WHITE MOUNTAIN BOOK WRITING RETREAT
Guidance to Write & Publish Your Book: A Nurturing Retreat in
The White Mountains
Franconia, NH | July 8-11th or Sept. 23rd-26th, 2024
Create Fully Recharged
A Four-Day Training Supported by Healthy Food & Daily Yoga.
Your story, message, or book is uniquely yours, and only you can bring it to life. So what's holding you back? Is it the ever-elusive time, an overwhelming schedule, or perhaps the uncertainty of where to begin or end? Or maybe you're still pinpointing the essence of what you want to write about.
During our Birth a Book retreats, we aim not only to tackle your writing challenges, but also to offer a sanctuary where you can relax, rejuvenate, and recalibrate your focus.
Birth a Book Coaches with Fall 2023 Retreat Participants
Join us for a transformative retreat in the scenic White Mountains, where our team, acclaimed in The Write Life's list of "Incredible Writing Retreats" for six consecutive years, will guide and support you.
"The retreat is perfect for the writer that needs a comfortable, supportive environment to move his or her book forward. The focus on self-nurturing through delicious, healthy food and yoga provided the perfect backdrop for digging in and writing. Targeted instruction is both global and tailored to participants. The beautiful and idyllic setting is a delight for the senses. I highly recommend this retreat!"
Nicki Clausen-Grace,
Teacher and Children's Book Author
"This retreat was a remarkable and transformative experience. If you have ever dreamed of writing a book, Dorothy guides you through from thought to actionable authorship."
Linda Frisone Gamber,
Marketing Executive
Is this retreat for you?
Are You a Health and Wellness Visionary? Amplify your impact through the written word. This retreat is your space to fuel exceptional self-expression through self-nurturing.
Do You Champion Self-Care? Discover how nurturing yourself unlocks profound insights and empowers your storytelling in the health and wellness realm.
Are You an Innovator in Holistic Practices? Share your unique perspectives and experiences in a book that inspires and enlightens, crafted in an environment that understands your vision.
Are You a Memoirist with a Mission? Your personal stories and life lessons have the power to change the world. Turn your journey into a universal message of resilience and hope.
Birth a Book coach leading class on the retreat lawn
Write Your Book Surrounded by Nature.
The White Mountains of New Hampshire are enriched with charming New England towns surrounded by mural-like White Mountain vistas, gorgeous rivers, and notably crisp fresh air.
Write Your Book in a Peaceful Retreat Center.
This intimate experience will be hosted in the historic Horse & Hound Retreat Center. Horse and Hound will act as our home base and will be completely private to our group.
New friendships will be formed, lasting memories will be made. Our English-style retreat property is complete with several warm community rooms, bedrooms with writing desks. The property has open fields, gardens, a bubbling brook and walking trails, offering the opportunity to connect deeply with nature and yourself.
Write Your Book Fueled by Delicious Food, Daily Yoga & Delightful People.
We will eat mainly plant-based organic meals, prepared by our private chef, Tess, who will be providing farm-to-table fare, including snacks and daily green juices.
After mealtime, sip on some tea and head into your Birth a Book class or workshop. You will be amazed at how much you accomplish in a short time. You’ll bond with your bright and warm new friends in class who will support your creative efforts as you delight in supporting theirs.
Chef Tess
Rose is certified and a naturally gifted yoga teacher who teaches attention to alignment in a variety of levels of Iyengar Yoga, from gentle to advanced. Her teaching is professional, yet soft. She is precise, yet fun. She offers challenge, yet compassion.
Rose’s love and dedication to yoga shines through in her teaching. Rose’s students often spend years studying Iyengar Yoga with her, finding sanctuary in the quiet calm that Rose creates in her classes.
Rose Goldblatt, CIYT
Take a Virtual Tour :
The retreat far exceeded my expectations. I found a whole group of people who now feel like family. The gentle yoga helped me reconnect to my body in a good way. I was able to focus and reconnect to my humor. I got so much accomplished on my book!"
Catherine Piper
"I hoped to get direction for my book, and I got that! I hoped to get publishing direction, and I got that! I was able to feel free to share my book concept, and now I am able to own the fact that I have a voice and I can use it!"
Heather Adamson
Write Your Book with Inspirational, Experienced Coaches.
Dorothy Holtermann is on a mission to help people make their book writing dreams come true. As a nutrition expert, her impact and income greatly benefited when she became the published author of Love Food that Loves you Back. Inspired by her success, but sad by how long it took her to publish, she developed the Birth a Book System to make it easier for others. She has helped hundreds write their books and will coach your book out of you!
