I wanted to be a writer as far back as I can remember. Later, I gathered up a yellow legal pad and pencil and climbed atop a neighbor’s woodpile and pretended it was a secluded writing cabin. 

I finally achieved my dream of having a real writing cabin in the woods and for a weekend, it could also be yours. 

I’ve been a professional freelance writer and adjunct instructor for over two decades and I delight in sharing my property with others and helping you find your muse. 

My Living Large Writing Retreats do both! 

I offer the opportunity to visit the very rural Ozark Mountains and spend a relaxing weekend (Friday afternoon/evening – Sunday completing writing exercises, talking with me around a campfire (weather permitting), communing over meals, walking a country road, creating art and journaling.

Or, if you just want a weekend in nature on your own, you can choose to come and plan your own activities.

Sleeping accommodations: You will be staying in The Belle Creative Studio (pictured), which includes a very comfortable full-sized futon bed, and a private bath. The studio has a microwave, small refrigerator, and coffee maker (I have filters. You provide your own coffee).

• Option 1 Retreat: Accommodations only. Friday afternoon/evening-Sunday at 1 p.m. on your own in the woods. You provide your own food and drinks. You will receive a written document of tips and resources. $250 for the entire weekend.
• Option 2 Retreat: Accommodation, planned activities that will include sitting by the fire (weather permitting), communing over provided meals (Friday night supper, Saturday brunch, and supper and Sunday brunch before you leave by 1 p.m.), journaling, writing exercises, walking, and art projects. You will receive a written document of tips and resources. I will also provide a writing journal, art materials, and a special gift. Cost: $350 for the entire weekend.
• Option 3 Retreat: Instead of arriving on Friday afternoon, come on Thursday night. After brunch on Friday, you will tour the beauty of the Ozark Mountain region in which I live. I will take you to the Bull Shoals Lake Visitor’s Center, we’ll hit a few antique/junk shops and eat supper out (we both pay for our own meals). The weekend includes accommodation, planned activities such as sitting by the fire (weather permitting), communing over provided meals (Friday brunch, Saturday brunch and supper, and Sunday brunch before you leave by 1 p.m.), journaling, writing exercises, walking, talking and art projects. You will receive a written document of tips and resources. I will also provide a writing journal, art materials, and a special gift. Cost $450

Please note:  My property is located about 1.5 hours southeast of Branson, Mo. I live in a very rural area, nearly two miles off the blacktop. These are the Ozark Mountains, so the terrain is very rocky and uneven. There is, of course, running water and electricity (LOL), but this is a no-frills, rustic back-to-nature experience with simple, home-cooked meals. Cell phone service is spotty if you don’t subscribe to AT&T and there is no internet without an AT&T hotspot in the studio (there is also no television in the studio). Wildlife abounds and I also have very, very friendly dogs that call this home.

Weekends are limited to one writer. Two people may come together, but there is only one futon. It will be the second person’s responsibility to bring a twin air mattress or make other sleeping arrangements. The same rates apply for a second person, and both must fill out the booking application.

Due to the ongoing Covid pandemic, proof of vaccinations and boosters for each person is currently required prior to arrival. 

I suggest you drive in, but if you fly, fly into the Springfield, MO airport, which is two hours from My Little House. Car rentals are available at the airport.

Please contact me for a booking application for the retreat, so you can awaken that muse!

If you need a payment plan, please contact me.