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Wild Geese Writing Retreats
Each one of us has a story to tell, some piece of truth that is uniquely ours. If you’re pausing here, it’s likely that you feel the pull to share it. We create space for you to do exactly that. We offer guided workshops, meditations, and intentional sharing for you: writer, creative, curious. Our workshop space is focused on Truth more than craft, on mustering the courage to tell your story out loud. Perhaps now is the time--to reclaim your story, to share the truth you know in your bones, to announce your place in the family of things.
Join us for our next retreat November 6-8, 2026 in Crystal Beach, Texas.
What to Expect:
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What is included in the retreat cost?
The total cost of $450 covers workshops, retreat space/lodging, and breakfast, lunch, and snacks for three days. As we get closer to the retreat date, we’ll send out a short survey to capture food preferences and allergies so we can plan accordingly.
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What’s the deadline to apply?
Applications for our November 6-8, 2026 retreat close on October 10, 2026. All decisions will be finalized by October 16, 2026. We’ll be accepting applications on a rolling basis until then.
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When is the final payment due?
To reserve your spot, a $100 deposit is due following acceptance. The remaining $350 is due two weeks before the retreat, no later than October 22.
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What is the retreat schedule?
We’ll send out a finalized schedule as we get closer, but you can expect two full days of workshops and a final morning session. Each day will begin around 9 am, include a lunch break, and end around 5 pm. You’ll have free time each evening to explore the Gulf or the nearby town. Our workshops will typically follow a read, discuss, and practice model. And don’t worry—there will be plenty of opportunities to move, stretch, rest, and retreat into your own space as you create. If you anticipate needing specific accommodations, please let us know in your application so we can plan for them.
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I’m not a writer. Can I still apply?
If you’re interested in coming, you’re definitely a writer. We’re not looking for a specific background or a letter of recommendation—just a willingness to show up and write. A writer is anyone who writes. So yes—please apply.
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I’m working on a memoir/poetry collection/novel/some other written project. Can I bring it to work on during the workshop?
Absolutely. We’ll provide prompts throughout the workshop, but you’re free to respond in whatever way feels true. We just ask that you meaningfully engage with the readings, conversations, and prompts—if for no other reason than to get your money’s worth!
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Is financial aid available?
Yes! Please indicate in your application if you’d like to be considered for financial assistance.
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How many people will be at the retreat? Will everyone who applies be accepted?
The house sleeps 23, but we plan to keep our cohort small and close-knit. Not everyone who applies will be accepted—the most important thing to us is that everyone feels safe and comfortable sharing their work. Writing can be deeply vulnerable, and we’ll do everything we can to bring together a group of like-minded, supportive writers.
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If I have an emergency, can I cancel and get a refund?
The initial $100 deposit is nonrefundable. However, if an emergency arises after that, please let us know. We’re more than happy to refund the remaining balance when possible.
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What should I pack?
In November, expect mild days in the upper 60s to low 70s and cooler evenings in the 50s. We're just a short walk from the beach, so if you're feeling adventurous, feel free to bring a swimsuit for a chilly Gulf dip or a walk along the shoreline. There's no dress code so wear whatever helps you feel comfortable and at home. Bring what you need for writing (a notebook and pens, a laptop, etc.), along with layers for the changing temperatures. You'll also have plenty of unstructured time to rest and wander, so pack a favorite book, a board game, a journal, or anything else that helps you slow down.
Meet Your Guides:
Nick Garig + Maddie Nutt + Nikki Thompson Brown
This retreat is created and guided by Maddie Nutt, Nikki Thompson Brown, and Nick Garig—longtime collaborators and co-creators within Wild Geese Counseling Collective. Our work lives at the intersection of therapy, embodiment, creativity, performance, and contemplative practice. We are less interested in helping people become someone new than in helping them remember who they have always been beneath expectation, fear, and disconnection.
Each member of our collective brings a different doorway into this work, offering a unique way of approaching the questions that shape our inner lives, relationships, and creative practices.
Maddie helps people tend to their inner and spiritual lives, cultivating presence, meaning, and compassionate self-awareness.
Nikki helps people reconnect with their creative voice, moving through artistic blocks and nurturing the courage to imagine, make, and share.
Nick helps people cultivate intimacy through relationships, embodiment, sexuality, and performance, inviting deeper connection with themselves and with others.
Together, we create spaces where people can slow down, listen deeply, and explore what emerges when we make room for story, curiosity, and connection.
Learn more about the team and their individual practices here, or subscribe to our Substack, Soft Animal, here.