"Dorothy is an amazingly compassionate cheerleader who instills the confidence needed to birth our books! I went from overwhelmed to empowered and soon will be a published author!"
Clementina Esposito is Birth a Book's-in-house writing professor. Her holistic editing and coaching skills have made her a sought-after content collaborator on best-selling books.
"Clementina is a brilliant and compassionate cheerleader who instills the confidence needed to write a book I'll be proud to publish soon."
Jessy Holtermann, founder of Jessy Holtermann Studios, actor, acting teacher and award-winning filmmaker from LA will offer workshops and coaching.
She will show you how "if you believe it, they believe it" and will help you discover how to powerfully introduce yourself as an author and perform a book reading like a pro!
"Jessy's powerful (and hilarious!) workshops inspired me to 'own' becoming an author and learn how to introduce myself and perform a book reading."
What Will the Day to Day Actually Look Like?
Day 1: Embark on a Journey of Writing and Inspiration in a Picturesque Retreat Setting
Noon: Your transformational writing experience begins at the Horse and Hound Inn, a historic New England retreat nestled in the heart of the White Mountains. As you step onto the property, you'll be greeted by the enchanting scent of pine trees and the crisp mountain air. Take a moment to gaze at the vast expanse of blue sky above, embracing the tranquility and natural beauty that surrounds you.
Afternoon: Indulge in a warm welcome as our friendly staff guides you to your comfortable and cozy room. Settle in and allow yourself to unwind in the understated elegance of our inn, adorned with charming rustic decor and infused with a sense of history. Rest assured, you are in the perfect setting to unleash your creativity and immerse yourself in the art of writing.
Join us in the lovely dining room or on the terrace, where you'll enjoy your first delicious meal crafted by our talented private chef, Tess. Savor the flavors of locally sourced ingredients expertly prepared in Tess's farm-to-table creations. Every bite is a symphony of taste, nourishing both your body and imagination.
Early Afternoon: Dive into your first foundational class led by Dorothy, the founder of the Birth a Book system. Gain new clarity about your book and unlock the secrets of the Japanese concept of Ikigai. Dorothy's guidance will help you align your purpose, focus your energy, and ignite your passion for writing. With newfound clarity and purpose, you'll be ready to embark on an extraordinary writing journey.
After Dorothy's class, immerse yourself in the mindful movements of Rose's Iyengar yoga class. Let the gentle stretches and intentional breathwork release any tension and create a harmonious connection between your mind and body. Rose's expertise in yoga will help you tap into your inner well of creativity and set the stage for transformative writing.
Late Afternoon: Following yoga, join Clementina for a captivating writing class. Discover the art of storytelling, the power of structure, and the essential elements that make a book truly shine. Clementina's expertise will guide you in refining your story arc and help you craft a compelling narrative that captivates readers from beginning to end.
Evening: As the day draws to a close, gather with your fellow participants for a delightful dinner prepared by Tess. Indulge in a feast of flavors, savoring each bite as you engage in meaningful conversations and connect with fellow writers. The communal experience of dining together further deepens the sense of community and inspiration that permeates the retreat.
In the evening, prepare to unleash your inner performer in Jessy's captivating class. Drawing upon her experience as an actress and filmmaker, Jessy will teach you the art of commanding the stage, captivating your audience, and infusing your book readings with passion and authenticity.
Discover the confidence to share your words with conviction and bring your story to life through captivating performances.
Take a moment to reflect on the meaningful connections you've already formed, the inspiration that fills the air, and the anticipation of the incredible journey that lies ahead. Day 1 sets the stage for an unforgettable retreat experience that will transform your writing and empower you to share your story with the world.
Days 2 & 3 : Refining Your Book Writing Craft, Develop a Publishing Strategy and Embodying Your Message
Morning: Start your day with a nourishing breakfast, savoring a variety of plant-strong and tasty options that provide the fuel you need for a productive day.
Join Dorothy in an invigorating morning class where she guides you in refining your book "conversation." Explore techniques to deepen the connection with your readers, amplify your storytelling abilities, and map out your path to publication.
Late Morning: Immerse yourself in the transformative power of yoga during a session led by Rose. Through mindful movement, breathwork, and meditation, tap into your inner creativity, release tension, and embody your book's message.
Afternoon: Indulge in a delicious lunch, expertly prepared by Tess, our farm-to-table chef. Enjoy the flavors of fresh, locally sourced ingredients that nourish both your body and imagination.
