WRITING DOWN THE SOUL
2026 WRITING RETREAT
Wednesday, September 23rd-Sunday, September 27th
Vista, California
(Limit 16 participants)
"Virginia Woolf famously said that a writer needs a room of one’s own. Yes, definitely. But sometimes the most powerful room of one’s own is a room full of other people, all of them making something together." -Grant Faulkner
Join me this fall, where, in a house of our own, we'll all make something magical together.
Including memories.
Last year on at the Pendle Hill Retreat Center outside of Philadelphia, we discovered the joy of having a dedicated retreat house of our own where we could gather indoors and outdoors in a semi-private space.
This year, we take that joy to a whole new level with a fully private retreat house with a luxurious outdoor space for gathering.
This year, we take that joy to a whole new level with a fully private retreat house with a luxurious outdoor space for gathering.
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Friends, it's been a really difficult year for many of us so far.
A difficult couple of years, really.
This year's retreat imagines not only a writing retreat, but a soul retreat.
A time for soul retrieval—to gather back the parts of ourselves that have been scattered or set aside.
A time to slow down and breathe in green and blue beauty—sky, water, and the quiet rhythms of the day.
A time for intimate conversations—outside, poolside, spa-side—where stories surface naturally.
A time for gathering in a home, to feel at home within ourselves and within a small circle of others.
A time to sit around the table together, preparing and sharing simple meals, returning to something elemental and human.
A time to step out of ordinary time—to let the days open and soften.
A time for unstructured moments—to step out of urgency, to let time soften, and to move gently between writing, solitude, and connection.
A time to slow down and breathe in green and blue beauty—sky, water, and the quiet rhythms of the day.
A time for intimate conversations—outside, poolside, spa-side—where stories surface naturally.
A time for gathering in a home, to feel at home within ourselves and within a small circle of others.
A time to sit around the table together, preparing and sharing simple meals, returning to something elemental and human.
A time to step out of ordinary time—to let the days open and soften.
A time for unstructured moments—to step out of urgency, to let time soften, and to move gently between writing, solitude, and connection.
This year, we'll gather together in a large house in Vista, California.
Vista is located just seven miles inland from the Pacific Ocean in northern San Diego County,
known for its perfect mild Mediterranean climate.
A few people will choose to stay in one of the seven on-site bedrooms, with king-sized beds and a bathroom shared by two or three others.
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Other people will choose to stay in nearby hotels or shared Airbnbs, allowing for flexibility in both cost and comfort (see Accommodations below).
Everyone will gather daily in the house, either in the living room or in outdoor areas, for a combination of
- Guided writing prompts and generative exercises
- Craft intensives to strengthen and refine your memoir writing
- Quiet, sustained writing time in any of the spacious outdoor locations
- Small-group and cohort sharing, witnessing, and reflection
- Evening "open mic" nights listening to each other read our stories
- Relaxing time by the pool, in the sun, and under the sky
- Individual guidance and support with one-on-one time with Jennifer
The Living Room (though imagine it as a tight fit with folding chairs!)
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Outdoor Seating Areas
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We will share modest meals together, a combination of ordering in (think pizza and sandwiches), make your own salad bars, food made on our own outdoor grill, and of course, snacks! (see Dining below).
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And, we'll frolic in the heated pool, with its two waterfalls, and soak in the hot tub on breaks and after our day is done.
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RETREAT DETAILS
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COST
Registration for the retreat is $550 and includes
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RETREAT HOURS
- The retreat house opens Wednesday at 5:00 pm. Because that's a travel day, people will be arriving at all different times, so come to the house when you can. Pizza and salad will be provided. We'll have a brief opening circle at 7:00 pm, and afterward, people are welcome to use the pool or spa or just linger by the firepit until 9:00 pm.
- We begin at 9:00 am. Each day will be structured with a combination of teaching and craft intensives, small group feedback circles, free time for writing or recreation, meals, and open-mic nights. If you've been to one of my retreats before, think "less is more" this year in terms of content, including no guest speakers. A daily retreat schedule will be provided in August.
