The 2018 Writing Gym Writing in the Rockies Retreat
October 21-27, 2018
Dude Ranch, Granby Colorado USA
Join us for a writing event like nothing you’ve ever experienced before.
You struggle to find the time to write, away from distraction, to find the inspiration to get the writing done and get it done well.
Wait no more.
The Writing Gym visits the majestic Colorado Rockies in the fall of 2018.
Write in the luxury of an all-inclusive Dude Ranch in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
Serving guests since 1919, this Ranch has become known as Colorado’s premier guest ranch for providing the highest level of personalized service, professional horsemanship programs, first-class amenities, expertly prepared meals and upscale Western-style accommodations. An award winning ranch, the Ranch was recently rated the #1 resort in Colorado, 4th best resort in the United States and the 13th best resort in the World by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. The Ranch’s Spa has been named one of Colorado’s top 25 Spas. You will also find the ranch in the New York Times Best Seller “1,000 Places to See Before You Die.”
Spend 5 days and 5 nights getting inspiration from these expansive vistas, while enjoying 5-star 4-course dinners, unlimited horseback riding, and some of the most gorgeous and inspiring views in the country.
You’ll write every morning in a group guided salon, lead by seasoned writing coach Annalisa Parent.
Here at the Writing Gym we believe that every writing experience should integrate your body and mind, to bring you into a place of full inspiration. Afternoons will be spent working on your novel or getting inspiration in the local countryside. Each participant also gets a 1-1 session with Annalisa AND a one-hour body work session.
Registration Priority goes to current members of the Writing Gym 1-1, VIP Membership and Publishing Bootcamp or Mastermind. VIP registration will be open through May 31. Any available slots will be offered to members of the public at large, as they are available.
We limit our retreats to 10 participants to create a safe, nurturing space in which your writing can flourish and you can experience true community.
RETREAT LOCATION
The dude ranch offers a wide variety of activities across 8,500 acres of breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery. At the heart of it all is the horseback riding program, which offers instruction for riders of all experience levels. The ranch has an extensive trail system and offers slow and scenic rides for beginners to fast rides where guests can canter and lope and everything in between. Guests are also welcome to ride in the 12,000 square foot heated indoor arena. No matter where you chose to ride, you’ll be doing it on a horse that’s individually suited for your riding ability for the week.
Your afternoons will be yours to do any and all of the following activities INCLUDED in your retreat package. (No, folks, there are no hidden fees.)
- free writing in your cabin or anywhere on the grounds
- napping, resting, and soaking it all in
- wander the 8,500 acres looking for inspiration
- unlimited indoor or outdoor horseback riding at all levels
- lounging at the pool or in the hot tub
- complimentary Orvis endorsed guided fly fishing on the ranch’s casting pond and two miles of private stream.
- tennis lessons
- archery
- guided hikes
- guided mountain biking
THE WRITING DAY
Writers at an in-person salon in Boulder, Colorado
Each day will begin with a writing salon. What is writing salon? It is a feedback-response process based on neuroscience and how the brain learns and creates best. Participants have been known to write for days after just one session. Because you will be using your brain the way it was meant to be used, rather than running a marathon backwards, as I am wont to say, you will find your writing will advance quickly, and your confidence will skyrocket.
At the retreat you will also have afternoons to work on your writing in quiet, to gain inspiration from the acres of woods and gardens surrounding the ranch, and to get professional feedback on your writing from professional writing coach, Annalisa Parent.
We will also have one ONLINE writing salon for retreat participants before we go so that you can get to know one another before the retreat.
DINING
Retreat participants will be served hors d’oeuvres in the lodge lounge each evening during cocktail hour, and they can enjoy the convenience of a fully stocked bar in the ranch saloon, before enjoying a 4 course dinner consisting of regional specialties. Each day the ranch prepares an array of dining options to satisfy the most discerning and heartiest appetites while accommodating individual dietary restrictions and requests.
Expect to work up a hearty appetite in the fresh mountain air with so much to do at the ranch. Meals at our all-inclusive dude ranch are a justified reward for an adventurous day. All meals are served family-style so guests can get acquainted and share stories with other guests, often creating enduring friendships for many years to come. The dining room is rustically elegant and the meals are an exceptional way to help complete your Colorado ranch vacation.
The resident Ranch Executive Chef prepares a diverse daily menu of longtime favorites and delicious regional specialties including aged Western beef, Rocky Mountain trout, and rosemary rack of lamb all rounded off with mouth-watering, decadent desserts.
- Breakfast: Open made-to-order menu along with a full buffet.
- Lunch: An extensive buffet with daily made-to-order specialties served outdoors poolside at the Patio House kitchen in the warmer months and in the main lodge in the cooler seasons.
- Dinner: A more formal dining experience in the main lodge. A four-course meal beginning with passed appetizers, soup or salad, followed by two main entrées and dessert. Nightly selections are chosen by the chef and change daily.
The ranch caters to all dietary restrictions or requests and the chef will prepare special plates as needed.
SAMPLE MENUS
[Click the link below to open the PDF.]
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Views at Sunset from the Ranch
Sunday
Enjoy an OPTIONAL beautiful ride through the Rocky Mountains to the Dude Ranch
Enjoy a warm welcome and a chance to settle into the accommodation before supper.
Supper in the Lodge.A four-course meal beginning with passed appetizers, soup or salad, followed by two main entrées and dessert. (See Sample Menus above)
Opening session & first writing salon
Monday
Breakfast in the lodge. See sample menus.
A morning Writing salon held in the comfort of the main sitting room in the house.
Lunch and then writing time with the chance to enjoy the amenities of the ranch. Take a stroll, ride a horse, write a new chapter.
Body Work sessions and one-on-ones with Annalisa will take place during this time.
Supper in the Lodge. A four-course meal beginning with passed appetizers, soup or salad, followed by two main entrées and dessert. (See Sample Menus above)
Writers’ Discussion in the evening
Tuesday
Breakfast in the lodge. See sample menus.
A morning writing salon held in the comfort of our own private group room.
Afternoon: Literary Experience TBD Author visit, agent visit, literary excursion…
Supper in the Lodge. A four-course meal beginning with passed appetizers, soup or salad, followed by two main entrées and dessert. (See Sample Menus above)
Writers’ Discussion in the evening
Wednesday
Breakfast in the lodge. See sample menus.
A morning writing salon held in the comfort of our own private group room.
Lunch at the ranch.
Writing time with the chance to enjoy the amenities of the ranch. Take a stroll, ride a horse, write a new chapter. Body work sessions and one-on-ones with Annalisa will take place during this time.
Supper in the Lodge. A four-course meal beginning with passed appetizers, soup or salad, followed by two main entrées and dessert. (See Sample Menus above)
Writers’ Discussion in the evening
Thursday
Breakfast in the lodge. See sample menus.
A morning writing salon held in the comfort of our own private group room.
Group Bonding Experience. A group activity catered for our group alone.
Return to the ranch.
Supper in the Lodge.
Closing Celebration.
Friday
Breakfast in the main house. British fare made from fresh local ingredients.
A morning writing salon held in the comfort of our own private group room.
Free time and preparations to leave
Depart.
HOUSING
We will be staying in quaint country cabins. At the luxury guest ranch, you will stay in beautifully-appointed, spacious rooms that guarantee first-class comfort and solitude. Most of our guest rooms feature stone fireplaces with dude ranch western style furnishings and personal touches that will make you feel perfectly at home. This all-inclusive family vacation includes daily housekeeping service, nightly bed turn-down during the high season months, plush robes, coffee, tea and cocoa in your room.
All rooms have one queen bed, with a shared living space and bathroom. There will be 2 retreat participants per cabin, each in your own room. This arrangement allows you to get to know one another better, while having your own private space to think, read, nap, or, oh yeah, write!
All cabins have:
- Refrigerators
- Bath products by L’OCCITANE
- Daily housekeeping service
- Nightly bed turndown offered seasonally
- Plush robes
- In-room safes
- New beds and updated décor
- Keurig Coffee, tea, and cocoa machines
REGISTRATION
Registration open through May 31, 2018 and offers the following
The investment in your writing future includes: housing, meals as noted, excursions, Reiki treatments, 1-1 sessions and all salons.
To apply for this amazing writing opportunity, click here.
*Van Transportation to the Ranch is not included, but Annalisa can help you to arrange it.