New Orleans, April 3-5, 2025
Imagine, getting away to dream about YOUR writing career.
Picture yourself escaping the hustle and bustle of life for a few days to dream about your life as a writer. Work with two experienced coaches to create a step-by-step plan. And connect with other writers for community and support in iconic New Orleans.
CLICK TO JOIN US IN NEW ORLEANSExpert Guidance
Spend three days with Dr. Brian Dixon and Dr. Zoe Shaw to dream and plan what your writing could look like.
Inspiring Guests
Hear from special guest teachers sharing their wisdom and insights.
Intimate Setting
Spaces are limited to ensure a small group experience, allowing for personalized attention and deep connections.
Writing Dream Retreat
Picture yourself getting away from the hustle and bustle of life to dream about your life as a writer. Work with two experienced coaches to create a step-by-step plan. And connect with other writers for community and support in a beautiful environment.
YOUR WRITING COACHES
BRIAN J. DIXON
Your Writing Mentor
Brian is an author, business coach, and marketing strategist with a doctoral degree in education technology from the University of San Diego. He helps authors, speakers, and aspiring messengers create a sustainable business by growing their platform and creating compelling online courses. His book, Start With Your People, submits that the secret to work you love and a life that matters is found in relationships.
ZOE SHAW
hope*writers Coach
Dr. Zoe Shaw is a Licensed Psychotherapist, Author, Speaker, and Complex Shame Expert. With over 20 years of experience in Clinical Psychology, she specializes in helping women overcome complex shame and co-dependency to achieve healthy relationships. As a mother of five, Dr. Zoe brings empathy and real-life understanding to her practice. She is the Hope*Writers coach, guiding aspiring authors to success. Dr. Zoe's unique blend of traditional therapy and life coaching empowers clients to transform their lives.
THE RETREAT SCHEDULE
Thursday, April 3rd
- Arrive in New Orleans
- 4pm Team Greeting
- 6pm Team Dinner
- 8pm Connection Time
Friday, April 4th
- (optional) Morning Beignets and Journaling
- 9am Workshop 1
- 11am Workshop 2
- 12pm Lunch with Team
- 2pm Workshop 3
- 4pm Introvert Break
- 5pm Team Excursion
- 6pm Team Dinner
- 8pm Team Connection
Saturday, Oct 12th
- (optional) Morning Beignets and Journaling
- 9am Workshop 4
- 11am Workshop 5
- 12pm Dismissal
- 1pm Travel Home
RETREAT LOCATION
Our Writing Dream Retreat is hosted at The Shop New Orleans, located at 900 Camp St 3rd floor, New Orleans. This beautiful space provides
an artfully-crafted workspace for our teaching, collaboration, and conversations during the retreat. Plus there's unlimited coffee and an amazing rooftop!
LODGING
Our recommended retreat hotel is Sonesta ES Suites New Orleans Convention Center, located at 345 St Joseph St, New Orleans, LA 70130. You can book on Expedia here. (Because this is a small event, we don't have a group rate available for the hotel.)
TRAVEL
We recommend flying into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on Wednesday, April 2nd, the day before the writing retreat begins. We'll meet at 4 p.m. for a welcome activity and a welcome dinner on Thursday, April 3rd. But you may want to give yourself the extra day to make sure that there are no travel complications. The Writing Dream Retreat will end promptly at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 5th. So booking a flight at 2 p.m. or later from New Orleans Airport is reasonable.
We know it's a big decision to finally commit to your goals, and to trust a small group of others to commit to you. But we've seen firsthand the powerful transformation that happens when a small group of leaders gathers together to support each other. If not now, then when?
IT'S DECISION TIME
FROM HERE YOU HAVE TWO OPTIONS:
1. Keep living the way you always have — on your own, unsure of your path, and uncertain of your next step.
2. Make the investment into your most important goals — get the training and encouragement you need, a simple path for your calling, and a community who'll be there for you the whole way.
No matter where you're starting from, we are here to support you in each stage of your journey.
What are you waiting for?
If fear is holding you back, it's time to tell yourself a different story. Let that new narrative start today.
Click the button and say YES to joining us. We can't wait to meet you!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many people will in attendance?
This will be a small group so we can make sure you have plenty of time to share and receiving coaching.
Does the retreat fee include travel and lodging?
No. You're $997 investment covers the coaching, training, and our first group dinner. You're responsible for your own travel, lodging, and other meals.
Can I skip the retreat and get a refund?
There are absolutely no refunds for any reason. No exceptions.
We understand the kinds of uncontrollable things that can come up and still, we will offer zero refunds. This is a firm line. We are not smart enough to be in the business of deciding and disagreeing over which reasons are refund-worthy and which are not. An important part of the retreat is to help you develop your "no matter what" muscle. One reason people fail to make progress is they can always find a very good reasons why they have to stop.
This is for writers committed to committing. When people leave themselves an out they usually end up taking it. We're all in and we want you to be, too!
Do you offer scholarships?
We do not offer scholarships at this time, though we do have several payment options available including both Klarna and Afterpay- so you can join now and pay later!
How can the Writing Dream Retreat benefit me?
This retreat is focused on helping YOU create a plan for your writing career. We'll help you dream bigger, build your plan, and see what is possible!