Write Now. A Summer Retreat for Writers
Description
Finding the time and space to write a book, a play, a poem, or even a meaningful letter can be difficult. This retreat is created for writers who want quiet, focus, and support in a beautiful countryside setting. Here, you’ll have the solitude to immerse yourself in your craft, along with group meditation, gentle yoga, walks in the woods, and the chance to receive one-on-one mentoring and guidance. The daily rhythm offers structure without pressure: if you’re in a productive flow, you can stay at your desk and keep going; if you’re ready for connection, you can join others in exploring your work together.
"I made amazing connections—but being able to work with no distractions and no cell phone service: Perfect."
"The beauty, The serenity. The food! It's hard to limit to just one thing. I am grateful for the entire experience"
This experience is designed to nourish both the creative mind and the soul. Whether you’re looking for guided support or the freedom to write in solitude, the retreat offers an ideal environment to reconnect with your practice and make real progress.
Each day begins in silence, with an optional morning meditation or yoga session in either the sunlit Meditation Hall or the Outdoor Practice Pavilion overlooking the woods. These gentle practices are intended to clear the mind, inspire creativity, and establish a focused intention for the day. After a nourishing breakfast, you may settle into your preferred workspace—your room, the library, or a bench within the 90 acres of woods.
The entire morning is reserved as an uninterrupted writing block, giving you dedicated time to fully enter your work.
In the afternoons, you can continue writing or take part in meditation, yoga, or mindful walks along scenic trails. Optional coaching sessions offer personalized encouragement, practical feedback, and creative direction. Whether you’re working through writer’s block, shaping your voice, or mapping out your next novel, expert coach Minna Proctor is available to support your process.
Evenings provide space to share work in a relaxed atmosphere, connect with fellow writers, or simply rest beneath the stars.
Whether you prefer solitude or community, structure or freedom, this retreat offers a quiet sanctuary away from everyday distractions—an inviting place to deepen your writing practice.
PERSONAL MANUSCRIPT COACHING
The goal of an individual coaching session is to leave with a clear and realistic set of next steps, along with a strong understanding of what your project is and where you are in the process.
Includes reading up to 10,000 words
After 100 pages, please calculate an additional $100 per 100 pages
For projects that do not fit these parameters, feel free to contact Minna with questions
Manuscripts should be delivered 1-2 days before the coaching session
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
- Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
- Interactive sessions with question and answer periods
- Shamatha and guided meditations
- Gentle yoga
- Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
- Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
- Extensive library of dharma books
- Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful paths, flora and fauna
OPEN TO ALL
There are no prerequisites for this program; it is appropriate for everyone.
Accommodation Options
Private Room: Couple
This registration fee is for two people. This comfortable room has one double bed, and may be shared by couples in a committed relationship. With ample room for meditation, it features a desk and small table suitable for a meditation object. All rooms are furnished with linens, pillows, blankets, coverlets, and towels, as well as a meditation cushion and zabuton. The room shares a bath with one or two other rooms. Room rates include three delicious vegetarian meals each day (6 total meals for a couple room); there is also a tea station on each hall.
Junior Suite: Single
These large rooms have one double bed, a private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. Each room has a small table suitable for a meditation object and a meditation cushion and zabaton, as well as a desk and an armoire. Room rates include three delicious vegetarian meals each day; there is also an in-room tea station.
Junior Suite: Couple
This reservation fee is for two people and includes three delicious vegetarian meals each day (6 total for a couple). This large room has one double bed, which may be shared by couples in a committed relationship. In addition, it has a private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. Each room has a small table suitable for a meditation object and a meditation cushion and zabaton, as well as a desk and an armoire.
Teachers
Author, translator, and editor Minna Zallman Proctor has spent more than twenty years working closely with writers and visual artists across a wide range of disciplines. Drawing on her deep experience, she helps creatives shape, refine, and strengthen their projects with clarity and intention, meeting each person where they are in their process and vision. Her approach is both thoughtful...
Read more
With nearly three decades of dedicated meditation practice and study in Buddhist philosophy, John Henderson brings both depth and real-world perspective to his teaching. Since 2003, he has been a senior student of the Dharmakaya Center’s founder, Rimay master Trungram Gyalwa Rinpoche, and has continued to weave these teachings into a life of leadership and service. In addition to his spiritual...
Read morePlace
191 Cragsmoor Rd, Pine Bush, NY 12566, USA
Pine Bush
Place map
Categories
Contact Information
Fri, Aug 14