Outer Banks Excursion: Winter Writers at the Beach 2025

REGISTRATION includes 5 workshops, 7 meals, and 3 nights of lodging 

Immerse yourself in creativity at the Writers at the Beach retreat. This all-inclusive experience blends community writing, workshops, and individual time for focused revision and creation.

Escape the daily grind and reconnect with your writing in a supportive and inspiring atmosphere. 

Over four days, you'll:

• Develop your craft with seasoned instructor, writer, and editor Cindy Cunningham.
• Generate new work, revise existing pieces, and share feedback with fellow writers.
• Enjoy delicious meals catered by a private chef (except Friday dinner).
• Relax and recharge in a spacious vacation home with stunning beach views.

This retreat is perfect for writers of all levels seeking to take their work to the next level. Join us and unlock the power of your writing by the sea!

Monthly payment plans available.

Do you write better in community?

Join a vibrant community of writers, readers, and thinkers at our beachfront retreat. Whether you're a seasoned wordsmith or a story-filled newcomer, this is your chance to:

• Break free from writer's block: Reignite your spark in a supportive environment.
• Build your writing practice: From blank page to blossoming project, we'll guide you.
• Connect with like minds: Discuss process, product, and the magic of storytelling.
• Recharge and rediscover: Fall in love with writing all over again.

This retreat is for anyone who craves:

• Community: Share your passion with other writers and passionate readers.
• Inspiration: Ocean views and a supportive group will spark your creativity.
• Growth: Learn new techniques and refine your craft alongside others.
• Renewal: Find the joy in writing again and embrace the journey.

Ready to write, connect, and rediscover your voice? Join us this winter!

Perfect for Gatherings: Best of My Love

This grand estate boasts stunning ocean views from the great room, with ample dining (and writing) space, and a chef's dream kitchen featuring a 6-burner gas stove, double ovens, and pantry.

Find creative inspiration and relaxation indoors at the Irish pub room, rec room, or 15-seat theater with a 65” screen. Head outside for a soak in the hot tub, relax in the cabana's sitting area, or enjoy the ocean breeze from the gazebo.

Beachfront Bliss: Step directly onto the beach from the private walkway. Breathe in the salty air and soak up the winter sun.

Effortless Access: An elevator whisks you between levels, simplifying luggage and grocery transport.

General Amenities:

• High-Speed WiFi  
• Fireplace 
• Hot Tub
• Beds Made & Linen Provided  
• Washers and Dryers 
• Non-smoking
• Central air & heat, fully stocked kitchen w/coffee maker, decks/deck furniture, TVs with at least streaming capability, iron, ironing board) 
• Rec Room/Irish Pub - Pool Table, Shuffleboard Table,  Poker/Game Table, Wet Bar w/ Full Refrigerator, Dishwasher and Ice-maker, Sitting Area, Sleep Sofa Bed, Deck Access 
• VIEW A Video of the property

🌺 " I built a whole community in 3 days -- that's not something a person gets to do every week. As someone whose depression/anxiety seemingly holds her back at turn after turn, your retreat enabled me to stand on the verge of creating something. That was such a welcome and refreshing break from the norm! I attribute the encouraging atmosphere to your listening skills, to the joy/whimsy that you exude when you are among writers (maybe elsewhere as well :)), and to the writers that you attract !" – Libby, Writers at the Beach 2024

🌺 "We all enjoyed a restorative 4 days in a magnificent beach house whose panoramic view of the ocean was dazzling, especially in the morning. The lack of pressure from Cindy, who offered us our choice of level of involvement, encouraged my desire not only to edit but to rest! I did both, and actually finished four sections of my book.  Cindy also offered a number of group sessions, including group writing periods… very helpful and encouraging.  I look forward to any other retreats Cindy puts together, and I would gladly return." -- Donna C, Writers at the Beach 2024

In order to provide a safe environment for all attendees, all retreat attendees should be vaccinated against COVID-19.   Masks are optional.  

We reserve the right to cancel a retreat due to low enrollment or other circumstances that may compromise the event or safety of others. If we cancel a retreat, you will be offered a full refund. 

If an event has to be postponed for any reason (this would be VERY unusual), you will have the option to receive a full refund or transfer your registration to the same event at the new, future date.

A minimum deposit is required to secure your spot. To pay the balance, you may choose a monthly payment plan or to pay the full amount at the time of booking. Partial payments are accepted.

Deposit refund schedule:

• Nonrefundable UNLESS we find a replacement (or you transfer your spot.) 

With a replacement: 

• 90% refund for cancellation 60+ days before retreat start date.
• 75% refund for cancellation 30-59 days before retreat start date.
• 0% deposit refund for cancellation 0-29 days before retreat start date.

Remaining Balance:

• Remaining balance is due 30 days before the retreat start date. (Contact Cindy at cindy@wellspringwritingco.com for questions.)
• If paid at the time of booking, a full refund of the remaining balance is available up to 30 days before your retreat start date (minus the deposit.)
• If you cancel 0-29 days before your retreat start date, the remaining balance is not refundable, but you may transfer it--meaning you can find someone to take and pay you for your slot. Contact Cindy for any questions.  

Attendees may arrive any time after 4:00. 

Settle in and write, walk the beach, relax.

5:30-6:00 Appetizers and Meet and Greet

6:30  Dinner (Private Chef will cater meals.)

7:30 Introductions, Setting Intentions, and Guided Writing

NOTE: This retreat is intended for GROUP writing, sharing, and feedback. There will be individual time to write, relax, and read, but the focus is on building a solid community of writers.

Eat breakfast at your own time and pace. (Breakfast provided.)

10:00 - 12:00 Community Writing guided by Cindy. Group writing is intended to strengthen the bond among the group as well as to provide inspiration for individuals. Prompts and directions provided.

Noon Lunch (Provided).* Feel free to eat with the group or take your lunch "to go" and begin your individual writing time.

Afternoon: Independent writing, resting, beach-combing, shopping; Pre-arranged one-on-one meetings with Cindy

6:30 p.m. Dinner (We will head into town for a group--optional--dinner at a local restaurant. Cost not included in retreat fee.)

Folks may opt to socialize when we return--or hit the writing again (or sleep!) 

Sunrise-9:00 Spend the early morning sleeping, walking on the beach, writing morning pages.

Eat breakfast at your own time and pace. (Provided.)  

9:30-11:30 Everyone gathers for a Group Writing Session--Writing a Triptych.

12-1:00 Lunch (Provided.)

Afternoon:  Write on Your Own. Walk, Meditate, Eat chocolate and read a book, Shop.

Individual Meetings with Cindy (pre-scheduled via Add ons):

3-5:00 Optional Session such as Editing Approaches, Collage, Submitting to an Agent, etc. More details to come!

6:00 Dinner (Provided.)

7:00 - 9:00  Post-dinner "Writing Social" Details to come!

Spend the morning packing, walking, doing yoga, eating breakfast (Provided.)

9:30-11:00 Closing. Final group-write and share. We will wrap up the weekend, finalize our thoughts, and set intentions for post-retreat writing.

Saying goodbye (with sadness for the weekend's end but joy for the inspiration gained!)

Check out by noon unless you have added an additional night.

There will be no structured activities unless you ask me to hold a writing session (which I will happily provide--no extra cost.) If you add an individual session with me, I will probably hold it during these extra days (when it's less busy.) 

You are free to come and go as you please! 

My intentions for the two extra days: revise what I have written and enjoy the beach a little. I may also seek out seafood.