Are you a woman who writes? Join us this September 20-22, 2019 for an exclusive weekend retreat designed just for you!
What if women placed more importance on internal beauty rather than outer appearance? What if women recognized and trusted their own intelligence and abilities? What if women claimed equal status in society, in their work, and in their homes? What if women realized the power of their words? What if these women stood together instead of judging each other? And what if all these women were writers sharing their voices with the world?
Women can make an impact with the power of their words. Women are strong. Women are capable. Women are creative, unique, and talented. But in order to claim that, we need to let go of the labels that define us and become the women we’re meant to be. We need to believe.
In What If . . . A Retreat for Women Who Write, we welcome author and wellness coach, Sarah Hays Coomer, who will help us consider the connections between our mental and physical health and our creativity. We’ll draw from our own unique perspectives to construct honest and noteworthy pieces of writing. Together, we’ll discover our role as Women Writers.
This retreat is an opportunity for true community, a time of safety to examine our own “What ifs.” Join us as we explore how to confront our insecurities and become authentic, intentional writers and learn how this awareness can seriously impact what we create. We welcome women of all backgrounds, genres, and levels of experience.
**Please note that the themes of this retreat could be triggering for those working through traumatic events.
BIO
Sarah Hays Coomer is a “diet abolitionist,” a Certified Personal Trainer with the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a certified Nutrition and Wellness Coach and Prenatal Fitness Specialist with the American Fitness Professionals & Associates, and a member of the American College of Sports Medicine. She believes that fitness should be about celebrating and strengthening our bodies—bringing them to life rather than depriving them and trying to shrink or manipulate them. Sarah is the author of two books: Physical Disobedience: An Unruly Guide to Health and Stamina for the Modern Feminist (Seal Press/Hachette, 2018) and Lightness of Body and Mind: A Radical Approach to Weight and Wellness (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016). Her work has been featured in Shape, MSN, Thrive Global, The Wall Street Journal, New York Daily News, Huffington Post, UTNE Reader, Bustle, and The Tennessean, among others. She has spoken at organizations and universities nationwide including Google, Vanderbilt University, the Women’s March 2019, The University of the South, The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, Confluence, and the Girls to the Moon Conference. Sarah lives and trains in Nashville, TN with her husband, son, and sweet pitbull, Ringo.
The Schedule (tentative)
Friday, September 20, 2019
4:00 to 6:00 pm – Check in and settle in. You’ll be given a short tour and we’ll show you to your assigned room.
6:00 p.m. – Dinner, Introductions, Overview of Retreat
7:00 p.m. – What’s Holding You Back? Writing Workshop
9:00 p.m. – Free time / Bedtime
Saturday, September 21, 2019
6:30 a.m. Coffee Ready!
7:30 a.m. Breakfast is available
8:30 a.m. – The Intersection of Wellbeing and Creativity: Using Your Craft to Nurture Body and Mind with Sarah Hays Coomer
10:00 a.m. – Free Time for Writing
12:00 p.m. – Lunch
1:00 p.m. – Why Gentle Doesn’t Mean Weak: The Bold & The Vulnerable Writing Workshop
2:30 p.m. – Free Time for Writing
6:00 p.m. – Dinner
7:00 p.m. – “Designing the Moment” Collage Activity Workshop
8:30 p.m. – Reading – Share your Writing (Sharing is optional; however, we ask that you attend whether you read or not, in order to support other writers.)
10:00 p.m. – Free Time / Bedtime
Sunday, September 22, 2019
6:30 a.m. – Coffee Ready
7:30 a.m. – Breakfast is available. Come any time you’re ready
8:30 a.m. – Embodying Your Voice: Claiming Space and Personal Power Through Writing with Sarah Hays Coomer
10:00 a.m. – Free Time for Writing
12:00 p.m. – Checkout and Goodbye
Cost Breakdown:
$340.00 – Room, meals, and workshops: Includes a private bedroom/bathroom for 2 nights, 5 meals (wine at dinner), snacks, 5 workshops
$46.75 – Applicable Taxes
$386.75 – TOTAL
*Past RWC Retreaters are eligible to receive a $50 discount. Please note which retreat(s) you’ve attended in your application.