Last updated on March 14th, 2026 at 05:30 pm
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
If you travel or live cross-culturally, you have a tale or two (or twenty) to tell. We explorers aren’t alone. Market research shows that 81% of Americans believe they should write a book, and 60 – 70% want to write a memoir. So why do only 15% start one? And why do 97% never finish?
We know why.
Every aspiring writer or pro author bumps against barriers when we try to finish a story, hone our craft, or sustain a creative life. In my new course, Lessons from Master Writers for Crafting Your Best Travel/Expat Story, we clear those hurdles:
- “I don’t have time.”
- “I don’t have the energy.”
- “I don’t have the talent/creativity. My work won’t be good, and I’ll be judged.”
- “If I write about trauma, I’ll just be sad.”
- “If I tell my truth, I’ll offend someone.”
- “Writing my story is too overwhelming. I don’t know how or where to begin.”
Writing a memoir can be overwhelming. Thus, we start with the first step. The course walks you through writing one compelling, poignant chapter, personal essay, or blog post. You can do the modules at your own pace, but I’ve designed a DIY Writing Retreat blueprint you can see in the FREE Module 1 lesson. Research shows that writing for a quality stretch of time in a carefully planned space IS the “Grand Gesture” for fast-tracking productivity, inspiring creativity, and transforming your creative life. Like writers who do my retreats in person, you can begin, shape, edit, and finish your story within a week.
Learn more here:
See full course description, syllabus, student reviews, and 2 FREE lessons in Module 1 here.
In the first FREE lesson linked above, get tips for planning a solo DIY retreat at home, at a favorite spot, or in your dream destination. In the video below, I’ve suggested locations you might enjoy based on your personality, travel trends, and research on creativity. The beauty of a DIY retreat is that you choose where and when you’ll do it based on your schedule, price, and preferences.
If you’re not into writing but want to see destination suggestions based on your enneagram number and other interests, skip ahead to 06:57 in the video.
Stay tuned for future writing retreats I’ll lead in person. I hope you’ll join me! But for now, I want to make what I offer accessible. Happy writing!
