POCONO MOUNTAIN BOOK WRITING RETREAT

Time to Write Your Book: A Peaceful & Productive Retreat in The Mountains

Milanville, PA - May 25th-29th, 2024

- Create Fully Recharged -

A Five-Day Writing Retreat Supported by Experienced Guides, Healthy Food & Daily Yoga.

Yes, you do have a book in you. This is your opportunity to embrace the time to write it.

Your story, message, or book is uniquely yours and only you can bring it to life. But what's truly 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 wish to communicate.

Join us for a transformative retreat in the scenic Pocono Mountains, where our team, acclaimed in The Write Life's list of "Incredible Writing Retreats" for five consecutive years, will guide and support you.

Here, we aim not only to tackle your writing challenges but also to offer a sanctuary where you can relax, rejuvenate, and recalibrate your focus.

In our fast-paced world filled with endless opportunities, staying ahead is paramount. With the dawn of A.I. reshaping content creation, mastering its potential becomes pivotal. We're poised to help you harness its advantages while navigating its challenges. It's a season for introspection, to reevaluate our intentions and to discern what we genuinely want to share.

Birth a Book Coaches with the Fall 2023 Retreat Participants

Whether you've attended previous writing retreats (ours or others) or this is your first experience, our retreat is distinct. We place a heightened emphasis on writing, sharing your work, and the art of performing book readings.

If you identify as a writer, educator, healer, or a health & wellness advocate, know that your words harbor the power to inspire and to guide – not just for yourself, but for many others.

Embarking on your book-writing journey might be the transformative step you need. At our retreat, we'll delve deep into refining your book's purpose and elevating your voice, ensuring that you depart with the conviction and clarity needed to embark on your publishing voyage.

Hi, I am Dorothy Holtermann, founder of Birth a Book and a seasoned book coach.

Throughout my career, I've had the honor of guiding hundreds of authors along their creative journeys. I've grappled with the unique challenges you may be facing right now - trying to write your book while also taking care of yourself can feel like an uphill battle.

Recognizing this struggle, I created the Birth a Book System retreat program. This special space is designed to foster your creativity while simultaneously encouraging self-care.

As a retreat leader and the author of the best-selling book "Love Food That Loves You Back," I've personally witnessed the transformative power of words. My book has touched thousands of lives, and it stands as a testament to what you can achieve with the right guidance and support.

Becoming a published author opened a world of rich opportunities for me, boosting my career in incredible and rewarding ways. I am eager to help you experience the same sort of transformation.

However, it's crucial to remember that my writing journey wasn't always smooth. There were times when I felt lost, frustrated, and painfully alone. I am committed to ensuring you won't have to face these struggles. As your guide on the path to publishing your dream book, I will provide you with the support, guidance, and inspiration you so rightly deserve and need.

Register now!

Write Your Book Surrounded by Nature.

View from the retreat center.

The retreat will be held in the scenic Upper Delaware River Valley, in the Pocono Mountains foothills. We will be surrounded by a 1,300-acre forest, situated just a stone’s throw from Calkins Creek and a couple of hours from both New York City and Philadelphia.

Take a Virtual Tour :

Write Your Book in a Peaceful Retreat Center.

This intimate experience will be hosted at The Barn and Retreat Center at Boyds Mills. The property is rich in family history, and a wonderful place that feeds the mind, body, and soul. The majority of our group time will be held at The Farmhouse, where we will gather for classes throughout the day.

Write Your Book Well Rested.

The Lodge

Cabins

You will either be staying in a private cabin or within a room in The Lodge. Each cabin is equipped with its own mini fridge, coffee maker, private bathroom and outdoor seating area. The Lodge has 8 bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom, as well as a shared common area with a snack kitchen, large living room, writing room and contemplative porch with rocking chairs.

Housing Options & Pricing

Write Your Book Fueled by Delicious Food & Delightful People.

We will be served farm-style meals with local ingredients and specialties: everything from herbs snipped fresh from the garden, to eggs from nearby farms, to bread and pastries from local bakeries. Full meals are served three times a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and there will be refreshments and snacks available around the clock in designated areas. Most of the meals will be served buffet–style in The Barn.

what Nicki has to say:

"I am so much further ahead

on my book than I thought possible"

"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

what Linda has to say:

"I got out of my head...and got instant feedback

that was real, grounded and helpful."

