The Wild Words Writing Retreat

Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of creative energy. Here, motivation thrives, and progress is inevitable.

Escape to Wild Words, a five-day retreat designed to ignite your creativity and propel your writing forward. Nestled in the mountains of Fairplay, Colorado, our retreat offers the perfect blend of community sessions with other talented writers and private time for undisturbed focus.

This retreat is open to fiction and non-fiction writers of all levels, and works best for self-motivated writers eager to progress on their work. 

The Wild Words Writing Retreat is for you if:

  • You’re ready to start giving your writing the time it deserves.
  • You’re nurturing the seeds of a brilliant book idea or meticulously shaping an existing manuscript, and you need a sanctuary to make substantial progress.
  • You’re seeking clarity for the book you’ve already written.
  • You are craving a writing community and support.

 

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Dates

 April 14 – April 19, 2024 | SOLD OUT

May 5 – May 9, 2024 | SOLD OUT

June 10-14, 2024 | SOLD OUT
September 22-26, 2024 | Taking applications now!

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Sample Itinerary and Writing Schedule:

Day 1:

3:30 pm: Airport pickup for out-of-state retreaters
6:00 pm: Arrive, settle in, explore the property, or get a head start on writing!
7:00 pm: Dinner, orientation, and intention setting. Sharing of work from someone you admire. 

Day 2:

8:00 – 10:00 am Wake up and breakfast
10:00 am – 12:00 pm Group writing sprints 
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Lunch and free time
2:00 – 3:00 pm Optional yin yoga session
3:30 – 4:30 pm: Group writing sprints
4:30 – 6:30 pm: Free time // 1:1 sessions with Kym
6:30 pm: Dinner, hot tub, reading, chill 

Day 3:

8:00 – 10:00 am Wake up, breakfast
10:00 – 11:00 Group writing sprints 
11:00 – 1:00 pm Optional: Group walk by the creek and lake, lunch out, and stroll/shopping down Front Street
2:30 – 4:30 Group writing sprints
4:30 – 6:30 pm: Read aloud up to five pages of work, group critique/feedback
6:30 pm: Dinner, hot tub, reading, chill  

Day 4:

8:00 – 10:00 am Wake up, breakfast
10:00 am – 12:00 pm Group writing sprints
12:00 – 2:00 pm Lunch and free time
2:00 – 3:30 pm: Group writing sprints
3:30 – 6:00 pm: Free time // 1:1 sessions with Kym
6:00 pm: Dinner and fire ceremony (and s’mores!)  Gratitude share and intention setting as we ease back to the real world.

Day 5:

8:00 – 10:00 am Wake up, breakfast
Goodbyes and check out by 10:30 am.

What’s Included:

 

  • Accommodations for four nights at a beautiful mountain house on 2.5 acres in Fairplay, Colorado. You’ll enjoy comfortable, pillow-top mattresses, provided toiletries, and a spacious house with many areas to create. A 7-person hot tub is waiting for you after a day of writing. 
  • All meals, beverages, and snacks for the week. The retreat is catered with farm-to-fork organic meals thoughtfully prepared by a private chef to keep your body and brain fueled. The fridge will be stocked with your must-have beverages, and coffee is available all day! 
  • Private consultation with Kym. During our one-hour private meeting, you can choose between a session (to brainstorm your story, figure out your twist, nail down your characters, work through your story structure, or talk through marketing/publishing) or an edit + developmental feedback of your manuscript/query letter—up to 2,000 words. 
  • Airport transportation. Pick-up and drop-off at Denver International Airport for out-of-state retreaters. 
  • Group wellness activities. Nurture your mind, body, and spirit with a rejuvenating restorative yoga session led by a private instructor. Weather depending, we will enjoy a short walk and shopping downtown. 

With every detail thoughtfully curated to enhance your writing experience, the retreat promises a week filled with creativity, relaxation, and meaningful progress.

prices

 

Private king room - $1100

Private room with a king bed and large space to write – located on the lower level of the house.

Private queen room - $950

Private room with a queen bed and small space to write – located on the main level of the house.

Shared double room - $625 (per person)

Large room to be shared by two people – located on the lower level of the house. Each roommate gets a bunk bed to themselves.

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Frequently asked Questions

Where is the retreat located?

The house is in Fairplay, Colorado–2 hours from Denver or Boulder. The house is in a neighborhood, but the properties are well spaced with lots of privacy. Just 8 minutes away is the town of Fairplay, where you’ll find a well stocked grocery store, restaurants, gas station, boutiques, thrift shops, etc.

Is there good internet and cell service?
Yes! The house has fast broadband internet and good cell service.
Where will I be able to write?

