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Space is Limited
Space is Limited
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You’ll learn how Mara became a writer, created a sustainable writing practice, develops characters, navigates creative blocks, and tells the truth to fiction. This has led Mara to create over 400 episodes and 30 years of transformative television.
On September 20th in Malibu, join bestselling author Roda Ahmed and award-winning storyteller Mara Brock Akil for a retreat designed to silence distractions, ignite your creativity, and help you finally put words to the story only you can tell.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn directly from Mara Brock Akil, creator of Girlfriends, The Game, Being Mary Jane, Netflix’s Forever and so much more.
This one-day immersive sanctuary, with the help of guided writing prompts, invites you to connect and reflect with your inner writer. There will be no phones or social media so you may be fully present.
Saturday, September 20th, 2025 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.
Mara will share tools for meeting it with grace, confidence, and presence. You’ll leave with techniques to stop waiting and start writing including prompts, mindset shifts, and how to create a safe space to explore your own story without judgement.
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.
“My life’s goal is to live a creative life with a full heart.”
The highest regard as a storyteller is to paint portraits of which our full selves are reflected. With 400+ episodes of television showcasing our beauty, complexity, and vulnerability Mara Brock Akil does just that. With the need in mind to also lift as she climbs, Mara keeps the door open, spotting the talent of tomorrow and builds them up.
As a Dreamer, a Mother, a Wife, a Screenwriter, CEO, Director, Producer, her legacy continues with story27 Productions.
Roda is a wise and generous teacher who brings a sense of fun and play to her writing classes. Her passion for writing and her belief that we all have powerful stories to tell have inspired me and her many students and readers.
Roda is a true champion of her fellow writers. She kept me accountable, inspired, and genuinely excited to get to the page every single day!
Roda is absolutely brilliant, inspirational and a creative mastermind when it comes to all things writing and books. She inspired and supported me throughout my journey to write my memoir and gave really good feedback, strategies and edits to get my book and writing, the best it could be. She is all at once your greatest cheerleader, chief strategist and pragmatically gets it done!
Roda was instrumental in the development of You Have A Voice. She was always available to jump on a call and talk out the process with me. I never felt judged or hurried. She respected and valued my experience and honored my point of view throughout the entire journey.
I attended Roda’s workshop she co-facilitated w/ Cheryl Strayed this past summer and remain very inspired!
I had the wonderful experience of meeting Roda at the Wild Awakenings writing workshop in 2021 and I found it so impactful and memorable.
Attending Roda’s writing workshop has been a transformative experience for me. I am profoundly grateful for this experience; it was not just a workshop but a rite of passage for me as a writer. My narrative voice is stronger. I left the workshop not just as a writer, but as a storyteller ready to claim my space in the world of words. Thank you for this magical transformation—I will carry these lessons with me as I continue to write my own story.
Roda is magic! She knew I had a book in me before I did. I had thought about it on and off for a long time but working with Roda turned it into a reality. She gave me advice, guidance, constructive criticism, helped me find my story — as well as just locking me in a room to write!
Roda is truly one of a kind. She’s a gifted writer with the remarkable ability to inspire and empower others. Her guidance is rooted in a deep understanding of what’s realistically achievable, making her advice insightful and immensely practical. Her support has been pivotal in enhancing my belief in my own abilities and in pursuing my creative aspirations.
Roda is magic! She knew I had a book in me before I did. I had thought about it on and off for a long time but working with Roda turned it into a reality. She gave me advice, guidance, constructive criticism, helped me find my story — as well as just locking me in a room to write!
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.