- Strict quiet time between 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (there are neighbors).
- The retreat officially ends Saturday evening at 9:00 pm, with departure on Sunday (check out time 10:00 am for in-house guests). Please don't leave early--our time together is precious!
DINING
- A full breakfast is not included, but at 9:00 am when the house opens, there will be coffee, hot water for tea, light pastries, and fruit
- Lunches will be simple, fresh, and communal—think salad bars, burrito bowls, sandwiches, and simple charcuterie-style spreads
- Dinner on Wednesday night as people arrive will be informal--pizza and salad. Thursday will be a order-in take-out night (think Chinese, Indian, Thai options). Saturday night will be our grill night, with vegetarian and tofu options.
- Dinner on Friday night is not included. People may choose to go out for dinner, stay at the house and make their own food, order delivery in, or return to their lodgings and have a quiet meal alone
- Alcoholic beverages are welcome on-site, but are not included
- Please note: Once you register, you'll be invited to note any dietary restrictions. I'll do my best with general restrictions, but if you have very specific needs, there are grocery stores a couple of miles away and a fridge you can use to store what you need.
ACCOMMODATIONS
HOTEL OPTIONS
The hotels listed below are ~15–20 minutes (by car) from the house, clustered in south Vista near Melrose Drive. Each hotel has a double accommodation option if you choose to share a room.
Please note: this is a partial list. There are many others, including budget hotel options, some closer to the retreat house. Prices are subject to change.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Carlsbad/Vista
2201 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081 | (760) 216-6010
~$175–260/night
17 min drive to the retreat house
Continental breakfast, WiFi, fitness center. Full kitchen suites (studio, 1BR, 2BR). Pool, hot tub, BBQ.
Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Vista
630 Sycamore Avenue, Vista, CA 92083 | (760) 727-8180
~$97-111/night
13 min drive to retreat house
Free breakfast (waffles, cereal, muffins, fruit, coffee, juice), free parking, WiFi. Heated outdoor pool. Flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker in all rooms.
Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad
2100 Radiance Way, Vista, CA 92081 | (760) 335-0035
~$230/night
17 min drive to the retreat house
Hot breakfast with omelette station, free parking, WiFi. Pool, jacuzzi, fitness center, bar, firepit.
#1 in Vista on TripAdvisor
Hyatt Place San Diego/Vista-Carlsbad
2645 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081 | (760) 814-8879
~$160–180/night
18 min drive to the retreat house
Continental breakfast, free parking, WiFi. Pool, spa tub, fitness center, bar. Spacious rooms with sofa-sleepers.
Holiday Inn Carlsbad
2725 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, CA 92009 | (760) 438-2725
~$150-160/night
22 min drive to the retreat house
On-site restaurant and bar, free parking, WiFi, fitness center. Outdoor pool and spa. Mini fridges in rooms. No complimentary breakfast (pay restaurant). Resort-style property.
AIRBNB/VRBO OPTIONS
Vista has strong Airbnb/VRBO availability: several group homes with pools (~$200–500/night), mid-size homes for small groups ($150–300/night), and private casitas for individuals ($100–175/night). Search Vista, CA for Sept 23–27, filter 4+ bedrooms for group houses, and look within 3 miles of the retreat house at 1314 Warmlands Avenue. One person per Airbnb/VRBO will need to book and provide payment to reserve.
An example option only 2 miles from the retreat house is:
Perfect Vista Family House | Jacuzzi & Treehouse
2 bedrooms, 4 beds, 1 bath (up to 6 guests)
$1388 for four nights
NOTE: Once you register for the retreat, you'll receive access to an accommodations document that may help you find others who are open to sharing a hotel room or Airbnb rental. Self-organization within cohorts is encouraged!
The hotels listed below are ~15–20 minutes (by car) from the house, clustered in south Vista near Melrose Drive. Each hotel has a double accommodation option if you choose to share a room.
Please note: this is a partial list. There are many others, including budget hotel options, some closer to the retreat house. Prices are subject to change.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Carlsbad/Vista
2201 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081 | (760) 216-6010
~$175–260/night
17 min drive to the retreat house
Continental breakfast, WiFi, fitness center. Full kitchen suites (studio, 1BR, 2BR). Pool, hot tub, BBQ.
Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Vista
630 Sycamore Avenue, Vista, CA 92083 | (760) 727-8180
~$97-111/night
13 min drive to retreat house
Free breakfast (waffles, cereal, muffins, fruit, coffee, juice), free parking, WiFi. Heated outdoor pool. Flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker in all rooms.
Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad
2100 Radiance Way, Vista, CA 92081 | (760) 335-0035
~$230/night
17 min drive to the retreat house
Hot breakfast with omelette station, free parking, WiFi. Pool, jacuzzi, fitness center, bar, firepit.
#1 in Vista on TripAdvisor
Hyatt Place San Diego/Vista-Carlsbad
2645 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081 | (760) 814-8879
~$160–180/night
18 min drive to the retreat house
Continental breakfast, free parking, WiFi. Pool, spa tub, fitness center, bar. Spacious rooms with sofa-sleepers.
Holiday Inn Carlsbad
2725 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, CA 92009 | (760) 438-2725
~$150-160/night
22 min drive to the retreat house
On-site restaurant and bar, free parking, WiFi, fitness center. Outdoor pool and spa. Mini fridges in rooms. No complimentary breakfast (pay restaurant). Resort-style property.
AIRBNB/VRBO OPTIONS
Vista has strong Airbnb/VRBO availability: several group homes with pools (~$200–500/night), mid-size homes for small groups ($150–300/night), and private casitas for individuals ($100–175/night). Search Vista, CA for Sept 23–27, filter 4+ bedrooms for group houses, and look within 3 miles of the retreat house at 1314 Warmlands Avenue. One person per Airbnb/VRBO will need to book and provide payment to reserve.
An example option only 2 miles from the retreat house is:
Perfect Vista Family House | Jacuzzi & Treehouse
2 bedrooms, 4 beds, 1 bath (up to 6 guests)
$1388 for four nights
NOTE: Once you register for the retreat, you'll receive access to an accommodations document that may help you find others who are open to sharing a hotel room or Airbnb rental. Self-organization within cohorts is encouraged!
TRAVEL
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the closest major airport, approximately 39 miles/45–60 minutes south of Vista.
GETTING TO VISTA from the airport
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are available at the Transportation Plaza outside Terminals 1 and 2. Estimated cost to Vista: $50–80 depending on time of day.
Private Shuttle Services (book in advance):
Rental Car: All major agencies are available at SAN's consolidated rental car center.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner: Train from San Diego Old Town to Oceanside (~1 hour), then a short Uber (~15 min) to Vista.
NOTE: Once you register for the retreat, you'll receive access to a travel coordination document that will help you find others to share rides or rental cars with
GETTING TO VISTA from the airport
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are available at the Transportation Plaza outside Terminals 1 and 2. Estimated cost to Vista: $50–80 depending on time of day.
Private Shuttle Services (book in advance):
- Transit Van Shuttle — (866) 261-3114 / transitvanshuttle.com
- Always Ride On Time — alwaysrideontime.online
- San Diego Van Service — sandiegovanservice.com
- Prime Time Shuttle — primetimeshuttle.com (shared rides from ~$6/person)
- SuperShuttle — supershuttle.com / 1-800-BLUE VAN
- On Time Shuttle Ride — (619) 855-1234 / ontimeshuttleride.com
Rental Car: All major agencies are available at SAN's consolidated rental car center.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner: Train from San Diego Old Town to Oceanside (~1 hour), then a short Uber (~15 min) to Vista.
NOTE: Once you register for the retreat, you'll receive access to a travel coordination document that will help you find others to share rides or rental cars with
HOW TO REGISTER
Registration is limited to 16 people, and participants are invited in the following order of active cohorts:
The registration fee of $550 will secure your spot, and can paid the same way you pay tuition (Venmo, Zelle, or check). If you prefer to pay by credit card, I can send you a link (3% fee added). If you can make a donation to a scholarship fund, please include that in your registration fee ($100 is suggested and noted to the gods and goddesses, anything more makes you a sparkly angel and anything less is so appreciated).
