jim and Kathrin were excellent hosts.  ….Thank you for the delicious meals you prepared for us and the recommendations you gave for restaurants (Mexico Lindo’s was my favourite).”  – Kelly Madden

Please request our information or e-brochure outlining a schedule, a typical day, and other details by emailing us at registration@vancouverschoolofwriting.com  and put “Retreats” in the subject line, adding a contact phone number is also appreciated.

The Power of Story Method:

Subjects Addressed

• Nurturing the Writer within
• Raw writing – How to get it all out
• Power of Story – How to create great stories and use them for full impact
• Story
• Context
• Word Play
• Fiction – Character Development
• Non-fiction – Structuring
• Going for excellence without perfectionism (blocks)
• Description / Detail
• Dialogue and how to use
• Creative Tricks and Tips
• Organizing and shaping your work – step by step
• The 5 Kinds of Publishing – tools and advice

Benefits

• You will be writing and be able to get your project well on its way to completion
• You will be taught great techniques
• You will gain new ways of thinking to help you through blocks
• You will have fresh material that excites you
• You will get clarity and organization
• You will be shown how to get to your dreams or stories and share them through an impactful story format
• You will have a plan
• You will be suffused with the beauty of Mexico
• You will share fearlessly and proudly

Assured Accommodation

Budget Apartments

WAS $55 / night NOW $35 / night (no more than that and sometimes less given exchange etc.) for private, clean apartment two blocks from beach and can be shared between a couple or friends who don’t mind sharing a double bed. This cost is given separately from the package so it allows participants to stay longer or come early. Prices for different size apartments and for extra amenities will be sent to you for your needs and your budgeting. Maid service is once a week. We purposely do not have accommodations with televisions so that you will get your writing done, and Wifi is at the rooftop deck. You may find your own accommodation at your comfort level and budget level.

If you don’t want a private apartment and want to upgrade, more expensive and full service hotel accommodation is readily available with pool and all usual amenities.

Airfare

We recommend you use your points to get best values on a return flight to Manzanillo. The retreat is in a coastal town to the north of the airport that is a taxi ride away. For best values without points, try selloffvacations.com (go to discount airfares tab), Alaska Airlines, or Air Transat or for Canadians redtag.ca.

Food

Some snacking food and refreshments may be supplied during classes and 1 to 2 dinners are supplied, however meals are not included for the whole retreat. The town has so many restaurant choices that we prefer to move the evening meal around and you can also have the fun of discovering your own favorites within a comfortable walking distance. The apartments have kitchenettes allowing those who want to cook for themselves to do so. In Mexico, food at restaurants is generally much cheaper and there are no taxes. For evening meals we may have some reservations and discounted group rates for a full meal and drinks, like at our final farewell dinner. At restaurants, you should allow for hearty breakfasts to cost = $2-$5, lunch = $3-$6 and dinner = $8-$15. Allow for street vendor tacos which are hot and fresh and you get 4 for about $1.70.

Writing Retreat in Mexico — Reservation

$200 deposit for Annual Mexico Writing Retreat in February.
Reserves your accommodation and spot at the early bird price. Fully refundable up to 45 days before the retreat.  Balance due by January 2nd. More questions? Call 778-300-5152 and we will return your call promptly.

 

Your Total Budget Plan  – with travel, food and facilitation fees above  (Approximate– does not allow for discounts and points flying so can be considerably less, or if you book an expensive flight can be considerably more, also does not allow for any shared accommodation which can bring costs for couples down.)
7-day =  $900 - $2000  12-day = $1600 – $2300

Other Opportunities while there

• Boat, Fishing, Snorkeling or other Tours
• Shopping! Great arts and crafts! Weekly open air markets!
• Beach is free and you can walk to the next town on it in about a about 45 minutes
• Booze is cheap and bars are relaxed
• Clubs and bars often have live music, no cover charge unless a charity event
• The infamous Mexican Drag Queen Show at “Bar Siboney”
• Taxis to neighboring towns are inexpensive
• See the crocodile sanctuary one hour away in another town via taxi

You will be invited on a boat tour

Book before December 1st and get a 20% discount
Email now for more details or registration, please include your phone number in your email and “Retreat” in the subject line registration@vancouverschoolofwriting.com