"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

Previous Birth a Book Retreats

Dorothy welcoming retreat guests with snacks & local tourist information

Clementina leading class in the retreat library

Jessy leading a performance coaching session in the yoga center

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!"

Beth Bolwerk, Copy Editor

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.

She is a marvel at helping everyday writers like you create extraordinary written content that changes the minds and hearts of readers.

She is also the founder of The Clementina Collective, where no one writes alone and everyone values the power of a well-told story.

"Clementina is a brilliant and compassionate cheerleader who instills the confidence needed to write a book I'll be proud to publish soon."

Sandy Mucci, Community Advocate

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"! She 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."

Colleen Foley, Restaurant owner

This isn’t your typical writing retreat.

This writing retreat's sole aim isn't writing. This is a retreat that’s goal is to reach deep inside yourself and get you on your way to writing and publishing the book that is going to impact your life, your career, and your income.

You are welcome to join even if you are confused, or even clueless about book writing. No matter what your reason is for wanting to write a book, or what level of clarity you have now, you will leave clear and confident on your way to becoming a published author.

This Retreat Is For You If...

You long to get your book writing project to the next step and learn what you need to know to get your book published.
You could use a big dose of self-nurturing and a life adventure.
You enjoy hanging out with smart, loving, supportive people, creating and sharing big ideas.
You’ve just decided you want to write a book, been putting it off for years, need to rework a book you have already published, or you’re writing your 10th book. Great! This is a “welcome-all-authors” retreat!
You are a coach, wellness professional, teacher, or someone who wants to inspire others. You long to get your message out into the world.
You are ready to embrace more career opportunities, more personal and financial freedom.
You are ready to enjoy sharing what you know and feel proud about making your contribution.

Register now!

What Will the Day to Day Actually Look Like?

Day 1: Welcome & Introduction

12:00 PM: Begin your retreat journey with a delectable, health-centric buffet lunch. Savor a selection thoughtfully prepared with your wellness in mind.

12:30 PM - 3:00 PM: After lunch, acquaint yourself with the retreat team and take a leisurely stroll around the calming retreat grounds. Let the gentle hum of the bubbling brook or the meditative atmosphere of the word rock garden soothe your spirit as you await check-in.

3:00 PM: Find comfort in your room and discover your personal haven for the ensuing five days.

4:00 PM: As evening nears, you'll be ushered into the world of Dorothy Holtermann, the founder of Birth a Book. Immerse yourself in an introductory class where Dorothy elucidates the invaluable "Birth a Book System" – your blueprint for the retreat and beyond. Immediately after, you'll connect with Clementina, our revered writing professor, who will set the stage for her sessions with you. . Her sessions promise inspiration, camaraderie, and the opportunity to share your writings within the supportive embrace of the group.

5:30 PM: As the sun sets, connect to celebrate the evening, starting with appetizers, followed by a delightful farm to table dinner that includes a complementary glass of wine or beer.

7:00 PM: The day concludes with an enchanting session by Jessy, our in-house performance maestro. An actress and award-winning filmmaker, Jessy imparts the art of breathing life into your words. Brace yourself for a transformative experience.

Days 2 - 4: Deep Dive into Writing & Performance

Early Mornings: Start each day with a refreshing ramble by the brook, a perfect setting to reflect, connect with fellow attendees, and gather inspiration from the natural beauty surrounding you.

Post-Ramble: Enjoy a rejuvenating breakfast at 8 am, setting the right tone for a day filled with writing, creativity, and learning.

Late Mornings: After your foundational writing lesson with Dorothy, indulge in a session of yoga. Stretch, breathe, and find your center amidst the tranquil surroundings.

Afternoons: After lunch at noon, quiet writing time, tailored writing sessions await you. Dive deep into your craft, share your progress, solicit feedback, and cherish the camaraderie with our writing professor, Clementina Esposito!

Evenings: Appetizers followed by dinner starts at 5:30 and once it concludes, it's time for your rendezvous with Jessy. Refine your performance skills, learning to infuse your written words with emotion, poise, and fervor.

Day 5 : Move Forward!

Enjoy a final nature walk, and breakfast, and then join the group for a final Sacred Circle Session to set your intentions to bring your writing into the world, leaving with new found friendships, clarity and confidence to move forward!

Register now!

What Catherine & Heather have to say :

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

What You Will Discover

Dorothy's step-by-step method to get your book written and professionally published.
How to avoid the common pitfalls most first-time authors succumb to due to inexperience.
How to discover your target audience and connect with people wanting or needing the message you wish to share.
How to best utilize your book to enhance your professional and personal credibility and help make you into an "author-ity" on the topics you know and love so well.
How to write more compelling copy!

what Mary has to say:

"The humor, the fun, the tears, [and] the camaraderie have been one of the best experiences in my entire life"

"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

what Michael has to say:

"I’m really blown away and can’t wait to work with the team more and I can’t wait to show the world my book"

"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

Pervious Birth a Book Retreat group gathering

What Will You Actually Get Out of This Week?

You’ll feel happy and supported and feel joy! You will laugh out loud often.
You’ll feel less alone. Do you worry you will not fit in? That will not happen. We work in a big loving community where you will be embraced.
You’ll get to rest. To renew. To deeply recharge and reconnect to your strength and energy.
You’ll get fresh new perspective on your book and maybe your life.
You’ll disengage from habits of mind and body that don’t serve you.
And oh my, you’ll get the pleasure of being heard, appreciated and cared for. You will not have to lift a finger to cook, clean, or take care of anyone else. This sacred time out will be just for you!
You’ll get your book writing project moved forward to the next level and fully planned in all its steps from the magical to the mundane.

What Diana & Donna have to say :

I experienced growth in more ways than I ever expected. The accommodations were perfect! Simple and beautiful. I made friendships I would never have made on my own, and developed a broader view of myself as a writer, and now I see ways I can write my book as my legacy.

Diana Bateman

The instructors at this retreat were the perfect trifecta with Dorothy, Clementina, and Jessy! I got clarity on my current manuscript as well as ideas for my future book writing projects. The retreat was a perfect combination of interaction, workshops, one-on-one coaching, yoga, and downtime.

Melanie Kitzan

Pocono Mountain Retreat

includes:

5 Days / 4 Nights Accommodations
4 nourishing banquet breakfasts
4 farm-to-table lunches
4 farm-to-table 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!

plus

Plenty of time to write and explore nature

Here are the options :

PRIVATE CABIN

Enjoy your own private cabin! Includes outdoor porch with seating, bathroom, mini fridge and coffee maker.

4 pay option :

$895 / 4 months

1 pay option :

$2,995

(saves $585)

THE LODGE

Get cozy in The Lodge! Includes a private room with a private bathroom. Kitchen and gathering spaces are communal.

4 pay option :

$895 / 4 months

1 pay option :

$2,995

(saves $585)

2 PARTICIPANTS

Two participants, one private room with a private bathroom within The Lodge - perfect for couples, family or friends.

4 pay option :

$1,200 / 4 months

1 pay option :

$3,995

(saves $805)

Register now!

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 registration? If you cannot come in person for any reason, you'll be given a credit for Birth a Book services minus a $400 transfer fee.You can apply that credit to the next retreat or event, private coaching, editing, or our mentorship service!

FAQs

Do I need to be a professional writer to attend ?

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.

Will I fit in?

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. If you are kind and want to be of service to the world, you will fit in!

How do I get there?

Most people will come by car. The retreat center is about a 2 hour drive from New York City or Philadelphia. You can fly to Newark or Wilkes-Barre Airports. Airport shuttle bus services are sometimes available for a fee, as well as shuttle buses from nearby bus stops. We are happy to assist with any questions you may have about travel.

How much progress should I expect to make in writing my book?

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. The Pocono retreat will also offer plenty of quiet writing time to set the stage for significant writing progress.

What kind of food will be served?

Dorothy wrote the book Love Food that Loves You Back. She chose this retreat center because, among other things, the food is farm to table and delicious! We can accommodate vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free diets. We will also accommodate your food allergies and intolerances.

Do I have to be experienced in yoga?

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.

Selected Books Published with The Birth a Book System: