Join us for a one-day nature-inspired women’s writing retreat on November 15th.
Here in the gentle hills of Wisconsin's Driftless region, you can give yourself the gift of time, space, and community to write.
You feel the pull to put pen to paper, to capture the stories that matter, perhaps even to write something that could make a difference to others. Yet between the demands of daily life and the overwhelming weight of the world these days, finding space for your creative voice can feel difficult.
What’s also true is that in an era where voices are being silenced, carving out time to write becomes more than self-care—it can become an act of resistance.
This writing retreat offers you permission to step away from the chaos. It helps you carve out time to explore your writing in a safe, nature-infused sanctuary designed specifically to cultivate your writerly voice.
Your voice matters, and this retreat will give you the space to help find it again.
Primarily interested in publishing. We won’t cover how to submit, get accepted, or published.
Not comfortable holding a safe space for themes like climate action, anti-racism, or reproductive or LGBTQIA2S+ rights. They are not required topics, but they might come up and we want to hold space.
Who Is This Retreat For?
Have no idea what you want to write about OR have a specific idea. All prompts and exercises will cater to both.
Feel pulled to write–whether poetry, fiction, memoir, or essays–and sense that giving voice to your truth is part of the larger work of tending to ourselves, our communities, and the world.
It is likely not a good fit if...
You'd love space to journal and reconnect with yourself and the natural world.
It likely is a good fit if you...
Wanting to write in solitude on your own project and not interact with others.
Interested in getting a formal critique of your writing.
Are a woman or non-binary person who is interested in writing or the written word.
—Racine Women’s Reflective Writing Retreat participant
"Honestly, I had no idea what to expect. Because Diane put a great amount of research, effort, tried and true experience, and heart and soul into this content, it was an experience that challenged, nurtured, and called forth wisdom, discernment, and processes I can actually use on my own. I feel empowered, hopeful, and grateful. Thank you!"
Lovely words from others:
We’ll also be taking a hike through beautiful forest trails on the property during our day. Moving into the outdoors and away from the confines of walls, flooring and structure reconnects you to source and allows for loose, associative thinking and being.
Breathing in the ancient surrounding valleys and woods reminds us that the most true writing emerges from becoming quiet enough to hear what wants to be written.
Rejuvenation in Nature
During our time together, we will write. We won’t just be talking about writing or theorizing or studying writing, we will be putting pen to paper. This is good news if you’ve been wanting to spend time writing but somehow struggle to make time.
You’ll be offered inspiration and curated writing invitations, and we’ll have time for all of us to let our imagination and memories expand and spill onto the page.
Writing
Part of our time together will be spent reading some of our freshly written words aloud. This lets us respond to each other’s writing with what sparkles, what we remember, and how the writing makes us feel.
Every one of us has an authentic creative voice. It’s unique to you—and only you. Your voice is influenced by your lived experience - your childhood, places you’ve lived, and people you’ve known throughout your life.
And your writing is strongest when using your unique voice.
When we hear what stands out in our writing, we gain a better understanding of our own voice.
You are free to choose not to read if you don’t want to. And, many past participants have said they found this to be one of the most meaningful parts of their experience.
Reflection
In a world that feels increasingly chaotic and seeded with division, gathering with like-minded women becomes an act of restoration.
When we come together as writers, we create sacred space amid the chaos. This retreat is a refuge where our stories matter and our voices find strength in community. And writing together fills our souls with the courage to keep creating, even on the days when the world feels like it's breaking apart.
Community
In the heart of the forest, we’ll gather in a cozy Earth home. This retreat is designed to provide space for you to reconnect with your writing, nature, and other like-minded writers.
What to Expect
Writing, Nature, Reflection and Community
In a cozy earth home in
Spring Green, nestled between hills of the beautiful Driftless region of Wisconsin.
Where will the retreat be held?
Tucked into the hillside, the retreat site stays warm in winter and cool in summer. South-facing windows bring in natural light and warmth. A wood stove provides heat and a setting for cozy conversation. Altogether, the space serves as physical inspiration for the kind of future we can build together.
Surrounding the house is wild forest bordering nature conservancy, gifting visitors with experiences of vibrant biodiversity, variety of bird song, and breath-taking surroundings. Together, the woods, the home, and the new community we find in each other will create our sanctuary.
— Carol Corrigan, past writing retreat participant
“The biggest benefit of coming to this retreat has been inspiration, renewed sense of purpose, renewed passion. The way the retreat is structured allows time for reflection and clarity. Experiencing this will help me as I write on my own in my own practice.”
