WRITE. LEARN. CONNECT.
Discover the Power of Words with Lori Hayes
Join bestselling author Lori Hayes for a coastal writing retreat for women in coastal NC. It doesn't matter if you're journaling, writing a book, or just need focused writing time in general .
Imagine, salt air, slow mornings, and uninterrupted writing sessions near the ocean with canal views. Embrace your passion.
👉 Writing Meets Island Life | Ocean Isle Beach, NC
a writing retreat that will keep you focused on writing
Relaxation, enhanced creativity, and words on the page
What your day looks like
Morning & Afternoon Writing Sprints
Morning & Afternoon Writing Sprints
Morning & Afternoon Writing Sprints
We start each morning & each afternoon with a light meditation to relax your mind, body, and soul and to free your creativity. Then we dive into structured writing sprints. It's amazing how many words you can write when you have gentle structure and a supportive group around you.
Walking Beach Meditation
Morning & Afternoon Writing Sprints
Morning & Afternoon Writing Sprints
A silent group walk along the shoreline, tuning into all five senses to craft scenes that feel alive on the page. Afterward we sit together in a circle on the beach and write, using everything we just experienced as creative fuel. It's one of the most memorable parts of the retreat.
Sunset Meditative Writing Circle
Morning & Afternoon Writing Sprints
Sunset Meditative Writing Circle
As the sun melts into the horizon, we gather on the beach with soft music playing and a timed writing sprint begins. The breeze on your skin, the sound of rolling waves, the fading golden light — it's a deeply immersive, meditative writing experience you won't forget.
Scenic Feedback Circle
A Personal Note From Lori
Favorite Fire-Pit Circle
A relax session on the dock overlooking the canal, for anyone who wants to share their writing and receive warm, thoughtful feedback from the group. Completely optional — come and listen, or bring your pages and be heard.
Favorite Fire-Pit Circle
A Personal Note From Lori
Favorite Fire-Pit Circle
Back by popular demand! We kick off the retreat Thursday night with a powerful fire-pit tradition, where you write down whatever blocks you and release it with flames of freedom. Then every evening after that, we gather around the fire for s'mores, stories, laughter, and the kind of real community that makes this retreat feel like coming
Back by popular demand! We kick off the retreat Thursday night with a powerful fire-pit tradition, where you write down whatever blocks you and release it with flames of freedom. Then every evening after that, we gather around the fire for s'mores, stories, laughter, and the kind of real community that makes this retreat feel like coming home. This is where friendships form that last long after the week ends.
A Personal Note From Lori
A Personal Note From Lori
A Personal Note From Lori
If you've made it this far, something in you is already saying yes. I know how easy it is to talk yourself out of something important, but I've watched women transform and leave with delight.
They can't believe how much they've written, and have returned home to finish their books. That transformation happens here, by the ocean, with comm
If you've made it this far, something in you is already saying yes. I know how easy it is to talk yourself out of something important, but I've watched women transform and leave with delight.
They can't believe how much they've written, and have returned home to finish their books. That transformation happens here, by the ocean, with community. I'd be honored to share this week with you. Come catch the wave.
Why I host writing retreats
After moving to the beach I discovered my passion is gathering women for community, creating a safe environment, and helping them relax into their creativity.
That's why my love for helping writers finish their manuscripts touches my heart. I’ve been there myself, and I’m grateful to the authors who once guided me.
Choose your retreat experience
Most Popular--Retreat House
Perfect for Locals and Hotel Option
Perfect for Locals and Hotel Option
FULL RETREAT
Stay in the retreat house
$1,195
Thu Oct 1 (3 PM) – Mon Oct 5 (10 AM) · Choose your private room
- All retreat programming & sessions
- Private room in the canal retreat house
- Canal views
- Two blocks from ocean
- Meals on your own — explore local restaurants
- Fire pit opening night & evening community
$300 non-refundable deposit included. Full refund (minus deposit) for cancellations 30+ days in advance. Spots fill fast — our March retreat sold out.
Perfect for Locals and Hotel Option
Perfect for Locals and Hotel Option
Perfect for Locals and Hotel Option
DAY GUEST OPTION
Perfect for locals & hotel attendees
$595
Join during retreat hours · Stay at home or nearby hotel · Only 3 spots
- Full access to all sessions
- Perfect for locals & hotel attendees
- No overnight stay required
- Ideal if you live within driving distance
Only 3 day-guest spots available. Email Lori at LoriHayesBooks@gmail.com to secure your spot after payment.
$300 non-refundable deposit included. Full refund (minus deposit) for cancellations 30+ days in advance. Spots fill fast — our March retreat sold out.
choose your room
🌊 Room one is peaceful and spacious. Shares a bathroom with room two and has the only king bed. On first floor but has steps involved.
🌊 Room two reminds you that you're at the beach. Shares a bathroom with room one and has a queen bed. On the first floor but has steps involved.
🌊 Room three is a writer's dream with its own desk in a window cubby. It's upstairs and shares a bathroom with room four and has a queen bed. On second floor--must be able to use steps.
🌊 Room four is upstairs and has a window cubby desk! Relax and write in your room. Book this room for yourself, or bring a writing friend for an extra $475. Shared bathroom with room three and has two twins. On second floor--must be able to use steps.