There are many spaces to write inside and all over the property. Desks are in both of the private bedrooms and in the downstairs living area – including a “mobile” desk you can bring anywhere you’d like. Whether you like a more private writing space in your bedroom, curled up on the couch, or at the sunny kitchen table with a mountain view, you’ll find the perfect spot.

How are meals handled?

I work with a chef who prepares our breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. She builds the menu for each group, taking into consideration all dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, food allergies). Coffee, tea, filtered water, and seltzers are available all day. Sweet and salty snacks will appear just as we need them!

I do not provide any alcohol. While it is permitted, I ask that you drink only moderately so we can stay focused on writing productively every day. 

What happens during the community sessions with the other participants?
  • On the first night, we’ll share a passage from work that inspires us.
  • On the second, third, and fourth days, we will write together around a communal table. Our phones are on do not disturb, headphones are on (if you want), and we hold each other accountable for getting work done!
  • During the critiquing session, you’ll read your work aloud to the group. We will provide praise and feedback. 
What happens during the private session with Kym?

During our one-hour 1:1 session, you can decide what would provide the most value:  

  • Critique/line edits and feedback for your pages or query letter/synopsis, up to 2,000 words.
  • Brainstorming sessions to discuss your plot, story, outline, characters, etc.
  • Talk through your plan for marketing your book and yourself.
  • Chart out your publishing goals and querying process.
What is not included in the cost of the retreat?

You are responsible for airfare into Colorado. Locals are responsible for driving themselves to the house.  

What is payment due and what is the cancellation policy?

50% of the cost of the retreat is due at registration. The other 50% is due 90 days prior to the retreat. If the retreat begins in less than 90 days from the date you sign up, payment is due in full.

If I cancel the retreat for any reason, you will be refunded in full.

If you cancel:

  • 90+ days prior to the retreat: Full refund
  • 31-90 days prior to the retreat: 50% of cost*
  • There are no refunds within 30 days of the retreat*

*The only exception to this policy is if I am able to fill your spot with a paying participant, I will refund you in full.

Please note that there will be no refunds or discounts for arriving late, leaving early, flight cancellations, travel delays, injury, or illness. I have designed the cancellation policy to be as compassionate as possible in the case that your plans change. But to protect yourself further, I strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance.

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More Questions?

Contact Kym

What past retreat participants are saying

I cannot express enough how wonderful and therapeutic this week was. It felt like the best gift to myself, reinvigorating me both mentally and creatively. Not only did it provide the rarity of such focused time to work on my craft, but I met incredible women who so quickly became lifelong friends and writing partners! I cannot wait to do it again next year.
Kym is a fabulous host and leader who creates a safe, welcoming space to share and celebrate each person’s dreams, struggles, and achievements. This was such a magical time bonding with other women and writers. I was able to make a ton of progress on my own work while away from the demands and distractions of home.
Kym’s “Wild Words Writing Retreat” is beyond description. Due to a family illness, I nearly canceled at the 11th hour, and knowing what I know now, I would have been devastated to miss such a profound opportunity for connection, healing, and productivity. Not only did I produce nearly 7k words, but I also made lifelong friendships and gained invaluable insight. Kym’s talent, hospitality, and HEART shouldn’t be missed.
The whole experience was outstanding. We were spoiled with breathtaking surroundings, an inviting home, a relaxing hot tub, and tons of creative energy. The schedule was very well-planned with just the right balance of activities and writing time. My creativity just flowed! The couple times I did get stuck, Kym helped me get unstuck almost immediately with insightful coaching and brainstorming. The “fears and intentions” ceremony on the last night was probably my favorite moment. And the moose sighting!
I’ve been to a lot of writing retreats and this was by far one of my favorites! Kym was an excellent coach, group leader, and hostess. She created a warm, comfortable environment where writers could come together to openly share our work, along with our hopes, fears, ideas, and intentions. (Not to mention a lot of laughter!)
I went into the retreat with nothing but a loose premise for my second novel. I walked away with 50 solid pages, a clarified vision of my characters and story, a plan to finish, and new friends to hold me accountable. I just wish I’d had something like this when I was working on my first book!
The retreat was composed of a diverse group of writers, all in different stages of our writing journeys and projects. Everyone found momentum and inspiration. Whether you’re a new writer or a veteran, you will find something worthwhile in the Wild Words Writing Retreat. My only advice: GO!
I came into the Wild Words Writing Retreat without clarity and left with a clear direction for my writing. I had completely lost faith in it and hadn’t touched it in five years. With the encouragement and advice of Kym, I was able to fall back in love with my own words and believe in my ability as a writer again. I am now so excited about editing my manuscript and plan to begin querying agents by the end of the year!
Kym is a fabulous host and leader who creates a safe, welcoming space to share and celebrate each person’s dreams, struggles, and achievements. I had such a magical time bonding with other women and writers and making a ton of progress on my own work away from the demands and distractions of home.
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Application for Wild words