More words from others:
— Deborah Ward, past writing retreat participant
“I needed this to get me back to writing my memories, from which I have strayed in recent months. A truly inspirational and enriching experience, not only the writing but the sharing of each other’s journeys! Diane has a special talent for guiding us through such a meaningful journey.”
More words from others:
Answers to Common Questions and Worries
Both Diane and Jeanne's specialty is in working with folks who want to begin writing or using their voice in the world, but are nervous or unsure of how to start. This retreat is carefully designed to make both beginner and more experienced writers feel comfortable writing what’s on their hearts.
- What if I haven’t written in a long time, or am at the start of my writing journey?
This is a perfect space for you. All experience levels are welcome, and our time together will be a safe, non-judgmental space where you can rediscover your voices without fear of criticism.
We offer writing prompts to get your imagination and memories flowing. Plus there's no workshopping or critique—only encouragement and witness to what emerges.
This supportive framework allows you to connect with the joy of putting words on paper, no matter how much “writing” experience you may or may not have.
- What will the group size be?
We are intentionally keeping the size of the retreat small, so we can create a supportive setting where everyone feels they have the space to relax, write, contribute, share and just be themselves.
The group will have no more than 14 participants, plus the two facilitators.
- What if I have no idea what to write, OR have a very specific project I'd like to work on during the retreat?
This retreat is designed to be rich for both. We will offer prompts and exercises that will help those who have no idea what to write to begin. On the flip-side, if you are bringing a project in mind to the retreat, these same prompts and exercises can serve to deepen your work and provide fresh angles. And you are, of course, always welcome to ignore the prompt and write what comes to you instead.
And this is a good time to state as well: all genres are welcome!
The gift of space, time, and community to write.
The chance to write about things that you care about, exploring whatever emerges.
Time spent in a beautiful, wooded setting, drinking in inspiration from nature.
Words of encouragement and support for your writing, and the chance to provide the same for others.
The chance to cultivate relationships with a group of other folks who are interested in writing.
The satisfaction and momentum that comes with pieces of your very own writing WRITTEN.
This Writing Retreat will give you...
Everyone who applies before the October 15th deadline and completes
their registration will be entered into a lottery to win a two-night,
weeknight stay in a guest suite in the retreat home this winter (normally $300+) to help tap back into the inspiration from the retreat and continue your writing momentum.
Enter into Lottery for a free Solo Writing Retreat
About 1-2 months after the retreat, we will host a check-in call with all of the early bird registrants to see how your writing is going, support any challenges you've encountered, and write together again.
A follow-up coworking and Group check-in Call
These daily writing invitations are designed to open your imagination or memory and see what comes forth on the page. And with just over one month's worth of invitations, you'll have plenty of time to connect with your writing.new
One set of 33 daily of creative writing prompts
Early Bird Bonuses
And if you submit your application before October 15th, you will also receive:
Image Credit: Adina Mayer
""Here with Jeanne, you are safe and bold enough to be YOURSELF.""
I signed up to really relax, forget about the business of life and breathe! Some of the best benefits of the retreat for me were being able to be around allies and feeling comfortable and less judged. Here with Jeanne, you are safe and bold enough to be YOURSELF.
Ziggy Odogun
Past Retreat Participant
"I highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to reconnect - with nature, with community and with themselves.
Jeanne offered a lovely experience in a beautiful tranquil setting. There were opportunities to make positive connections with others as well as to dive deep into self exploration.
Kat, Mala Yoga Center
Past Retreat Participant
"The retreat was just what I needed."
The retreat was just what I needed. It was like a breath of fresh air. The particular people there was like a gift from the gods. There was an immediate comfort of sharing. One of my biggest takeaways was being motivated and getting me charged to move forward with some goals and dreams I have. I have already taken action since the retreat.
Sally LaQue,
Past Retreat Participant
More words from others:
Sharing
Independent writing
Writing exercises or prompts
One, full-day writing workshop next to a cozy fire, including time for:
What's Included
Discussion
Guided group hike through beautiful
forest trails
Warm, nourishing, home-made lunch, along with water, tea, coffee, and snacks throughout the day
Bonus: If you apply before October 15, you will receive:
One set of 33 daily of creative writing prompts
A follow-up coworking and group check-in call
Chance to win a free, two-night Solo Writing Retreat on the retreat grounds
Guidance from two, experienced Writing Workshop facilitators
All of this inside of an inspiring and beautiful earthen home setting
Saturday, November 15th, 2025
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Central Time
When and where?
