This is your invitation to. . .

   Rest.

Join us for 3-5 days of restful connection to your writing, conversation with fellow authors, and time in nature. All for no cost. Just. Come.

  • "Beautiful and productive setting for writing and resting. Hill Country Writers Retreat is an unforgettable place to build a lasting community."

    G.M.

  • "The Hill Country Writing Retreat is an incredible place to write, recharge your creative energy, and meet fellow writers from diverse backgrounds. I left feeling rejuvenated and inspired!"

    K.S.

  • "Super inspirational and fun. I came away with a fresh motivation for my book and the craft in general."

    S.W.

My family owns property in Central Texas, and I am delighted to share it with the writing community.

T H E S P A C E :

150+ acres of riverfront ranch land in Central Texas between Austin and San Antonio, with a 3-mile maintained hiking trail, kayaks, river-tubing equipment & SUPs, a 15-mile vista overlook, and quiet places to breathe and experience solitude.

The three houses feature two full kitchens, updated suites, private rooms, and shared bedrooms, a total of 6 bathrooms, a game room, indoor & outdoor fire places, and countless indoor & outdoor writing nooks.

T HE W R I T I N G :

The time is yours to spend as you wish! If you need a personal retreat, that’s fine—that said, we will have two planned pre/post-dinner events to participate in as a community. On our first night, we celebrate an all-positivity, anti-critique session that we call “Warm Fuzzies.” Each member reads a short excerpt of writing aloud and basks in the glow of positive vibes!

We’ll also have optional shared writing sprints/group sessions.

Registration

Late Winter/ Early Spring session

February 26-March 2, 2025

This retreat has tiered registration and a limited number of spots available. Please let me know if you can attend by:

November 15, 2025

. . . so spots may be opened up for other writers. If you are reading this after the above date, please respond within 1 week to hold your spot!

FAQs

How does food & drink work?

We will split up responsibilities for dinners and breakfasts among all retreat participants. We’ve had great meals for the past 2 years (and those who don’t like cooking are welcome to serve something as simple as a breakfast yogurt & pastry spread)!! Lunch sandwich spreads will be set out each day. We’ll split costs down the middle, and have a separate line item for alcohol. The average cost for 4 days of food has recently averaged out to about $120, including alcohol.

How are the accommodations?

The ranch houses are modern, updated, air-conditioned, wi-fi connected and well-appointed, though access is not ADA-compliant. Four rooms are private with attached bathrooms and/or writing space. Two are shared rooms. Two are private room with shared bathrooms. Some rooms are centrally located in the main house whereas others are more private/detached. There are 3 washers/dryers. Please let me know your needs.

What about clean-up?

A maid service is available at the end of the retreat for about $25/pp, but if retreat-goers prefer to clean up themselves, that is possible, too. We will still all need to pitch in to throw away our trash at the retreat’s end!

How about access?

The property is a 45 minute drive from San Antonio airport (SAT). Ride share services are not recommended as they may cancel for a long distance. Parking for rental vehicles is available at the ranch. Once all attendees are confirmed, we will work together to share the cost of and rent the number of rental cars needed in order to minimize costs. Usually 2 cars (SUVs) are rented.

I will make an effort to assist with airport pick-up/drop-off at San Antonio up until 5 p.m. on the first day of the retreat. If you need to arrive after that, please take care of your own transportation! (I can give you a head-start with some taxi recommendations…)

Who will be coming?

This retreat is word-of-mouth and all new invitees are selected by previous attendees. Diversity, kindness, and respect are key underpinning values for this retreat. Writers of various backgrounds and different career stages are encouraged to attend. Attendees’ needs will be taken into unique consideration in regards to sensory or other issues. In order for the retreat to be a safe space, we do only invite women and female-identifying writers—apologies to those who don’t fit into that criterion. Children and pets, though beloved, will not be accommodated at the retreat.

Something else?

Please reach out to me at c.aleese.lin@gmail.com.