That scholarship money will be pooled and can be used to help with the registration cost. Please ask, if it makes a difference about whether you can attend. A portion of the fee might be deferred in return for help with onsite organization such as meal prep and clean-up. No memoir writers left behind!
The registration fee will be refunded in full if there's someone on the waitlist who can take your spot. I imagine it will be harder to find someone to fill that spot when we get close to the start date, so only prayers, no promises.
- Memoir 7 and select alums
- Memoir 3
- Memoir 2
- It will open up to brand new Memoir 1 students if it doesn't fill with current students
The registration fee of $550 will secure your spot, and can paid the same way you pay tuition (Venmo, Zelle, or check). If you prefer to pay by credit card, I can send you a link (3% fee added). If you can make a donation to a scholarship fund, please include that in your registration fee ($100 is suggested and noted to the gods and goddesses, anything more makes you a sparkly angel and anything less is so appreciated).
That scholarship money will be pooled and can be used to help with the registration cost. Please ask, if it makes a difference about whether you can attend. A portion of the fee might be deferred in return for help with onsite organization such as meal prep and clean-up. No memoir writers left behind!
The registration fee will be refunded in full if there's someone on the waitlist who can take your spot. I imagine it will be harder to find someone to fill that spot when we get close to the start date, so only prayers, no promises.
ABOUT VISTA
Vista sits in the rolling hills of North County San Diego, about forty minutes north of San Diego International Airport and seven miles inland from the Pacific. The name means "view" in Spanish, and the land earns it: gentle hills, wide sky, and on clear days, sightlines to the coast.
The Warmlands neighborhood, where the house sits, is a quiet, rural pocket of Vista known for its small farms, open hillsides, and panoramic views. Downtown Vista is a short drive away with a walkable village center, independent shops, galleries, a weekly farmers market, and the Moonlight Amphitheatre, an outdoor theater tucked under the eucalyptus trees.
The climate in late September is close to ideal: warm days in the mid-70s to low 80s, cool evenings in the low 60s, and almost no chance of rain. The coast is 15–20 minutes west (Carlsbad and Oceanside beaches), and the inland wine country around Escondido is about the same distance east.
Before Vista took its current name, the Payómkawichum people had lived on this land for at least 10,000 years. They called it wakhavumi. It means "home of the frogs." In the Luiseño creation story, a frog poisoned the water and brought death into the world. From the ashes of the first leader, an oak tree grew heavy with acorns, and the people watched over it day and night so that not a single seed would be lost.
Let me repeat that. Death became nourishment. Loss became food. There's a metaphor in there for us memoir writers who are working the magic of alchemy to transform our traumas into narrative gold.
There's also a metaphor there for our time in visit. Nourishment. Food. Creation. And plenty of recreation.
The Warmlands neighborhood, where the house sits, is a quiet, rural pocket of Vista known for its small farms, open hillsides, and panoramic views. Downtown Vista is a short drive away with a walkable village center, independent shops, galleries, a weekly farmers market, and the Moonlight Amphitheatre, an outdoor theater tucked under the eucalyptus trees.
The climate in late September is close to ideal: warm days in the mid-70s to low 80s, cool evenings in the low 60s, and almost no chance of rain. The coast is 15–20 minutes west (Carlsbad and Oceanside beaches), and the inland wine country around Escondido is about the same distance east.
Before Vista took its current name, the Payómkawichum people had lived on this land for at least 10,000 years. They called it wakhavumi. It means "home of the frogs." In the Luiseño creation story, a frog poisoned the water and brought death into the world. From the ashes of the first leader, an oak tree grew heavy with acorns, and the people watched over it day and night so that not a single seed would be lost.
Let me repeat that. Death became nourishment. Loss became food. There's a metaphor in there for us memoir writers who are working the magic of alchemy to transform our traumas into narrative gold.
There's also a metaphor there for our time in visit. Nourishment. Food. Creation. And plenty of recreation.