Write Type. Write Place. Write Time.

Fires. Fog over the water. Coffee at sunrise. Craft sessions that change your characters and stories forever.

Join 12 other writers (and faculty) for five immersive nights at a lakefront castle in Washington.

SOLD OUT: JOIN THE WAITLIST

What to Expect

Enneagram Typing: As you head into the retreat, we'll ensure you understand and resonate with your type to benefit fully from the Enneagram craft sessions

Daily Craft Sessions:

  • Using the Enneagram to build layered, unforgettable characters
  • Writing motivation-driven conflict
  • Character arcs through integration/disintegration
  • Overcoming resistance + creative paralysis

Breakout Workshops:

Small cohorts led by our incredible faculty with real-time character typing and plot problem-solving.

Chef-Catered Gourmet Meals: Savor exquisite meals prepared by a local chef, suited to your dietary needs or restrictions. Coffee and tea always flowing. ☕

Activities and Excursions (Final TBD):

  • Lake plunges (always optional)
  • Yoga on the lawn
  • Bookish crafts
  • Wandering around local trails
  • Hot tub thinking sessions
  • Fireside conversations

Built-In Restoration: Dedicated time to explore, write, or brainstorm at your leisure.

Curated Community: Build connections and find inspiration in a supportive community of fellow writers.

SOLD OUT: JOIN THE WAITLIST

The Castle

Set on a quiet lake just outside of Olympia, WA, the Castle is a 7,500-square-foot lakefront estate with sweeping water views and multiple fireplaces. The space is equal parts cozy and grand, built for long conversations and early-morning writing sessions amidst a gorgeous PNW setting.

Private Lakefront Estate: A 7,500 sq ft castle on 1+ acres perched on a quiet lake.

Freshwater Dock & Sandy Shoreline: Swim, paddle board, kayak, or take a sunrise lake plunge. Lakeside seating makes this your perfect open-air thinking space.

Lakeside Hot Tub: A 9-person hot tub positioned for uninterrupted water views — ideal for late-night story breakthroughs.

Outdoor Fireplace & Fire Pit: We'll gather under the stars to set intentions and revel in conversations that untangle plot knots and character arcs.

Chef-Ready Kitchen + Outdoor Dining: Gourmet chef-cooked meals enjoyed at communal tables overlooking the lake.

Multiple Patios & Decks: Plenty of private corners for drafting or journaling.

High-Speed WiFi + Quiet Surroundings: Deep work without distraction.

Ample Onsite Parking: Convenient for those driving in from Seattle or surrounding areas.

A Day at the Castle

Example Itinerary:

Sunrise lake plunge (optional)
Breakfast
Morning Craft Intensive
Breakout Brainstorming
Gourmet Chef Lunch
Free Writing Time
Pre-Dinner Craft Session
Gourmet Chef Dinner
Evening Social / Hot Tub / Craft Time (or collapse into your bed)

Meet Your Faculty

  • Lauren McLeod (9w1)

    Lauren McLeod is your host and the resident Enneagram coach and writer. She will likely talk your ear off about all things Enneagram, wine, CrossFit, writing, and travel. She's your go-to for having a plan and itinerary (looking at you: Barcelona retreat) and finding all the spots the locals adore. Lauren is passionate about helping writers unlock their strengths within their writing practice, using self-awareness and inner work to build sustainable, fulfilling habits.

    INSTAGRAM

  • Kristin Dwyer (7w8)

    Kristin Dwyer grew up under the Californiasun and still prays every day for a cloudy sky. When she’s not writing books about people kissing, Kristin is a part-time hair model and wants you to know she is full-time TSA PRECHECK, and one time a credible news outlet asked for her opinion on K-pop (it was the best day of her life). Please do not talk to her about your fandom, she will try to join.

    WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM

  • Ali Caron (9w8)

    Ali loves stories of all kinds, especially those where good triumphs over evil, love wins the day, and people realize they had the power within them all along. She loves cozy blankets, cloudy days, and asking “What if?” Her favorite pastime is talking story — what works, what’s missing, what are readers going to fall in love with.

