unsplash-image-hWRzlBGdDgo.jpg

Unblocked: Fall in Love With Writing Again 

Replenish Santa Fe Writing Retreat

April 30-May 2, 2026
with Jane Thatcher and Joy Sawyer

Santa Fe, NM
April 30-May 3, 2026
Thursday evening – Sunday morning

EARLY BIRD: $599

AFTER MARCH 30: $649​

The “Unblocked: Fall in Love with Writing Again” retreat is designed to help you find greater joy, freedom, skill, and purpose for your writing.

Through a combination of hands-on writing prompts, creative exercises, art-inspired activities, stimulating discussions, and spacious time to write, write, write. . .you might fall just fall in love with your writing again!

As part of our creative weekend, you’ll receive personalized, one-on-one coaching with Joy and Jane.

You’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy the gorgeous sunsets and desert beauty, delicious Mexican food, one-of-a-kind shopping, a visit to the Georgia O’Keeffe museum. You’ll leave our time refreshed, invigorated, and…replenished.

We’'ll meet in a charming Santa Fe-style house, a 10-minute walk to the Square. Find a place in Santa Fe to stay that fits your budget and sparks your inner creativity, and we’ll provide the rest!

$599.00 $649.00

Santa Fe, NM
April 30-May 3, 2026
Thursday evening – Sunday morning​

EARLY BIRD: $599

AFTER MARCH 30: $649

Retreat Schedule

  • 6 pm: Wine & Cheese meet and greet

    • Prime your inner writer for a weekend of creative inspiration and get to know your writing tribe!

    • We'll also have a sign-up sheet for 20-min coaching sessions to be held throughout the weekend

  • .‍ 9:30 am-12 pm:“Unblocked: Play and Risk Workshop

    The power of flow, risk, and play for the writer

    . 12 pm-1 pm:Lunch (on your own)

    . 1 pm: OPTIONAL Continued Art-Play Workshop with Jane

    Explore other creative mediums to enrich and deepen your storytelling

    . 1 pm-5 pm: Writer’s Choice

    Contined writing time, hiking, shopping, museum-hopping…or maybe even a nap!

    . 5:30 pm: OPTIONAL dinner together in Santa Fe

    . 7:30-9 pm: Evening Writing Time

    Creative space to both write and share your work with others

    ‍ ‍

  • 9:30 am-12 pm Unblocked: The Joy of Creative Self-Discovery

    . Unlock your creative voice and fall in love with storytelling again

    12-1 pm Lunch (on your own)

    1-5 pm Writer’s Choice

    . Shopping? Museums? Strolling? Writing? Ahhhh….

    6 pm Dinner, poetry reading, and music performance provided by Joy & Jane

  • 9:30-12 pm Unblocked: Creative Juice for the Writing Journey

    . Brainstorm on how to develop a consistent creative practice, grow in your skills as a writer, begin and finish your projects—and sharing your work with the world

    Leave refreshed and inspired for the writing journey ahead!

  • Cost

    EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: $599

  • ​Cancellation policy

    Coming Soon!

  • Places to Stay

    There are loads of wonderful hotels, motels, Airbnbs, and VRBOs in Santa Fe!

QUESTIONS? REACH OUT!

  • Joy’s “Writing from the Soul” retreat was a truly profound and unexpected gift. She cultivates an environment that encourages genuine inquiry and thoughtful exploration, all while guiding you forward in your writing process. She is a rare and remarkable soul.

    BECKY HENSLEY

  • If you are looking for renewed energy for your creative project, you are certain to find it by spending a weekend retreat with Joy! I’ve found new ideas, inspiration, and passion for my writing in many of Joy’s retreats, and I always walk away with both new vision and immense gratitude.

    OLIVIA SIMON

  • Joy guided us through a schedule filled with energizing activities and thoughtful conversation. My writing skills improved that weekend, because Joy always shines a light on what’s working in my pieces, and gives me useful guidance about craft. As a result of the retreat, I found the motivation and courage to keep moving forward on my creative journey.

    MAGGIE MILLER

  • I’m not a writer but I thoroughly enjoyed this retreat. I found that by exploring a different art form, it helped with creativity in other areas of life. I came away feeling grounded, open, and refreshed from having met such wonderful women, and from exploring parts of myself I tend to ignore in the rush of daily life. I would encourage others to allow themselves to experience these retreats as well.

    ROXANN LLOYD

More Retreats

  • Writing from the Soul at the Benet Hills Monastery

    Give yourself a deeply soul-nourishing writing retreat in a Colorado forest monastery imbued with spirit, peace, and magic.

    READ MORE & REGISTER

  • Santa Fe, New Mexico

    Historic adobe charm, vibrant art culture, and nearby desert hot springs create a powerful haven for writers seeking inspiration and renewal.

    MORE INFO COMING SOON...

  • Oregon Wine Country

    In a relaxed and gorgeous setting in southern Oregon, we'll savor wine and cheese tastings  

    MORE INFO COMING SOON...

  • Beach Paradise

    For those looking for a more intensive writing and relaxation experience.

    MORE INFO COMING SOON...

  • Nurturing the Writer's Soul in Glenwood Spring, CO

    Are you a writer who needs a creative boost? Struggles to unearth your unique voice? Craves some tender care and R & R? This is a retreat to reignite your creative spirit!

    READ MORE & REGISTER