Words don’t just mean things- they do things. They change lives, alter futures, reclaim histories and help us heal.
"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer; it sings because it has a song."
Maya Angelou
This Memoir Writing Retreat offers you a space to shape and share your most potent stories. With writing prompts and tools rooted in human-centered ethnography and narrative medicine we help you dig into the tale you are most meant to tell.
Narrative | Transformational | Healing
A gorgeous setting for 9 days to write, wander and witness.
You've traversed borders, raised families, survived things, loved people, lost them, started over. You've carried stories in your chest for decades and your children or grandchildren may never know them… would change something in someone if only they were written down.
Pátzcuaro, one of Mexico's most beautiful pueblo mágicos, is a town of artisans, lake light, and colonial quiet. Each morning we open with movement and then feel moved to write. Every afternoon, we wander. Every evening, we gather, workshop ideas and share stories.
The week ends with a live reading event for anyone who feels up to it! You will have guidance through the retreat if this interests you to ensure you are ready to roll!
“Intelligent and inspirational! This workshop is grounded, intuitive, and will be a top-tier retreat experience.” Dr. Marcos
Create something meaningful and share your legacy.
Outline of the Retreat
Welcome Orientation- Hors d'oeuvres and intentions.
Writing Labs- Learning the arc of a memoir scene, how to edit without wasting time and useful prompts to help keep you afloat.
Yoga Self-Care Classes- Daily meditation, movement and breathwork exercises to help you be mentally clear for creative expression.
Into the Field- 2 full-day excursions to surrounding towns. Writing from life is the inspiration and the work.
StoryCraft- Revision, voice, and preparing to read your work aloud. One-on-one feedback sessions available.
Reading Room Event- An evening gathering that is intimate and celebratory. You can share your story in front of a live audience (The Moth vibes).
D ↔ Storytelling
Body wisdom ↔ Community
S ↔ Ceremony
A week in outline
Day 1
A full-day excursion. Write what you see. The town becomes your notebook.
Deep craft
Day 7
The reading
Writing your memoir or vision-story is a transformational path for the writer as much as for the reader.
What to Expect
We accept a limited number of projects each year to ensure our focus is keenly honed and on point. We love collaborations that cover topics in the health, wellness, spiritual and medicine spaces.
We can consult on ideation through publication, navigate hairy deadlines and help you sculpt the most market-aligned messaging for your book or organization.
Please reach out with your questions and inquiries if you would like to join forces!
Currently accepting manuscript projects in 2026!
“Storytelling is our obligation to the next generation.”
Isabel Allende