MY last weekend in January started and ended on a night and that is a tremendous blessing. I am one of the facilitators along with Claudia Vidal from the USA and Richard Young from Trinidad for the Virtual Writers’ Retreat. Sometimes a group of participants gel extremely well, considering the people are from different countries, race, religion etc and the opposite can happen. The group from the first virtual retreat had unbelievable synergy and the team was hoping for this to re-occur–and it did with even more energy. The participants were from various parts of Guyana, The Bahamas, Florida,New Jersey, New York, Arizona, Mississippi and Washington. It was one weekend packed with valuable content.

Day one’s focus was on the writer’s mindset, mindfulness and story-generator sessions. Day two looked at writing proposals, story structure and creative writing. Day three was on developing the story structure and introduction to self-publishing. Every one of the participants was given assignments and at the end of the retreat, they had a framework for a book and a large percentage had for more than one. A bonus that was made available for reviews and the presentation of the first three pages of their books. From the very first session, the participants were already feeling a good vibe. I am sharing two testimonials:

“When I signed up for this, I was at a low point. I was stuck. I longed to write a novel, but I didn’t know where to begin. I didn’t think I had any stories worth telling. So far with just that one session helped me realise that I have a lifetime of experiences just waiting to be tapped into, a lifetime of stories, characters, settings and plot twists. Anyone can teach the mechanics of writing, but not anyone can inspire like you guys. I eagerly look forward to today’s session.” Malika- Guyana
“Joining this retreat just on day one far surpasses everything I thought previously. Such amazing energy from start to finish and so inspiring. I’ve thought of 10 more ideas for books going forward. So much support throughout, sharing and learning the steps it takes to write in today’s world. How you share in true form for the most impact for those you’ve written for.

Excellent information on how to connect with your reader and many nuggets helping to pinpoint our most purposeful book for our readers. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for day two… Love it, Love It… this is a must-take Writer’s Retreat… I recommend anyone who wants to make an impact on others in our world, just be you and your book will write itself, and with the framework and Invaluable information… Your book will not just be a dream it will become reality! You will even get to know you better in the process!” Nikki –Canada
Sharing two other testimonials after the retreat.

“The Virtual Writers Retreat was far from ordinary. I was able to gain invaluable insights into writing and publishing material. I would encourage anyone who would love to write or even want to know if writing is the path they should take, to participate in the next retreat. So many ideas have been birthed from the retreat, new skills learned and new friendships and connections were formed.” Andrea, Florida

‘It has truly been a long time coming. Writing a book has always been on my list of things to do, but the opportunity never aligned itself before now. When I received the email about the retreat I automatically thought, ‘The Time is NOW!’. With everything that is going on in the world and all I have to offer, I can not afford to put this opportunity off. My birthday is the 15th of January and I quickly decided I would make it my birthday gift to myself, however, I started to doubt myself. It was that reassuring call from Sonia that solidified my attendance that I am so thankful for. I had yet another reason to show up and apply myself.

From the very start on Friday evening, the connection started, the nuggets poured and we all drank from the well of knowledge both Claudia and Sonia shared. I finished my first assignment immediately after the call, excited for the day ahead. It is the mesh between personalities of our support team and coaching techniques that brought out the best in all of us the following day. I felt as though something unlocked in me, it came so quickly, it came so naturally. I started this journey saying I would like to leave with an unforgettable experience that I will always want to talk about and that I did. Today, I stand before you well equipped and ready to make my music. I stand aware of my contribution to the solution in a world that is much within my reach than has ever been before. The virtual writers retreat not only harnessed my innermost voice but expanded my mindset that tapped into my ability to now write compelling authentic stories. Write, I shall.

Thank you Dr. Sonia E. Noel for your encouragement, support and love.

Thank you Claudia Vidal for your insight, vision and strategy.

Thank you Richard Young for challenging me to add another layer to my creative arts ability and making music with my words, Lia, Bahamas

I encourage you to join us on the next retreat in June as we continue to celebrate this journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.