Beach Writing Retreat in North Carolina

WRITING CLASSES TAUGHT BY INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS WHO HAVE LEARNED THE HARD WAY TO HELP MAKE YOUR WRITING EASIER.

Classes are subject to change to give you the best retreat experience

CATCH THE WAVE SCHEDULE:

Saturday, November 8, 2025

Arrival time: 2:00 p.m.

Enjoy a charcuterie platter of yummies from our private cook, Brenda.

3:30-4:45 p.m.

INTRODUCTIONS, RELEASING THE BLOCKS HOLDING YOU BACK, AND LETTING GO OF STRESS TO BEGIN YOUR WRITING RETREAT--Lori Hayes

5:30-6:30

Devour-Worthy Dinner cooked by our private cook, Brenda. (Hint--you won't know where the glasses, plates or utensils are because she spoils us deliciously)

The rest of the evening: WRITE, HOT TUB, MAKE FRIENDS, RELAX. Play pool for girl time, network, downtime to write in one of several cozy nooks, or absorb the most gorgeous views outside the huge windows to entice your creative self. We often watch a movie or take a dip in the hot tub. Join in how you wish. This is a judgement-free zone.

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Sunday, November 9, 2025

8:00-9:00 a.m.

A plentiful, continental breakfast by our private cook Brenda (hint--follow the smells of fresh coffee that lead to a delicious breakfast and the most magnificent ocean views. What a way to start the day!)

10:00-11:15 a.m.

INTRODUCTION TO WRITING IN THE FLOW ZONE--Lori Hayes. You will learn relaxation techniques to encourage those buried words to pour out of your mind and onto the page. This is where you can discover your own unique writer's voice while getting free-flowing words written. Your book will practically write itself. We will offer two timed writing sprints with light, relaxing music softly playing in the background to inspire creativity. If music is a distraction, you can always wear earplugs or find a cozy nook to write.  If you want to finish your book this year, here is your opportunity.

11:15 a.m.

Snack Time-- Warm homemade cookies served, baked by Brenda. (hint--the homey aroma wafts through the house and causes our stomachs to rumble with glee)

12:30-1:30 p.m.

A luscious lunch made by our private cook, Brenda.(hint--be prepared for colorful, mouthwatering food and stunning ocean views)

2:00-3:15 p.m

WAKE UP THE SENSORY SIDE OF STORY TO BRING YOUR PROSE TO LIFE--Lori Hayes. Want to make your stories truly immersive and unforgettable? This class dives deep into the art of sensory detail, exploring how sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch can bring your writing to life. Learn practical techniques to translate your sensory experiences into vivid and engaging prose that will captivate your readers while helping you to discover and enhance your own natural voice.

3:15-5:00 p.m.

Downtime to write, network, play pool, or walk on the beach or to just absorb the most gorgeous views outside the windows to entice your creative self. The world is your oyster, quite literally.

5:00-6:00 p.m.

Devour-Worthy Dinner cooked by our private cook, Brenda. (Hint--you won't know where the glasses, plates or utensils are because she spoils us deliciously)

The rest of the evening: Write, Hot Tub, Make Friends, Relax. Play pool for girl time, network, downtime to write in one of several cozy nooks, or absorb the most gorgeous views outside the huge windows to entice your creative self. We often watch a movie or take a dip in the hot tub. Join in how you wish. This is a judgement-free zone.

_____________________________________________________

Monday, November 10, 2025

8:00-9:00 a.m.

A plentiful, continental breakfast by our private cook Brenda (hint--follow the smells of fresh coffee that lead to a delicious breakfast and the most magnificent ocean views. What a way to start the day!)

10:00-11:15 a.m.

WRITE IN THE FLOW ZONE--Lori Hayes. Engage in relaxation techniques to encourage those buried words to pour out of your mind and onto the page. This is where you can discover your own unique writer's voice while getting free-flowing words written. Your book will practically write itself. We will offer two timed writing sprints with light, relaxing music softly playing in the background to inspire creativity. If music is a distraction, you can always wear earplugs or find a cozy nook to write.  If you want to finish your book this year, here is your opportunity.

11:15 a.m.

Snack Time-- Warm homemade cookies served,  baked by Brenda. (hint--the homey aroma wafts through the house and causes our stomachs to rumble with glee)

12:30-1:30 p.m.