Early Afternoon: Join Clementina in a captivating writing class that focuses on refining your story arc and mastering the art of structure. Discover the magic of mind-mapping and creating outstanding outlines! Crafting well-structured narratives, creating compelling stories, and find your voice that will engage readers from beginning to end.
Late Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the writing process, finding a cozy nook to let your creativity flow. Apply the insights gained from the day's classes to your own writing, infusing your work with newfound depth and clarity.
Evening: Gather for a delightful dinner, relishing Tess's culinary creations. Engage in lively conversations with fellow participants, sharing ideas, experiences, and inspiration.
After Dinner: Experience the joy of performance as you join Jessy in an engaging class. Unleash your inner performer, learn how to captivate audiences with your book readings, and gain confidence in sharing your writing aloud. Embrace the freedom to express yourself and discover the power of connecting with your readers through live performances.
As the days progress, the retreat schedule will continue to provide you with enriching classes, personalized guidance, and the space to dive deep into your writing journey.
Each day is thoughtfully designed to help you refine your book, strengthen your storytelling abilities, and develop a clear publishing strategy. You'll leave the retreat with newfound confidence, a deeper understanding of the writing process, and a roadmap for bringing your book to life.
Day 4: Embrace Your Journey and Prepare for the Next Chapter
Early Morning: Rise and shine to an invigorating and nutritious breakfast, providing you with the energy and nourishment needed for the final day of the retreat. Indulge in a plant-strong and delicious meal that will fuel both your body and creativity.
Late Morning: Gather together for a farewell circle, a heartwarming and meaningful ceremony where each participant has the opportunity to share their reflections, insights, and intentions for the future.
Embrace the support and camaraderie of your fellow writers as you celebrate the progress made and the connections forged during your time at the retreat. This final gathering serves as a powerful reminder of the impact you can make with your words.
As the retreat comes to a close, savor a take-home lunch lovingly prepared by Tess. Enjoy the flavors of her culinary expertise one last time, knowing that the nourishment extends beyond the delicious meal. This final feast symbolizes the continuation of your writing journey and the sustenance you will carry with you as you embark on the next chapter.
With hearts full of inspiration, newfound knowledge, and a clear path forward, bid farewell to the White Mountain Book Writing Retreat. Leave with a deep sense of accomplishment and the tools needed to bring your book to completion.
Remember, this is just the beginning of your writing adventure. Take the lessons learned, the connections made, and the guidance received to fuel your continued progress. Your book is waiting to be shared with the world, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Continue your writing journey with confidence, knowing that you have the skills, clarity, and community to guide you. We look forward to hearing about your future successes as you shine your light through your written words.
Wishing you joy, fulfillment, and endless creativity on your literary path.
But remember, this isn’t your typical writing retreat.
Discover Your Inner Voice: This retreat goes beyond mere writing; it's an opportunity to delve deep into your inner self, unlocking the stories and wisdom that lie within.
Nourishment for Your Creative Soul: We're dedicated to providing the nourishment your creativity needs to flourish, ensuring you leave feeling refreshed and inspired.
Jumpstart Your Writing Journey: Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to refine your work, we're here to jumpstart your path to writing and publishing a book that will transform your life, career, and income.
Open to All Levels: Whether you're confused, clueless, or somewhere in between about book writing, our retreat welcomes you. We cater to all levels of experience and clarity.
Leave with Clarity and Confidence: No matter your starting point, you will leave this retreat with a clear vision and the confidence to take the next steps toward becoming a published author.
Local hike at Artists' Bluff Trail
Retreat Participant "Mind Mapping"
"I’ve been to The Birth a Book Retreat twice now and I cannot say enough or recommend it more highly. The team of Dorothy, Jessy and Clementina is amazing!"
Dr. Mary Hart
"Over the course of just a few days, working alongside all of my inspiring writer friends [and] these three amazing coaches, I found out…how to present my work, how to analyze my work, how to balance structure with creativity, and I was absolutely blown away"
Michael Neece
Franconia, NH | July 8-11th or September 23rd-26th, 2024
White Mountain Book Writing Retreat Includes :
4 Days / 3 Nights Accommodations
3 Nourishing Banquet Breakfasts
4 Farm-to-Table plant-based Lunches
3 Farm-to-Table plant-based Dinners
6 Book Writing Workshops designed to get your book focused and written faster
3 Yoga Classes
1 One-on-one Coaching Session with Dorothy
2 Performance Coaching Classes with Jessy
Daily Writing Classes with Clementina. You'll also get an opportunity to have her edit your writing!
Plenty of time to write and explore nature.
