An invitation to get away, focus on your writing, and grow your writing roots
Fall Writing Retreat
01
WHEN
OCTOBER 9TH TO 12TH, 2026; FRIDAY early EVENING arrival - MONDAY late MORNING DEPARTURE; 3 NIGHTS AND 2 FULL DAYS
02
WHERE
YOU'LL ENJOY COZY YET MODERN lodging in a PRIVATE “glass treehouse” HOME with stunning views of majestic Redwoods of Northern California – located just minutes away from Muir Woods, the Golden Gate Bridge, and THE PACIFIC OCEAN.
03
WHO
An intimate gathering of women—writers of any stage and genre (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, essays, journaling)—who want to get away and spend a long weekend with their words in a safe, supportive, inspiring space.
WHAT TO EXPECT
MORNING JOURNALING
Each day will begin with a time of optional journaling to help you settle in and listen on the page. This will be a grounding practice to clear the noise, quiet resistance, and help you enter your day and your writing with presence and trust.
FOCUSED WRITING TIME
You’ll have multiple uninterrupted stretches of time for focused writing throughout the day. You'll choose what you're going to write and how you write best—whether that’s in solitude or alongside others in a shared, quiet space. This will be protected time to be with your words.
Shared Meals & Conversation
We’ll share a table for most meals. These moments will offer space for conversation, encouragement, and group coaching—where questions, struggles, and breakthroughs can be named, held, and moved through in a community of writers who get it.
AFTERNOONS: CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
Afternoons will be left intentionally open and flexible. You might: (a) join a group ‘field trip’ to write by the ocean or at a breathtaking library, (b) go for a solo or buddy hike through the Redwoods, (c) play tourist in San Francisco, or (d) stay in to keep writing or take a nap. You're trusted to follow what your body, creativity, and spirit need without worrying about pleasing anyone else.
1:1 coaching
You’ll have the option to sign up for a private, one-on-one coaching session with Kristin during the weekend. You'll get more personalized and in-depth support to help you move through specific creative blocks, clarify a project, or identify next steps for your writing life.
EVENING integration
Low-key, restorative vibes. Unwind. Get comfy. Integrate the day's experiences. You'll have the option to enjoy an evening writing session, process the day during a group journaling session, and share any writing from your day. You can join whatever feels right for you, or maybe you'll just want to curl up with a good book.
WHEN YOU leave, YOU'LL have
written meaningful words
You'll have written from a place of focus, authenticity, and bravery. You’ll leave with more words on the page—drafts begun or finished, ideas shaped, a project moved forward—along with the deep satisfaction that comes from having nurtured your writing life.
RESTORED BELIEF IN + connection to YOUR WRITING
Through guidance, reflection, and shared experience, you’ll be reminded that your writing matters. You'll have tamed the inner critic, gain renewed confidence in your ability to keep showing up to the page, and strengthened your inner voice.
communal support that goes with you
You’ll be held within a small, supportive community of writers who understand the vulnerability of creative work. You'll have built connection and cultivated writerly friendships that will continue to support you long after the weekend ends.
retreat registration
$1,400
* Payment plan available *
includes lodging at a private home for 3 nights, almost all meals, & retreat programming.
UPDATE: 1-2 spots remain + waitlist available
personal note from your host
I’m Kristin Vanderlip—a writer, artist, and certified writing coach. I am passionate about helping others tap into the healing power of writing and creativity. For years I’ve had the privilege of guiding writers as they cultivate a more sustainable, compassionate relationship with their writing lives.
A Midwest native, I’ve called the Bay Area home for the last five years. The Redwoods and the nearby ocean have become part of how my own creativity has come alive and grown. I can’t wait to welcome you into this place and support you in your practice.
FAQ
Can you tell me more about the room arrangements at the retreat house? What are the sleeping arrangements and room setup?
The retreat is designed for a small, intimate group of writers, with your comfort and rest held as important considerations. The home includes 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 6 individual beds.
Rooms will be assigned after registration closes, based on the order of registration and your indicated preferences. You will not be placed in a shared room without your consent. A discounted rate is available for those who choose the shared room with two twin beds. Email me for discuss your options!
Where exactly is the retreat? Will I need a car?
The property is conveniently located approximately 40–45 minutes north of San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in Marin County. You’ll receive the retreat address after your final payment is made and registration closes. Guests are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the retreat. The average cost of an Uber from SFO to the retreat location is $80. The property has limited parking, with space for only one additional vehicle; you'll be invited to coordinate rides and carpool ahead of time.
Is this retreat accessible for different energy levels and needs?
This retreat is designed to honor a wide range of energy levels, and you’ll always be encouraged to listen to your body and pace yourself throughout the weekend. There is no pressure to participate in every activity—rest, solitude, and opting out are always welcome.
That said, the housing accommodations may not be accessible for everyone. This home has stairs. One flight of stairs from the car park to the main entry way. From the main level (main entry way), one flight of stairs to the lower floor, and one flight of stairs to the upper flight; unfortunately, this property is not fully ADA accessible.
If you have any additional accessibility questions, food allergies, or specific needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out before registering. I’ll do everything I can to accommodate you and help you determine whether this retreat will be a supportive fit for you.
What if I book now, but my plans change, and I need to cancel? Is my payment refundable?
Because this retreat involves securing a private property and hosting a small group, the deposit is non-refundable (equivalent to the first of three payments). Additional payments may be refunded through July 1st; after that, all payments are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to another person with prior approval.
For all other questions, email hello@ kristinvanderlip.com.
If you've been longing to write, but LIFE GETS BUSY, AND YOUR WRITING TENDS TO GET SIDELINED—this is your invitation to TURN your romanticized writing life INTO A reality.