My first creative writing retreat with Julie took place in Merida, Mexico in December 2022. A few days ago, I returned from Costa Rica, my sixth retreat with Julie. I'm also scheduled for the seventh. Why do I keep returning? Because Julie provides a kind, engaging, and inclusive environment at each retreat that makes it easy for new participants to blend in and for repeat participants to learn something new each time we return. Julie is not only an attentive, technically skilled instructor, but she is a wonderful human being who works incredibly hard to ensure that each participant feels comfortable and valued. In each workshop session, she gives us guidance and writing prompts that stimulate the imagination and challenge us to approach writing in varied ways. We have opportunities to share our writing, then receive feedback. Julie arranges optional excursions that help us to build group rapport and have fun, too! I've attended Julie's retreats in all three locations. Although each location is beautiful and quite different from the others, I highly recommend any one of them as a way to learn and sharpen your writing skills. You will also have a chance to forge meaningful friendships with a wonderful community of writers. Happy writing, everyone! read more