HORSE & HOUND INN
THE FRANCONIA INN
Private Room with Shared Bathroom:
$595 / 5 months
(Or 1 payment of $2,595 - saves $380)
Private Room with Private Bathroom:
$695 / 5 months
(Or 1 payment of $2,985 - saves $490)
Register Now to Secure Your Spot!
Think you're a good fit for the White Mountain Book Writing Retreat? Fantastic! Please complete the following TWO steps below:
1
Click the "Get Started" button below to fill out a short application. We'd love to learn about you and your project!
2
Once the application is submitted, you may choose which dates you'd like to attend, your room type and payment method.
FAQs
In our experience, most people underestimate their writing skills. You are likely a fantastic writer! Good writing is usually a byproduct of setting clear objectives and goals and that is what we are expert at helping people achieve at our retreat. On top of goal setting, you will also have an opportunity to have your writing critiqued and edited.
This is our seventh year running these retreats and the magic of how lovely people get along is inspiring. We are a welcoming group and odds are you will leave with life-long friends. We are committed to building a community as the basis of publishing success. If you are kind and want to be of service to the world, you will fit in!
Most people come by car. Dorothy flies in from Westchester, NY and rents a car in Lebonon, NH. The closest airport is Manchester, NH. Some people fly to Boston and take a bus to Franconia, where we can pick you up at the bus station. We are happy to assist with any questions you may have about travel.
Dorothy wrote the book Love Food that Loves You Back. We will serve a delicious organic plant-based menu. We serve eggs and fish on the side. We can accommodate gluten-free and avoid dairy. We will also accommodate your food allergies and intolerances.
Our yoga teachers are highly skilled. They manage the class so that people of all skill levels are satisfied and embraced. The goal of adding yoga is to help you relax, open up your creative spirit so you confidently move your book project forward.
No one writes a book in 4 days. Our objective is to have you map out your book and teach you a system to optimize publishing success.
Registration Requirements
This book writing retreat is open to writers of all levels, from beginner to professional. It is perfect for nonfiction writers, however, fiction writers have come and made enormous inroads. How do you know if you’re 'a writer'? Because you write and can tell stories. However, I only want you to come if you yearn to make a loving, creative commitment to yourself.
Cancellation Policy
Need to cancel after paying in full? If you cannot come in person for any reason, you'll be given a credit for Birth a Book services.You can apply that credit to the next retreat or event, private coaching, editing, or our membership service!
Want to chat it out? Contact the Birth a Book Team
Selected Books Published with The Birth a Book System:
In Kind: Consciously Craft a Meaningful Life and Career, Michael G. Neece
Storked!, K.C. Sanford
Mama, What Color is Your Love, Courtney Vasha and Shannon Hunt
Thyroid Talk: An Integrative Guide to Optimal Thyroid Health, Dr. Angela D. Mazza
It Shouldn’t Hurt to Nurse Your Baby: Breastfeeding solutions for the six most common causes of painful nipples, Lisa Paladino, RN
Balancing with Bunions: Untying the knots of life by reaching back to the past, Donna Sewell Davidge / Amrita
The Gifts From Losing You: Finding Meaning In Life While Living with Tragedy, Sara Green, RN, CHHC
Becoming a Big Brother or Sister: A New Baby Book for Siblings, Darlene Stango, RN
Christopher's Garden, Bridgid Gallagher Davies
My Next Husband Will Be a Lesbian, Pasha Marlowe
Being Boricua, Awilda & Mildred Rios
Driving Myself (Un)Crazy: Moving Through Social Anxiety (a work in progress), Cliff Holtermann
Lose Weight? Exercise More? I Think so!, Kristen Carter, MS
The Silver Christmas Tree, Robert Honor
Reset Your Relationship to Your Job: How to be Happy, Refreshed and Energized Right Now, Taylor Short
Awakening The Body of Wellness, Drema Lindie
Heal the Planet Heal Your Soul: Awaken Through Veganism, Renee Raia
Love Food That Loves You Back: Life Fully Nourished is Delicious, Dorothy Holtermann
33 Seeds of Grace, Susan G. Chamberlain, PhD
Life After Loss: Healing Piece by Peace, Maria Dellaventura
Only One Body: Your High End Manual For Keeping It In Good Repair, Dr. Matt Fontaine
The End of Try Try Again: Overcome Your Weight Loss and Exercise Struggles For Good, Kristen Carter, MS
Tales from the Jan Van: Lessons on Life & Camping, Jan Safford Kellis
A Job for Christina, Julie Navarrette