Join us for an expert led, silent writing retreat. This one-day immersive sanctuary, with the help of guided writing prompts, invites you to connect and reflect with your inner writer. There will no phones or social media so you may be fully present.
Saturday, June 8th, 2024 from 10am-6:30pm.
Sustainable Working Farmhouse and Orchard Venue overlooking Malibu. Surrounded by inspiring landscapes and like-minded souls, find the space and peace you need to create your masterpiece. 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.
Our Spring 2024 experience features NYT Bestselling Author and critically acclaimed writer, Steven Pressfield, in his first reflective seminar, guiding attendees in;
10-10:30am: Attendee Arrival & Check In
10:30-10:50 am: Roda Welcome & Housekeeping
11-1:00pm: Featured Guest – Steven Pressfield
1:00-2:00pm: Silent Lunch
2:00-4:00pm: Featured Guest – Steven Pressfield
4-4:15pm: Silent Break
4:15-5:00pm: Writing Immersion
5:00-6:00pm: Communal Conversation
6:00-6:30pm: Closing Ceremonies
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. Her lecturer 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 shorter time and allowing the author and illustrator to be more involved in the making of the books. And connecting schools and children directly with the authors. Roda also offers author education via her online program, Dream to Book, due to the high demand of aspiring authors. This is her first silent writing retreat, where each time she’ll feature celebrated authors and publishing professionals.
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.
Steven Pressfield is the author of The Legend of Bagger Vance, Gates of Fire, Tides of War, Last of the Amazons, Virtues of War, The Afghan Campaign, Killing Rommel, The Profession, The Lion’s Gate, The War of Art, Turning Pro, Do the Work, The Warrior Ethos, The Authentic Swing, An American Jew, Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t, and The Knowledge.
His debut novel, The Legend of Bagger Vance, was adapted for screen. A film of the same title was released in 2000, directed by Robert Redford and starring Matt Damon, Will Smith and Charlize Theron.
His father was in the Navy, and he was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, in 1943. Since graduating from Duke University in 1965, he has been a U.S. Marine, an advertising copywriter, schoolteacher, tractor-trailer driver, bartender, oilfield roustabout, attendant in a mental hospital and screenwriter.
His struggles to earn a living as a writer (it took seventeen years to get the first paycheck) are detailed in The War of Art, Turning Pro, The Authentic Swing, Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t, and The Knowledge.
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 shorter time and allowing the author and illustrator to be more involved in the making of the books. And connecting schools and children directly with the authors. Roda also offers author education via her online program, Dream to Book, due to the high demand of aspiring authors. This is her first silent writing retreat, where each time she’ll feature celebrated authors and publishing professionals.
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.
The serene setting allowed me to focus deeply, and Steven Pressfield’s insights on overcoming resistance were exactly what I needed. I left with a renewed passion for my writing projects and a clearer path forward.
The focus on silent reflection coupled with expert-led discussions helped me break through a major writer’s block. The Silent Writing Retreat truly lives up to its promise of fostering meaningful shifts in your writing.
Attending was the best decision I’ve made for my writing career. The sessions with Steven Pressfield were enlightening, and getting to network with like-minded creatives in such a beautiful location was invaluable.
The focus on silent reflection coupled with expert-led discussions helped me break through a major writer’s block. The Silent Writing Retreat truly lives up to its promise of fostering meaningful shifts in your writing.
As someone who writes about technology constantly, switching gears to explore creative writing in silence was refreshing. The retreat helped me connect with my creative side in ways I hadn’t expected.
The Silent Writing Retreat was planned to enhance our creative processes. From the idyllic location to the sessions by Steven Pressfield, every moment was a step toward a deeper understanding of my own writing abilities.
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 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.
If you need to cancel your registration, you can do so up to two weeks before the event for a full refund. Cancellations made less than two weeks prior to the event date will incur a 50% cancellation fee. We understand that plans can change and will do our best to accommodate your needs.