    You can find Ali in her cozy Boston apartment sipping tea and trying not to knock over the always-expanding piles of books that inhabit every corner.
    WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM

  • Chelsey Pippin Mizzi (4w5)

    Chelsey Pippin Mizzi is an author, tarot reader, and wellbeing practitioner supporting writers, artists and small business owners to unblock and unlock creative magic. Her books includeThe Tarot Spreads Yearbook, Tarot for Creativity, and most recently,The Shadow Path. Her writing and tarot work have appeared in New York Magazine, Literary Hub, Craft Magazine and other titles. She also publishes The Shuffle, a bestselling Substack exploring the intersection of spirituality and creativity through weekly journaling sessions, tarot-led interviews with creatives, and regular insights on creative living. 
    SUBSTACK | INSTAGRAM

  • Eva Des Lauriers (4)

    Eva Des Lauriers is a California girl who became a diehard romantic when she married her best friend, the boy she sat next to in eleventh grade calculus. She now holds both an MSW and BA in Psychology. As a clinical social worker, she had the privilege of working with the vibrant and complicated teens for whom she now writes. When she isn’t writing, you can find her wandering through the redwoods, staring at the sea, or pretending she’s in a music video. She lives in Northern California with her husband, their two children, and her collection of kissing books. She is also the author of I Wish You Would.
    WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM

The Accommodations

The Castle offers spacious, thoughtfully designed rooms spread across three expansive levels. While this experience is intentionally communal, every sleeping space is generous in size — and any shared beds are king-sized for maximum comfort.

If you’re coming with a friend or writing bestie, shared king options offer both comfort and value. If you prefer your own bed, several single-occupancy options are available.

All rooms include access to multiple full bathrooms, common areas, and quiet corners throughout the estate — meaning even if you’re sharing a room, you’ll still have plenty of space to recharge.

SOLD OUT

Private Queen Suite

$3,000 per person (1 total spot)

The most private option in the Castle. Ideal for the writer who recharges best in solitude.

This bedroom has its own ensuite bathroom.

SOLD OUT

SOLD OUT

Premium King + Loft (Shared Space)

$2,750 per person (2 total spots)

A spacious upper-level room with sweeping lake views. One guest occupies the main king; the second guest enjoys the lofted king space — both full, comfortable sleeping areas. No bed-sharing in this reservation!

This bedroom shares a "Jack and Jill" bathroom with the Queen and Bunk room (4 people total across both rooms).

SOLD OUT

SOLD OUT

Premium King (Shared Bed)

$2,500 per person (2 total spots)

A warm, inviting suite featuring a fireplace and beautiful views. Ideal for two writers attending together who want comfort, space, and cozy evening energy.

This bedroom has its own ensuite bathroom.

SOLD OUT

SOLD OUT

Queen + Bunk Room

Queen (1 spot - Private Bed): $2,250
Twin Bunk (1 spot - Single Occupancy): $2,000

This room houses a queen bed along with a twin bunk bed. Only one person will be in the bunk, so your choice on lower or upper bed!

This bedroom shares a "Jack and Jill" bathroom with the Premium King room (4 people total across both rooms).

SOLD OUT

SOLD OUT

Standard King (Shared Bed)

$2,000 per person (2 total spots)

A spacious shared king room with easy access to main-level spaces. Perfect for those comfortable sharing a large bed.

Bathroom Setup: this bedroom shares a "Jack and Jill" style bathroom with the Lake View Queen. The bathroom is located en-suite to this room, but there is an exterior door to the hallway for the Lake View Queen guests to access (4 people total across both rooms).

SOLD OUT

SOLD OUT

Lake View Queen (Shared Space)

$2,250 per person (2 total spots)

A bright room with lake views and two queen beds — each reserved for individual use.

Bathroom Setup: this bedroom shares a "Jack and Jill" style bathroom with the Standard King. The bathroom is located en-suite to the King room, but there is an exterior door to the hallway for the Lake View Queen guests to access (4 people total across both rooms).

SOLD OUT

SOLD OUT

Single (Shared Space)

$2,000 per person (2 total spots)

A shared room with two twin beds — each reserved for single occupancy.

Please note: this bedroom has a bathroom available down the hall that is not shared with other bedrooms.

SOLD OUT

Cost and Payment

Costs are dependent on your room selection and shown with each room type and include:

  • 5 nights accommodations in the Castle
  • Chef-prepared meals + standard non-alcoholic beverages
  • All scheduled craft sessions + breakout workshops
  • Any pre-booked on-site activities
  • Enneagram typing support
  • Exclusive retreat swag

Add-ons:

Alcohol Package — $200
Unlimited access to a curated selection of wine and select spirits throughout the retreat. This can be added on up until 30 days prior to the start of the retreat.

