Writing from the Heart 2026

in-person writing retreat

June 3-7, 2026 | Courtenay, BC

Register now!

Writing may be a solo pursuit, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Your writing project began as the spark of an idea. Be it a non-fiction piece, a memoir, or a novel, this story has become your companion. You’re working to develop a plot, giving shape and voice to your characters as they navigate their world and one another. You draw on your personal experiences, learning more about yourself and the world around you as you write.
As you’ve journeyed deeper into your craft, you may have encountered a powerful inner voice that leaves you feeling unsteady and full of doubt. No one is going to want to read this, it warns you. Do you actually think you can pull it off? This is your inner critic, a deep part of you that anticipates failure and rejection.
This brings us to Writing from the Heart, my annual in-person retreat that offers community, trust, inspiration, and all the juicy ingredients you need to generate fresh writing, bring your words to a receptive and present audience, and have them received and reflected in their strength.

This retreat is an opportunity for you to gain confidence in your craft, grow your own writing community, and continue to write, refine, and share stories for years to come.

“It can be very emotional for me when people reflect what is strong in my writing–when they share what shimmers and what stands out, whether it's a word or a phrase. Growing up, I never thought I was funny, so putting humour in my writing feels vulnerable. Hearing someone say "that really cracked me up" helps solidify in me that I have a great sense of humour. It gives my writing confidence and purpose.”

"Marie has inspired me to write within a community, and to sit down and do the work. I love her focus groups where we can write in the presence of others. When I bring my project and we all begin to write, I find it easy to stay focused and interested. The hour flies by. I often continue to write after the session has ended, because I want to finish what I started."

“I used to write all alone. Writing in a small, trusted group is much better because it provides a safe space to share my vulnerabilities before anything goes public. To write a book is one thing and to put it into the world is another! Marie’s programs are spaces to learn from others’ pieces what matters and what doesn’t, learn how to trust, and grow the confidence to share with a wider audience.”

Meet Marie

As the author of the award winning creative memoir, The Chocolate Pilgrim: A Journey to Self-discovery and Transformation on the Camino de Santiago, Marie guides you to write the stories you’ve been longing to tell. Her ability to nurture each person and encourage sharing helps you find and develop your writing voice. Whether your writing project is a work in progress or undergoing revisions, Marie offers practices that take you the next step towards realizing your writing dreams.

What stands out is how Marie was vulnerable with us on the layer of showing up. She revealed her own fears. She leads the way where other facilitators struggle to show up. I could energetically feel the quality of her presence and support. It was another level of evolution. By articulating her own fears and desires, she amplified the energy in the group. Her energy ignites, shifts, and magnifies. She steps into the energy and commands it. She follows her guidance.

Tracy Griffiths

Location: Creekside Commons Cohousing, Courtenay, BC

I welcome you to my home community on stunning Vancouver Island. Just a twenty-minute drive from Comox Valley Airport, Creekside Commons is an incredibly special place, filled with serene and natural beauty.
Leave your vehicle behind at the entrance and meander down the walkways that connect cottage-style homes, bordered by gardens and vine-covered archways. Our multi-use common house, filled with comfy seating and privacy, is where our Writing from the Heart Retreat will take place.
You will have plenty of solo writing and creative time to explore the abundant orchards and vegetable gardens. Find a bench in a private corner and enjoy an abundance of songbirds and butterflies to keep you company as you contemplate and write. You can even walk our labyrinth, which is right outside my own home.
Creekside is nothing short of magical, and I have always felt a calming, creative energy here that I love to share with my writing circles. I’m looking forward to hosting you here.

Have questions before committing?

book a 30-minute discovery call

Retreat Structure

Pacific Standard Time

My writing retreats are spacious and connective, with plenty of space for solo writing and conversation, as well as sharing and receiving.

Day 1:

We meet in the late afternoon, for an opportunity to meet one another, learn about the retreat process, and begin our writing practice.

Days 2-4:

We open with a grounding, meditative practice every morning to set the tone. Once we have all checked in, the morning is dedicated to generating fresh writing. There is typically unscheduled time between lunch and 4:30 pm for your creative process. Later in the afternoon each day, you have an opportunity to receive feedback on your writing and provide reflections on other people’s writing. You may share what you generated in the morning, or part of a bigger project you’re working on.

Day 5:

On our final day, we meet in the morning to consolidate our learning, celebrate our wins, and identify important next steps in your writing journey. The retreat ends at lunch time, to allow for travellers to make their way home, or move on to their next Vancouver Island paradise.

In this retreat:

Commit to working on your developing body of work
Learn how to develop a sense of trust and safety as a gateway for more courageous creative expression
Learn how to address your inner critic
Allow your words to flow intuitively
Discover what is strong in your writing via reflections from attuned others
Connect with other writers to fuel your writing—and build relationships that last long after the retreat is over! This retreat is limited to 10 participants.

Included:

Not Included:
To keep the pricing accessible and simple, the retreat price does not include: