Love to write? Have a project you're working on or dreaming up?

Come to Center.

No need to be a pro (and you're welcome if you are!). If you're working on a blog post series, a new Substack, a magazine pitch, or a small book of memories to give your mom for her birthday, Come to Center with Steph and Maia is for you. If you want to add a dash of magic to your newsletter or deepen your journaling practice, you're in the right place!

DATES: Friday, September 19th - Monday, September 22nd, 2025

The approximate start time on Friday, September 19th is 5:30 pm PST. The approximate end time on Monday, September 22nd is 3:30 pm PST.

LOCATION: Steph’s home at Blis Apartments on Bainbridge Island, WA (located in the heart of downtown Bainbridge Island, or a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle).

Note: Address to be provided upon booking. 

Imagine a glass building close to the edge of the water with plenty of bright nooks and cozy fireplaces for writing. Imagine breaks and pauses for creative reflection by way of walking trails, quaint coffee shops, and ocean shorelines. You'll be floating on an island packed with creative energy where the biggest distractions are the hummingbirds and an adorable dog.

PRICING: $2,147 USD total (including a $747 USD non-refundable deposit to hold your space).

Pricing includes all programming, dinner on Friday, lunch, snacks, and coffee/tea throughout the day Saturday through Monday. Pricing is not inclusive of overnight accommodations or travel to and from our retreat location. There are nearby VRBOs and AirBnBs to suit a multitude of tastes and budgets. With permission, we will share the names and contacts of people who would like to share accommodations and/or daily transport options. 

DETAILS:

• Sink into a three-day immersion with an intimate (6 people max.) and supportive group of writers. Whether you're exploring writing as a way to live more deeply, leaning into the unfurling of a new essay series, blog, or newsletter launch, or many pages into a manuscript, this retreat will invite you to come to center, align with yourself and your deepest truths, and provide an expanse from which to pour your best words onto the pages.

• Join twice daily group sessions and a mid-day touchpoint, all of which will be led by Steph and Maia, both experienced authors and retreat leaders. Our mornings will start with the creation of intent and focus, our mid-day touch points will breath fresh energy into your work, and our evening sharing circles will give you the chance to come to the center of community and learn from one another’s wisdom. 

• Lunches will be simple and hearty.  And, if you are like Maia and always have a hot cuppa something in your hand, we'll keep the kettle simmering. 

  Note: We will check-in about food preferences, restrictions, and allergies upon booking. 

• Friday evening and Monday afternoon will include opening and closing creative rituals with a dash of spell casting. 

SCHEDULE:

• Friday, September 19th, 5:30pm: Meet us for dinner! We'll get to know each other, set our intentions, and fill our hearts and bellies.

• Saturday, September 20th through Monday, September 22nd: We'll start at Blis around 8:30 or 9:00am. There will be coffee! Look forward to twice-daily sessions and once-daily touchpoints, masterfully woven into a day of expansive space within which you can sink into your pages. 

  Outside of sessions and touchpoints, Maia and Steph will be available throughout the day for advice on pages, expert prompts, and ideas on next steps. 

  Lunch will be simple (Maia makes a mean soup and Steph is the master of salads!) and then we are back to work. Need a break? There are wooded trails and a beach not too far to help clear your mind. Around 4pm we'll brew the tea, pull out the wine, and circle up for some sharing.  

• Monday, September 22nd: After our final stretch of writing in the morning and a nourishing lunch, we’ll move to our closing ritual.

HOW TO JOIN US

STEP #1: Place your deposit! Your final payment will be due August 19, 2025.

STEP #2: You'll get Steph’s address and she will be in touch with anything you might need help with.

STEP #3: Book your flight (if need be). Seattle International is the closest airport.

STEP #4: Whisper to your pages that you’ll be with the oh-so-soon.

Space is limited to 6 people so grab your spot now!

All deposit payments are non-refundable. 

Testimonials: