June 10-13, 2027
A Writing-Intensive Retreat in the Hudson Valley
The Chariot
Join me for four days and three nights as we move forward in our writing journeys with confidence, harnessed energy, purpose, and plenty of on-the-ground support. Think farm-to-table meals, 1:1 guidance, group talks, plenty of dedicated writing time, and so much natural beauty you might cry … in a good way.
Forge ahead in your writing and your dreams
Dates: June 10–13, 2027
Where: Spruceton Inn, West Kill, NY
Group size: Just 8 guests (intimate by design)
Rooms: All private rooms with their own private bathrooms
Includes: Lodging + all meals + daily writing sessions. A 1:1 meeting with Jen pre-retreat and one at the retreat. Craft talks and writing inspiration and prompts as needed, community support. S’mores, snacks, and all the seltzer you can drink. (Beer and wine available for purchase.)
Investment: $2,500 (includes $500 deposit to secure your spot)
Along with plentiful opportunities to write in community, you’ll get individualized attention and support for your specific goals, plus space and time to truly focus on your work … and you’ll take that motivation and drive home with you when you leave.
Why “The Chariot”?
Inspired by a tarot-card pull at a writing camp I attended in the fall, this retreat is all about action, determination, and sowing the seeds we’ll need to keep ourselves directed in the weeks and months following the retreat itself.
We don’t have to go fast, but we do have to keep going, and that’s an energy we’ll apply to our writing—putting our heads down and doing the work, but also giving ourselves the space, tools, and resources to feed our future selves.
You’ll get:
Tips and techniques to help you dig in when the work gets challenging instead of stopping or finding something else to do.
Access to a community that cares and will cheer you on as you go.
A reminder that the work is hard. If it was easy, everybody would do it. But you are doing it, and that matters!
Prompts to take home, friends you can keep talking about writing with, pages you’ve proudly completed, and ideas, goals, and plans for what’s next in your creative life.
Your own tarot card pulls and readings (of course)!
Sample Schedule
Thursday
4 PM Arrive, settle in
5 PM Meet and greet
5:30 PM Dinner
7 PM Writing talk
7:30 PM Group night write
Sunday
7 AM Group early write
8 AM Breakfast
9 AM Writing/free time
10 AM Closing ceremony
12 PM Say goodbye
Friday
7 AM Group early write
8 AM Breakfast
9 AM 1:1s and writing time
12 PM Lunch
2 PM Group hike (optional)
3:30 PM Group writing
5:30 PM Dinner
7 PM Writing talk
7:30 PM Bonfire reading
Saturday
7 AM Group early write
8 AM Breakfast
9 AM 1:1s and writing time
12 PM Lunch
2 PM Swim and sun
3:30 PM Group writing
5:30 PM Dinner
7 PM Writing talk
7:30 PM Bonfire reading
FAQs
Do I need a car to get to the retreat? The short answer is probably yes, to arrive and depart. Once you’re on site, no. Car-pooling may be an option, as is bus transit to a local cab service. Let me know if you’re struggling to find a way to get to the retreat, and I’ll talk you through some options.
Is there wifi? Yes, there is complimentary wifi, but it may be slow. That’s OK, this is your chance to get offline!
Do I need to be an experienced writer to attend? No! All levels are welcome.
What will the writing portion of the retreat involve? Do I have to share my work? We will write together in multiple sessions throughout the day (you can also elect to write in your room, or outside). Showing up and doing the work together can change things immeasurably. If you need prompts, they will be provided—wherever you are in your work, I will meet you. We will also discuss our various challenges and solutions for sustaining our commitment to our work in challenging times. There will be an opportunity to share work, but no requirement to do so.
What should I bring? Comfortable, easy clothes for writing and hiking, if you choose to do so (there are great trails nearby). A swimsuit and possibly a beach towel. A sweatshirt or two in case nights get chilly, and you may want bug spray. (Note: The Hudson Valley does have ticks, and they may be in the area in June. Tick checks are recommended.)
Whatever you write on/with: Notebook, laptop, both? Any writing implements or other things you find useful for your writing practice.
Though all meals will be supplied, you are welcome to bring any snacks and drinks you wish to have on hand for yourself. Each room has a mini-fridge and a supply of dishes and silverware, salt, pepper, and olive oil, plus its own pour-over coffee setup. Each room also has a private bath with all-natural bath products.
Where is the Inn and how do I get there?
The Spruceton Inn is in the middle of the Catskills Park, five miles down a seven-mile dead-end road, just a few minute drive or 20 minute walk to some amazing trailheads like the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower, Diamond Notch Falls, and West Kill Mountain.
From Kingston, the Inn is about a one-hour drive on 28-W and 42-N, much of it on gorgeous country roads.
What are the rooms like? All rooms feature queen-sized beds, heat and AC, private baths with tub/shower combos. Each has a minifridge, some have microwaves; others have stove-top burners. They all have windows overlooking the meadows and mountains.
Can I bring a friend/partner and share the room? Yes! Two twin cots are available on a first-come, first-served basis (only one per room for fire safety reasons). If you want to share the bed, you are also welcome. Sharing a room will bring your cost down to $2000 per person.
Are pets allowed? Sorry, no. The Spruceton Inn has a no-pet policy. Service animals are accepted; please see ADA guidelines for details and get in touch to discuss.
I live nearby and would love to participate but don’t need accommodations. Do you have space for me? Most likely, yes! Please email me to discuss.
Will anyone else be at the Inn at this time? Nope, it’s just us!
Where will we be writing? Most of our group activities will take place in the barn, in the Spruceton’s Room 11, and in the Bar area (Room 1).
If I forget something, is there anywhere to shop? If you need some basics, your best bet is probably Van Dusen’s, down the road.
What will meals be like? Breakfast and lunch will be provided by the Spruceton Inn, and will be light and healthy, but also sustaining—think yogurt, fruit, and granola for breakfast, plus pop-tarts. Lunch will likely be salads and other nutritious fare to keep you going throughout the day. Dinner will be catered by Fellow/Escape Hospitality and will feature plenty of gorgeous Hudson Valley natural bounty with supplemental proteins and sweet treats for dessert.
Can you accommodate my dietary restrictions? Yes, most likely! Please fill in the intake form with your application. Feel free to email me if you have questions, and I will happily discuss options.
Is participation in every session mandatory? You can always take a break! You’re a grown adult, and you know what’s best for you. (If you don’t, I’m not going to force you to do otherwise.)
