Red Rocks and Stars Here We Come
Registration for Sedona's Write Like a Mother retreat is OPEN!
Hello Writer-Moms!
We are so excited to let you know that registration is now officially open for our 2025 Writer Like a Mother retreat in Sedona, Arizona!
Scribente Maternum was formed out of a desire to find balance between our children as writing inspiration and their presence as a writing distraction. Our retreats are meant to give all writers who identify as mothers the experiences they so rarely make time for otherwise: mindfulness, community, and simply sitting in stillness. There is power in rest!
We are excited to bring the Scribente Maternum retreat experience to the stunning Red Rocks of Sedona! The energy in this part of the world is like nothing else. We are eager to find inspiration with you, to explore and be in nature with you, and—of course—to write with you.
Sedona in October is the absolute best time of year. The area is emerging from the sweltering summer into the refreshing season of autumn.
Sedona is also a place of great tranquility and stillness. It is known for its mystical connections and its value for and respect of the outdoors. We are proud to have found local vendors who share Scribente Maternum's world view, and we are eager to introduce them to you as well.
We will write and retreat at The Nest, a stunning home nestled in the famous Red Rocks. With ample outdoor space, most of our retreat will be held basking in sunshine or under the stars (pending weather). This retreat space will allow us to fully be in retreat together—dining and resting and sharing space together as a community.
FAQs
What does the retreat include?
A fully immersive writing retreat experience
Time & space to write
The unique and beautiful Scribente Maternum writer-moms community
Craft & writing-focused sessions with professional writers & teachers
Mindfulness practices and intentional movement
All meals and snacks are included!
Note: lodging is not included in the retreat registration (see below for more details)
What is the cost of the retreat?
That depends when you register! You’ll see that the earlier you register, the better. Additionally, if you don’t want to pay all at once, we’re offering payment in THREE installments (all you need is a $97 deposit). And there is a discount for those who pay in full.
If you are a writer of color, we offer a $100 discount — use save100 at checkout if you are paying in full or at checkout for your second installment if you’re paying in installments.
Super early-bird rate: $897 (until May 1, 2025, or while supplies last) if paid in full, or $97 plus two installments of $425 each.
Early-bird rate: $997 (until July 1, 2025, or while supplies last) if paid in full, or $97 plus two installments of $475 each.
Standard rate: $1097 (until October 1, 2025, or while supplies last) if paid in full, or $97 plus two installments of $525 each.
Is lodging included? Where should I stay?
Lodging is not included in the registration fee; however, we are providing lodging at an additional cost to attendees. We’ve found that sharing lodging with other retreat attendees enhances the experience for everyone, making the retreat cozier and allowing for more unscheduled time of connection. The added bonus is that the lodging we’re able to offer is far less expensive than standard local hotel rates!
A limited number of beds are available at the primary retreat space, most in shared spaces. Both single- and multiple-occupancy options are available. Space is also available at two other rental properties close by. You will receive the links to book your lodging (which range from $150-250/night) in your registration confirmation email. If you prefer to stay in a single-occupancy space, there are only a few available, so you’ll want to register quickly.
Where should I fly, and is transportation provided from the airport?
The most convenient way to arrive to Sedona is to fly to Phoenix Sky Harbor airport. The airport is around two hours from Sedona and transportation will be provided both to and from the airport.
Please note that our shuttle will leave the airport around 3:00pm on Thursday, October 23rd and will depart Sedona around 10:00am on Sunday, October 26th. If you’d like to take advantage of this, please plan accordingly.
If you plan to stay longer or would like the freedom to explore for yourself, you’ll want to rent a car. And if your flights don’t fit within the transportation schedule, there are multiple shuttles to/from Phoenix Sky Harbor airport every day through Groome Transportation.
What will we do at the retreat?
We heard your feedback! We’ve scheduled more time to process the sessions and really lean into your writing. Here’s a tentative retreat schedule, which is subject to change.
Thursday, October 23
5:00-8:00pm: Welcome dinner at House 3 (included)
Friday, October 24
8:30-9:00am: Breakfast and coffee (included; provided at The Nest)
9:00-9:30am: Welcome and introductions from Scribente Maternum cofounders
9:30-10:00am: Opening movement and centering
10:00-11:00: Large group introductions and time to meet small groups
11:00am-12:30pm: Generative writing workshop
12:30-1:30pm: Lunch (included)
1:30-2:30pm: Small groups
2:30-5:00pm: More time with groups, plus time to write, hike, sleep, or just be still
5:00-5:30pm: Group photo and close-of-day
6:00: Group dinner at House 2 (included)
Saturday, October 25
8:30-9:00am: Breakfast and coffee (included; provided at The Nest)
9:00-10:00am: Morning movement and mindfulness
10:00-11:30am: Writing workshop
11:30am-12pm (or through lunch if desired): Small groups
12:00-1:00pm: Lunch (included)
1:00-3:30pm: More time with small groups, plus more time to write, be in community, take another hike, or catch another nap
3:30-4:30pm: Optional experiential writing while hiking through the Red Rocks
5:00-5:30pm: Large group closing
6:00pm: Celebratory group dinner & readings (included)
Sunday, October 26
10:00am: Shuttle departs for Phoenix airport
Scenes from a Retreat
Whether in the heart of the city or in peaceful seclusion, our retreats are where you will find your people and your inspiration.
Learn from award-winning writers and teachers, certain to be your springboard to some serious writing. With snacks. Always with plenty of snacks.
Connection in small groups means accountability throughout your writing retreat, plus life-long friendships and writing partners.
Movement—whatever that means to you—is central to every Write Like a Mother retreat.
Mothers with stories to share. Mothers who no longer have to walk the roads of writing or mothering alone. Mothers who understand how vital it is for the two words to connect. This is Scibente Maternum.
