Her Spirit Story Summit:
Celebrating the Light Within
December 4 - 8, 2022
La Fonda Hotel, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Magic, wonder, community, awakening, joy, beauty, sacredness, passion, love.
AWE.
That's what we felt at last year's very first Her Spirit women's writing retreat.
Awe for the connections made, the stories shared, the truths told, the secrets spilled and the hearts that opened wide.
Through the writing, the workshops, the sharing and the community, we could see each other's light. The light that some of us felt had dimmed or faded, and the light that we wanted to turn on, turn up, and shine even brighter.
Her Spirit is all about your light—the light within you. When women show up and stretch their hearts wide open, we all fall in love with ourselves and one another. We fall in love with your voice, your words, and the goodness manifesting in you.
This December, we'll have new faces, wonderfully familiar faces, new stories to share, new workshops to attend, and a bounty of joy to spread around.
If you were with us at last year's extraordinary event, please join us again! And if you're coming to Her Spirit for the first time, we will welcome you to the magic of Santa Fe at the holidays, and the light that is here for you to discover within.
This is your time to step away from the hectic holiday season and re-connect with your voice, your passion, your purpose.
Truly, Her Spirit is magic. When we come together and raise our voices as creative beings, we can speak of joy, heartache, and what it means to be human. You can learn about creativity and craft and feel the spark of creativity ignite and blaze—once again or for the very first time.
It’s everything you’d want in a gathering of women. A beautiful setting, Extraordinary faculty who are dedicated to creating a safe, intimate experience for you, and opportunities to discover something new so you can leave loving yourself and your creativity even more.
Here’s how the retreat will unfold.
Her Spirit is part craft, part self-discovery. We’ll start Sunday night with a welcome reception and keynote. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, we’ll offer large group sessions, breakouts, free time and an evening activity. Wednesday night we’ll have an evening of appreciation, and Thursday morning we’ll say farewell over breakfast.
We’ll talk about reclaiming your voice through your writing, deepening your relationships, finding the heart of the story in you.
How do you find universal themes for your writing? How do you heal your past by telling your story? How can you and other creative women emerge as leaders, owning the power of your work?
This year, we're adding exciting new elements to the program:
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Marta F. Kauffman, co-creator of Friends and Grace and Frankie, will be our keynote speaker Sunday night,
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Screenwriter Joany Kane and documentarian Kate Blewett will provide more expertise about writing for film.
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We'll have a panel discussion and continuing conversation about mental health, advocacy and self care—topics important to all of us as creative and powerful women.
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You'll have more flexibility in your afternoon schedule for workshops, writing, rest, or exploring Santa Fe.
You’ll write, you’ll share, you’ll move and stretch and remember. You’ll connect with the deepest layers of who you are as a writer and as a woman. And you’ll do it all in one of the most celebrated cities of the Southwest, at one of the most beautiful times of the year.
A special note: Her Spirit nurtures and celebrates the artistry within every woman, whether you consider yourself a writer or not. If you long to explore your creativity, please come. You will find a home here.
We’ll gather at the historic La Fonda Hotel
in the heart of Santa Fe.
The hotel itself is a character in this retreat’s story. A fixture on the plaza in downtown Santa Fe, it features the best of the American Southwest, with vibrant decor and authentic New Mexican architecture. The guest rooms are beautifully appointed with original artwork, handcrafted New Mexican furniture and luxury amenities.
From the rooftop meeting space where we’ll hold some of our sessions, you can hear the bells of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and see the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the background. And just wandering through the hotel is an experience in itself, with artwork from local artisans on display around every corner.
The location is ideal—easy to reach from the Albuquerque Airport, and just steps from some of Santa Fe’s best galleries, museums and gift shops.
Please note: Her Spirit participants are encouraged to get vaccinated and boosted against Covid before arriving in Santa Fe. Masks will not be required but are recommended for extra protection. The La Fonda Hotel is in full compliance with the World Health Organization, the CDC and the New Mexico Department of Health. Click here for more details about the hotel's COVID protocol.
Register now!
Your registration includes heavy appetizers at our Sunday evening reception, hot breakfast each morning, buffet lunch each day, and a special farewell dinner Wednesday night. The evening meal on Monday and Tuesday are on your own.
It also includes all Her Spirit presentations and sessions, including complimentary morning meditations and other experiences to restore and renew your spirit. Alcohol, spa treatments, and travel expenses are on your own.
Please note—this is an important change from last year: The conference fee, below, does not include your lodging.
We set it up this way so you can choose where you want to stay. La Fonda has given us an extraordinary rate of $159/night, but we want you to be free to make arrangements at other places if you prefer.