Hours
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Space is Limited
Space is Limited
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
You’ll learn how to write with vulnerability and courage, how to move beyond the surface and uncover the emotional truths that make your work sing. Cheryl will share the tools and insights that have shaped her own writing journey, from the agony and beauty of the creative process to the craft of building sentences that pulse with life.
On Saturday, January 10th in Malibu, join bestselling author Roda Ahmed and acclaimed writer Cheryl Strayed for a day of deep creative connection. Together, we’ll write, reflect, and rediscover the courage it takes to tell our stories.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn directly from Cheryl Strayed, the bestselling author of Wild, Tiny Beautiful Things, and Brave Enough.
Saturday, January 10th, 2026 from 10am-7:00pm.
The venue is a luxury estate with breathtaking views located in central Malibu. Location to be provided after registration.
Because nobody will hand you the time or the space to write.
It is something you must claim for yourself.
If there is a yearning, secret, silent dream within you to shape words, to fill pages, know this: That the path to becoming a writer is paved by the act of writing itself.
The community represents a variety of career paths, sharing a commitment to expanding their legacy and impact through writing. New, emerging and established creatives are welcome.
The Silent Writing Retreat welcomes anyone driven by a passion for storytelling and a desire to achieve personal and professional growth in their writing careers.
Bestselling author of Wild, Tiny Beautiful Things, and Brave Enough, Cheryl Strayed has inspired millions with her fearless honesty in storytelling. Her words have traveled across books, screens, and hearts around the world. Now, she’s inviting you into a transformative day of writing and self-discovery.
At our January 10, 2026 Silent Writing Retreat, Cheryl will guide you through:
Cheryl will help you meet the page with bravery, compassion, and clarity. You’ll leave with a deeper trust in your own voice and the inspiration to tell the stories only you can tell.
10-10:30am: Attendee Arrival & Check In
Roda Ahmed, a New York Times bestselling publisher, author and speaker. She was born in Hargeisa, Somalia, and later moved to Norway, where she was raised alongside her seven siblings. Fluent in Somali, Arabic, Norwegian, English, and French, her global experiences extend across living in Saudi Arabia, Paris, and New York. Roda holds a degree in Anthropology from the Norwegian University of Technology and Sciences (NTNU).
In 2008, Roda made her literary debut with the best-selling novel Forberedelsen (The Preparation), published by Norway’s esteemed Gyldendal Norsk Forlag. She earned the distinction of being the first immigrant woman to author a fiction novel in Norway and was honored with a scholarship from “Fritt Ord” (The Free Speech Foundation).
Roda worked as a columnist for Dagsavisen, a national newspaper in Oslo, notably covering President Obama’s presidency and both inaugurations. She has taught at Otis College and lead writing workshops with renowned author Cheryl Strayed.
Roda’s contributions to children’s literature in America include authoring over fifteen books, such as the Etta Extraordinaire series and the International Best Seller Mae Among the Stars (HarperCollins), which has reached its 24th printing. Notably, Mae Among the Stars was selected by First Lady Laura Bush for a book club pick at the presidential library and has stirred national conversation by being banned in over 40 states due to its themes promoting diversity.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Roda engaged with over 10,000 children through virtual readings, using her book Good Night, Wiggly Toes to help children manage anxiety during uncertain times. Her collaborations extend to partnerships with influential brands and organizations like Honest Company, Conscious Kids, and Gabriela Hearst, which align with her commitment to inclusion, literacy, and empowerment.
Roda is the founder of Hightree Publishing, a New York Times Bestselling boutique publishing house that publishes and champions diverse and inspiring picture books. Through Hightree, she is disrupting traditional publishing, by making high end books in a shorter time and allowing the author and illustrator to be more involved in creating their books.
Roda currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband and two children, where she continues to inspire and influence the world of literature and education.
Cheryl Strayed is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, which was made into an Oscar-nominated film.
Her bestselling collection of Dear Sugar columns, Tiny Beautiful Things, was adapted for a Hulu television show and as a play that continues to be staged in theaters nationwide. Strayed’s other books are the critically acclaimed novel, Torch, and the bestselling collection Brave Enough, which brings together more than one hundred of her inspiring quotes.
Her books have sold more than 5 million copies around the world and have been translated into forty languages. Her award-winning essays and short stories have been published in The Best American Essays, the New York Times, the Washington Post Magazine, Vogue, and elsewhere. Strayed has also made two hit podcasts, Dear Sugars, which she co-hosted with Steve Almond, and Sugar Calling. She lives in Portland, Oregon.
A silent writing retreat provides a peaceful setting for writers to work without distractions. The retreat includes guided writing sessions, silent meals, and opportunities for reflection, all designed to help you focus deeply on your writing projects.
This retreat is ideal for anyone interested in writing, whether you’re an established author, a freelance writer, or someone just beginning your writing journey. The environment supports deep focus, creativity, and personal growth through writing.
You should bring your writing materials such as a fully charged laptop or notebook and pens, any specific books or resources you need for your writing, comfortable clothing, and a readiness to immerse yourself in a reflective and creative experience.
To experience the full benefits of the retreat and maintain the continuity of the silent environment, we encourage full-day participation. Each segment is designed to build on the previous one, creating a comprehensive experience.
We aim to accommodate all dietary needs. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions when you register, and we will do our best to accommodate you so that you can enjoy your meal comfortably and safely.
We are unable to offer refunds once a ticket has been purchased. However, we understand that plans can change, so you are welcome to transfer your ticket to someone else if you are unable to attend. Please contact us to facilitate the transfer or if you have any other concerns.