Join us virtually for 
The Writing Chrysalis

For 25 days (Oct 19th-Nov 12th 2023) you'll receive a daily email with writing inspiration and a prompt.

There will be a group google doc if you wish to share your daily discoveries.

​The end of The Writing Chrysalis will correspond nicely with The Writing Retreat for those who are able to attend, but it is not necessary to participate.

*Registration for the virtual Writing Chrysalis is closed, but you can still register for the in-person retreat until 10/31/23*

The 3rd Annual
​Writing Ch​rysalis  Retreat

November 10th-12th, 2023

at Braving Star Farms:
A country getaway (just an hour northeast of Houston). There are ponds to relax by, forests to bathe in, a labyrinth to walk, and farm animals to snuggle.
"Writers need to develop a connection to the earth, a relationship with themselves, and a sense of the divine."
​
-Tina Welling, Writing Wild

Why Writing?

I hated writing during my school years, but during my creative re-awakening I found The Artist's Way. I committed to filling three pages every morning with free association writing, and I feel in love with writing and all of its vast benefits. I did another 90 days of morning pages and continued to say yes to messages of writing from the universe, leading to several books I never expected to write. Most importantly though, writing has become a way in which I understand and love myself better, and a practice that helps me notice connections and serendipities that I might otherwise miss.

Free writing is a tool for self-discovery and you do not need to have a specific project or any writing experience to attend this retreat. This annual writing retreat, which is usually on the 2nd Saturday in November, is a time of integration in which you can think deeply, self-reflect, and create meaning.  It's also a time in which you can receive inspiration, as like any creative process, writing needs support to sustain the courage and vulnerability it requires. I hope you will gift yourself with this investment and time, and I can't wait to write with you.
“We experience the force of language when we write in our journals. The self grows and glows with the light of our attention. We expand, awaken, and become all we keep looking for in others. Words change us.”

- Tina Welling, Writing Wild

Tentative Retreat Schedule

Friday November 10th
3-3:30pm Check-In @ Braving Star Farms in Cleveland, TX
3:30-4pm Mandatory Orientation
4-6pm Opening gathering
6:15-6:45pm Dinner
7-8:30pm Evening Activity

Saturday November 11th, 2023
8-8:45am Breakfast
9am-12pm Morning Gathering 
12:15-12:45pm Lunch
1-3pm Rest & Play & Writing Time 
3-6pm Afternoon Gathering
6:15-6:45pm Dinner
7-8:30pm Evening Activity

Sunday November 12th, 2023
8-8:45am Breakfast
9-11am Closing gathering
“For me, and others like me, writing is the shimmering aura through which we see the world. It is the quiet and courageous act of creative expression that nourishes our souls. It is the subtle power that aligns us with ourselves.”

-Kathleen Melin, “Radiant Fog” in Poets & Writers ​

Kind Words:
"The Writing Retreat is a thoughtfully designed weekend to inspire and evoke creativity through writing, rest and play. Lee Ann, her husband (the cook), the family of animals and the sacred land offer safety, peace, wonder and beautiful space to explore the space within and put it on the paper."
-Lesley Anne, Houston Texas

"We enjoyed healthy home cooked meals, comfy cozy lodging and every detail attended to with amazing care. We were afforded every perk in Lee Ann's toolkit, from morning Qi Gong, a tea ceremony, writing prompts and a well-run schedule to help us squeeze every good thing into our time."
-Lisa T.

Retreat Pricing

The retreat cost includes:
​
•The 2023 Wild Writing Fountain Pen
•5 meals along with coffee, tea, and snacks
•2 nights at the retreat cabin
•All programming and supplies

*If you would like to extend your stay for additional personal  writing retreat time, you may add-on nights before or after the group retreat for $75 a night.*

​Depending on which room you register for,
the cost of your retreat will be one of the options below.

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The Sunflower Room
(A Shared Room of Two Queen/Full Beds and En Suite Bathroom)
$550 per bed ​
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SOLD OUT
The Wildflower Room (Private Queen Bed and Shared Hallway Bath)
$485
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SOLD OUT
The Bird Room (Private Twin Bed and Shared Hallway Bath) $450
The room is off the kitchen and the shared hallway bath is across the house.
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The Star Room (A Shared Room of Two Twin Beds and Shared Hallway Bath) 
$425 per bed

Braving Star Farms 
​Photo Gallery

Registration

Wild Writing Retreat Base Registration

$425.00
Add to Cart
Please include in the notes what room you would like. After the base registration of $425 is received I'll contact you with availability for your room preference and remaining balance payment options.

Sign up by 8/31/23 and you'll receive serendipitous Happy Mail from me
Registration Deadline is 10/31/23 or when rooms are sold out

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED

*If you invite someone who has never been to Braving Star Farms, and they sign up for this retreat, you get a $50 credit toward your next event or retreat at BSF.*

FAQ for Braving Star Farms Retreats

Food Preferences/Allergies
Meals will be made from local and and organic sources as much as possible, and will be mostly plant-based. When you fill out your registration form please specify any food preferences or allergies, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. There is a full kitchen available to participants.

What to Bring
For outside, you will need to have closed toe shoes as you will be walking across uneven pasture and there is always a chance of snakes in the area. For equine activities you must have outdoor boots. Please be prepared to remove your shoes for indoor spaces (you can bring slippers, socks, or indoor shoes).
Please wear comfortable clothing and pack a swimsuit. Plan for whatever weather-related items as needed: sunscreen, insect repellant, hat, raincoat, layers. Your bedding and towels will all be provided. 
Please bring your preferred writing tools (laptop, notebook, pens).

Getting Here
Braving Star Farms is located an hour northeast of Houston in Cleveland, TX. The address and more details will be sent upon completed registration and payment. If you are flying in for the retreat, IAH is a a little bit closer than HOU, but either airport will work. Please contact me if you are interested in extending your retreat time at the cabin either before or after the retreat as it is on a first come first serve basis.

Internet/Phone Access
Since you will be in the country you may not have a good signal and it may be challenging to make phone calls or check emails. If your phone service is with AT&T, you should be okay. There will be a cellphone at the cabin for all participants to use if needed to make a call or to briefly hotspot, but please know there is no WIFI. Hopefully you can enjoy the opportunity to disconnect.

Cancellation Policies and Registration Help
If you need to cancel your spot in the retreat, I can offer a refund (minus a $50 non-refundable registration fee) if I am able to fill your spot from the waiting list. If I am not able to fill your spot, I can offer you a credit for a future retreat based on the timeline below:
     If you cancel more than two months prior to your scheduled retreat, 100% of your retreat fee, minus a $50 rebooking fee, can be applied as a credit towards a future retreat, which must be used within one year. The credit will only be applicable for future retreats, not events. 
    If you cancel your retreat within two months of your scheduled retreat, 75% of your retreat fee, minus a $50 rebooking fee, can be applied as a credit towards a future retreat, which must be used within one year. You will forfeit 25% of the price you paid for the retreat.
     If you cancel your retreat within one month of your scheduled retreat, 50% of your retreat fee, minus a $50 rebooking fee, can be applied as a credit towards a future retreat, which must be used within one year. You will forfeit 50% of the price you paid for the retreat.
     If you cancel your retreat within two weeks of your scheduled retreat, or can't come to the retreat for any reason, you will forfeit your entire retreat payment.
I am also happy to transfer your spot to someone else who is able to take your place in the scheduled retreat with no transfer fee regardless of when you cancel. In this case, you will need to find the new participant yourself and receive reimbursement directly from them. 

If the retreat does not meet the minimum number of participants, or in the case of a natural disaster, COVID-related closures or surges, or any other unforeseen reasons to cancel the retreat, I reserve the right to make any changes necessary to the retreat. In this case, I will offer you a full refund and/or the option to book another retreat. However, I will not be responsible for any changes made to your airfare or travel arrangements. For peace of mind, I recommend purchasing "cancel for any reason" trip insurance in case cancellations or changes arise.

Please email me if you need a payment plan or a deposit option. Limited partial scholarship are available for BIPOC, LGBTQ+ participants, or any in need of financial assistance. Email me to apply. At this time, Daring Discoveries' partial scholarships are only available to participants who have not received one in the past.