A luscious lunch made by our private cook, Brenda.(hint--be prepared for colorful, mouthwatering food and stunning ocean views)

2:00-3:15 p.m. Somethin's Gonna Give: Carving Out Time for Writing in Your Life--LaVerne St. George

Struggling to find balance between your writing goals and life's demands? This workshop explores how to carve out intentional writing time from the finite hours you have. First, you'll identify what kind of writer you are, what success looks like to you, and what schedule works best. Then, you'll deep dive into how you currently spend your time, and rate essential activities versus non-essentials. Take home a game plan that prioritizes a balanced life… including what’s most important to YOU.

3:15-5:00 p.m.

Downtime to write, network, play pool, or walk on the beach or to just absorb the most gorgeous views outside the windows to entice your creative self. The world is your oyster, quite literally.

5:00-6:00 p.m.

Devour-Worthy Dinner cooked by our private cook, Brenda. (Hint--you won't know where the glasses, plates or utensils are because she spoils us deliciously)

The rest of the evening: Write, Hot Tub, Make Friends, Relax. Play pool for girl time, network, downtime to write in one of several cozy nooks, or absorb the most gorgeous views outside the huge windows to entice your creative self. We often watch a movie or take a dip in the hot tub. Join in how you wish. This is a judgement-free zone.

______________________________________________________

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

8:00-9:00 a.m.

A plentiful, continental breakfast by our private cook Brenda (hint--follow the smells of fresh coffee that lead to a delicious breakfast and the most magnificent ocean views. What a way to start the day!)

10:00-11:15 a.m. 

WRITING IN THE FLOW ZONE--Lori Hayes. Engage in relaxation techniques to encourage those buried words to pour out of your mind and onto the page. This is where you can discover your own unique writer's voice while getting free-flowing words written. Your book will practically write itself. We will offer two timed writing sprints with light, relaxing music softly playing in the background to inspire creativity. If music is a distraction, you can always wear earplugs or find a cozy nook to write.  If you want to finish your book this year, here is your opportunity.

11:15 a.m.

Snack Time-- Warm homemade cookies, baked by Brenda. (hint--the homey aroma wafts through the house and causes our stomachs to rumble with glee)

12:30-1:30

A luscious lunch made by our private cook, Brenda.(hint--be prepared for colorful, mouthwatering food and stunning ocean views)

2:00-3:15 p.m.

Writing Space, The Final Frontier: Seeking Out and Boldly Creating Physical Room to Write--LaVerne St. George

Is your writing ambition battling a chaotic environment? This class guides you in considering the physical space you need to thrive. Discover how your surroundings impact habit, focus and flow. Visualize your ideal writing sanctuary and discover practical strategies to carve out and personalize your ultimate workspace – from decluttering chaos to ergonomic bliss. Whether it's a corner nook or a portable setup, leave with a concrete plan to boldly create a physical area that champions your writing journey. Claim your territory and unleash your words!

3:15-5:00 p.m.

Downtime to write, network, play pool, or walk on the beach or to just absorb the most gorgeous views outside the windows to entice your creative self. The world is your oyster, quite literally.

5:00-6:00 p.m.

Devour-Worthy Dinner cooked by our private cook, Brenda. (Hint--you won't know where the glasses, plates or utensils are because she spoils us deliciously)

The rest of the evening: Write, Hot Tub, Make Friends, Relax. Play pool for girl time, network, downtime to write in one of several cozy nooks, or absorb the most gorgeous views outside the huge windows to entice your creative self. We often watch a movie or take a dip in the hot tub. Join in how you wish. This is a judgement-free zone.

_______________________________________________________

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

8:00-9:00 a.m.

A plentiful, continental breakfast by our private cook Brenda (hint--follow the smells of fresh coffee that lead to a delicious breakfast and the most magnificent ocean views. What a way to start the day!)

10:00-11:15 a.m.

Find Your Story's Natural Flow by Creating a Gentle Plot—for Pantsers and Plotters--Lori Hayes. Does your writing sometimes meander? This class introduces simple and intuitive plotting techniques designed to provide just enough structure to guide your creative energy without feeling restrictive. Discover how a light framework can help your stories move forward organically, allowing your ideas to flow freely within a supportive roadmap.

12:30-1:30

A luscious lunch made by our private cook, Brenda.(hint--be prepared for colorful, mouthwatering food and stunning ocean views)

Check-out is by 3:30 p.m. A warm goodbye until we meet again

After the retreat on Thursday, we plan to embark on an amazing opportunity to see the wild horses in their natural habitat, weather permitting and not included in price of retreat. Please email Lori at LoriHayesBooks@gmail.com if you are interested in spending an extra night in your original room FOR $147 A NIGHT.