Additional Night — $250
Extend your stay for one extra quiet writing night (no meals or programming included). This can be added on up until 30 days prior to the start of the retreat.

Not Included:

  • Airfare to and from Seattle
  • Travel to and from the Castle

Payment Details:

A non-refundable $500 deposit will secure your room upon registration.

Payment Plan Option:

To make this experience more accessible, we’re offering a structured payment schedule:

  • $500 non-refundable deposit due March 1, 2026 (when registration opens)
  • First installment due May 1, 2026
  • Second installment due July 1, 2026
  • Final installment due September 1, 2026

Pay in Full Option (by May 1, 2026):

While we are delighted to offer a payment plan for those who need it, paying in full by the first payment due date in May helps us secure all activities and services well in advance, ensuring the best possible experience for your writing retreat. We highly encourage full payment if you are able, but you are more than welcome to opt into the payment plan.

Important: All payments are non-refundable, and you are responsible for completing the payments if you are unable to attend. We recommend purchasing travel insurance for any extenuating circumstances!

What Retreat Alumni Are Saying

  • Chelsea, Spain Retreat

    "I’ve been on a lot of writing retreats, but this was something magical. This is the first time I’ve felt comfortable and seen and not judged. Lauren fostered an environment of compassion, learning, and fun. I’ve never had a better time among fellow writers."

  • Briana, Spain Retreat

    "My biggest takeaway from this experience was the opportunity to travel to a new destination with like-minded individuals while gaining valuable insights into the different Enneagram types—and learning how to apply that knowledge to character development in my writing as well as to dynamics in my personal relationships."

  • Alissa, Spain Retreat

    "I loved feeling seen (I’m a nine). I felt like I could come downstairs in my pjs and no makeup to a group of accepting and loving friends. I had free time to do what I wanted and felt like I could walk up to anyone and join their conversation (which is something I really struggle with)."

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Common Questions

FAQs

How is the Immersive different from the Retreat?

The Immersive is designed to go deeper than the Retreat.

It’s a craft-forward experience with more focused education, hands-on breakout sessions, real-time character typing, and live story problem-solving. We’ll spend intentional time unpacking the psychology behind both you AND your characters, like how core motivations can affect your cast and plot, or how resistance shows up for you as a writer (including group coaching conversations around creative blocks and momentum).

The Retreat, by contrast, blends craft with exploration and connection. It includes more excursions, cultural experiences, and time spent discovering the surrounding area (and will often have more of an international focus).

Can I request to stay in the same room with a friend?

Absolutely. We will send an info form after checkout where you can request to be in the same room as a friend if you are selecting a shared accommodation. We will try to honor these requests, and you must select the same shared room option upon registration.

What is the cancellation policy?

Once the deposit is paid, there are no refunds for the deposit if you need to cancel and can no longer make it to the retreat. We will open your spot to the next person on the waiting list and if we are able to fill the spot, we can discuss a refund of your deposit, but there are no guarantees. Any following payments beyond the deposit will also be non-refundable, and are still due with an obligation to pay in the event of needing to cancel your attendance.

Who is the Write Type Immersive for?

Writers of all types! This retreat is for anyone looking to spend five full days with other writers and participating in craft talks, brainstorming sessions, and more. It will have more of an enneagram focus, but even if you don’t know your type or much about the enneagram, you’ll know a ton by the time you leave!

What if I want to learn more about the Enneagram before I go?

You’re in the right spot! As part of your retreat registration, you'll receive our typing test and 60-minute typing call, to ensure we know your type before you attend.

In addition, I'm currently creating The Write Type Collective, an online space for learning and community that you'll receive a discount to join. Make sure you’re signed up for the mailing list to know when this launches!

What happens if I get sick or have an emergency?

We know life happens. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover your expenses if something comes up. We will send along recommended personal travel insurance options once you're enrolled.

I have dietary restrictions. Will you be able to honor them?

Yes! Our chef is accustomed to catering for events and retreats with multiple dietary restrictions and will be able to accommodate. There will be a form sent after enrollment closes that will ask for more information from you, including any restrictions.