No published book or writing credentials required! This retreat welcomes authors, aspiring authors, journalers, and women who simply enjoy writing. Whether you’re beginning something new or bringing years of experience, the exercises will give you fresh ways to explore your words. Come curious—you don’t need to arrive with everything figured out.

You can bring writing you’d like to expand, enhance, or see differently—or come with a blank page. Through playful creative exercises, you’ll explore fresh angles, experiment with new approaches, and discover possibilities you hadn’t considered. Pre-retreat preparation will help you reflect on what you’d like to explore and how you’d like to spend your writing time.

You’ll leave with three writing drafts to keep exploring, fresh possibilities for existing pieces, reusable creative writing cards, and a writing accountability connection to help you keep going.

And because we’ll nourish more than your creativity, expect a full belly, surprise gifts, professional photo gallery that captures the experience and a whole circle of new sisters in Christ. 💛

My hope is that you’ll head home thinking, “I hadn’t considered writing it that way!”—with a deeper awareness of God’s presence in the process and renewed excitement to see where your words take you next.

​Your pages don’t need to be polished. There’s joy in discovering what they could become.

It’s an intimate, professionally facilitated creative writing retreat with just 15 women.

You’ll experience guided exercises, individual reflection, partner conversations, and group processing—with generous time to actually write. The focus is creative exploration, faith, and connection rather than technical instruction on grammar, publishing, or book marketing.

You’ll have opportunities to share with a partner, in the group, and around the evening campfire. Everything is an invitation—you’re free to share what feels comfortable or simply listen. There’s no expectation to read your work aloud.

We’re here to encourage one another, explore ideas, and offer thoughtful feedback. We ask every woman to honor the confidentiality of the group: personal stories and writing shared at the retreat stay within our circle. Please don’t repeat, photograph, record, or share another woman’s words without her permission.

​While we can’t guarantee the actions of others, we’ll clearly communicate this expectation so each woman understands her part in caring for the group.

Yes. Prayer, Scripture, acoustic worship, and Spirit-led reflection are woven throughout our time together. We’ll begin by softening our hearts toward the Lord with acoustic live worship, then make room to pray, listen, write, and explore how our everyday experiences can testify to His goodness and glory.

Our retreats are nondenominational and welcome women who share the foundations of the Christian faith: that the Bible is God’s Word and ultimate truth; that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for our sins and rose again; and that through Him we receive forgiveness, new life, and the promise of eternity. You don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need a heart that’s willing to meet with God.

Both! You’ll have gentle structure to help you begin, creative coaching to spark ideas, and unhurried stretches to write, pray, and reflect. There’s also room to enjoy a meal, connect with another woman, or take a quiet moment. You can make progress while enjoying the process.

We’re going old-school analog for this retreat! I’m encouraging everyone to set aside phones and computers so we can be fully present with the Lord, our writing, and one another.

Bring your Bible, journals or notebooks, loose writing ideas, and favorite pens—colored pens are highly encouraged! If a piece you’d like to explore is on your computer, print a copy to bring along.

Think cozy sweaters, comfy layers, and slippers. Wear whatever helps you settle in and feel at home. A professional photographer will be capturing our day, so choose something you’ll also feel comfortable being photographed in.

Bring warm winter outerwear, boots, a hat, and gloves for our after-dinner campfire treat and writing shares—for those feeling bold enough to share! Choose layers you don’t mind getting a little smoky. 😉 February in Minnesota can bring subzero temperatures, so check the forecast before coming and dress accordingly.

​We’ll also have a meet-and-greet and preparation call one to two weeks before the retreat to get acquainted, answer questions, and help you know exactly what to bring.

The venue will be reserved exclusively for our group. This is a one-day retreat; overnight accommodations are not included.

Yes—light breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and cozy treats are included.

We do our best to accommodate gluten-free and dairy-free needs. Please email hello@ginamarie.net upon registration with dietary requests so we can plan accordingly.

We are not a licensed kitchen and cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment or the absence of cross-contamination. If you have severe allergies or restrictions, please consider bringing your own food. No refunds or meal credits are available for food you’re unable to eat.

Our heart is to help you feel nourished, included, and cared for. 💛

Travel expenses, lodging, any additional activities or merchandise are not included and will be at your own expense.

You’ll feel right at home! This retreat draws women who love Jesus and crave genuine connection. Many arrive alone and leave with lifelong friends. And if you’d rather not come alone—bring a friend!

Women have attended our retreats from their early 20s through their late 70s. Our average age of attendees is between 35-55. We welcome the perspectives and wisdom that different seasons of life bring. Every woman has something meaningful to contribute.

Yes—a professional photographer will capture our time together so you can set aside your phone and enjoy the experience. Afterward, you’ll have access to download retreat photographs for personal use only.

If you prefer not to be photographed, please email hello@ginamarie.net before the retreat so we can coordinate with the photographer.

You’re investing in a thoughtfully prepared experience that supports your writing before, during, and beyond our day together.

Your registration includes professional coaching and facilitation, preparation activities, exclusive use of a beautiful venue with our small group, worship, three meals, materials, gifts, and professional retreat photography. Behind the day are hours of planning, exercise development, prayerful preparation, and coordination. During the retreat, you’ll receive personal attention, guided reflection, and room to put what you discover into practice.

​This is a professionally hosted business offering, priced to reflect that care and expertise—with the intention of helping you leave with meaningful work, fresh possibilities, and tools you can keep using.

Yes. A $100 non-refundable deposit holds your space and applies toward your $300 total. Your remaining balance is due January 1, 2027. If payment is not received by that date, your reserved space may be released.

Absolutely! Register together and pay in full for $550 total—just $275 each. That’s a $50 savings between you, with the complete retreat experience for both women.

Yes! Pay in full when you register and receive a mini 5-min headshot photoshoot including 1 digital image.

The first five women to register and pay in full will also receive:

- A small display table where attendees can browse and purchase your book, or you can use the space to promote your ministry or business.
- Five minutes during lunch to share your story, introduce your book (ministry or business), and highlight upcoming events or retreats you’re hosting.

Registrations, including deposits, are non-refundable.

You may find another woman to take your place and transfer your registration by notifying us of the name change at least 2 weeks before the retreat. You may also choose to donate your registration as a scholarship for another woman who might otherwise be unable to attend.

Email hello@ginamarie.net to arrange either option.

The retreat will be held at The StoreHouse in Minnesota (a Christian and family owned business). Because the venue is also a private residence, we’ll share the exact address and arrival instructions after you’ve registered and paid your deposit or full registration. Thank you for helping us respect our hosts’ privacy!