*The retreat start and end times may be slightly adjusted for schedule accommodations.
Since the location is a home, exact address shared after payment.
Spring Green, WI*
Apply By
Early Bird
Oct. 15,
2025
Pay
$250
+ receive
bonuses
Take extra $25 off
Bringing a friend?
*Both must apply by
Oct. 15, 2025.
Applying after
October 15?
Click here for regular pricing.
You each pay
$225*
+ receive
bonuses
Apply By
Regular
Nov. 6,
2025
Pay
$275
Take extra $25 off
Bringing a friend?
*Both must apply by
Nov. 6, 2025.
Applying on or before
October 15?
Click here for early bird pricing.
You each pay
$250*
Group size limited to 14 people.
What's the Price?
— Laura Allen, writing client
“I didn’t know where to start to begin practicing writing every day. Diane helped me find my why for my story, trust the process, and dig deep into showing up for myself. Diane's intuition was always spot on. Her feedback was gentle and useful and I never felt judged, less than, or anything but a writer! I learned to trust writing my story longhand and focus on the first draft letting myself get the story out onto paper. I learned to give myself a break and celebrate my successes!
I’m grateful for your support and kindness and your commitment to me as an artist, the importance of my voice, and the actualization of my story. Thank you.”
More words from others:
Keep an eye out for our email—we’ll hold your spot for 72 hours so you have time to complete your payment. After that window, we’ll open it up to the next person.
Step three
Complete payment to secure your spot.
It’s not an intense screening process–we just want to make sure everyone registering seems to be on the same page with the retreat goals. If you are a good fit, we’ll send you the registration and payment link.
step two
We'll review and get back to you within 48 business hours.
You’ll be taken to a survey to answer a few questions about yourself and your goals for the retreat. This is to ensure we have a good group of like-minded participants.
step one
Click "Apply" below.
Interested in registering?
Here's how:
Questions?
Who's facilitating?
Writer, Intuitive Guide and Marketing Mentor
I’m a lifelong writer, and reader, who loves writing both fiction and poetry and have co-hosted several women’s reflective writing retreats. I’m currently working on the second draft of my first novel.
My first poetry collection, desert heart, will be published in January 2026 by Shanti Arts.
Diane Douiyssi
My poems have appeared or will soon appear in Amethyst Review, Spillway, Pasque Petals, song of ourself, and World Lives, Prairie Living. I’ve also published several personal essays, and a number of articles professionally.
AWA Certified Writing Workshop Facilitator
With years of experience in nurturing creativity and empowering others, I bring a unique blend of expertise and passion to my role as an AWA Certified Writing Workshop Facilitator. Trained in the Amherst Writers & Artists method, I create a supportive and inspiring environment, where writers of all types of experience can explore their voices and refine their writing.
Every person has a story worth telling. We are writers because we write.
Certified Coach and Intuitive Guide
In 2016, I completed an in-depth life coach training program, and then went on to become a Martha Beck Certified Wayfinder Life Coach. After that, I studied intuition and learned the ARTs method of energy reading at Beverly Belling’s Intuitive Arts Studio, where I soon became one of the program’s Endorsed Intuitives.
Since then, I’ve spent hundreds of hours coaching, mentoring and reading energy for individuals, creatives, and other coaches, and individuals helping them align their projects, businesses, dreams and lives to their soul-selves.
I’ve lived across the globe and am currently settled in the upper plains of the Midwest, close to the earth and peoples that nourish the world.
I’m a writing teacher and coach with more than 15 years of experience helping people find their way toward positive impact. Along the way, I’ve been honored with teaching awards, but what matters most to me is guiding students and clients—whether in middle school classrooms or adult workshops—into deeper confidence and creative expression.
I’m trained in the Writers’ Workshop model and in Tara Mohr’s Playing Big Facilitators’ Training, a framework
Jeanne Wolz, M.Ed.
that helps women identify what’s calling them next and find the courage to step into it. Through coaching, workshops, writing, and retreats, I help women align their careers with their values and their visions for a more just and sustainable world.
My own writing explores themes of regeneration, belonging, and courage in this age of converging crises. I publish Sirens Rising, a Substack newsletter that weaves personal storytelling with reflections on slowing down, reimagining work, and following new callings.
I'm currently lucky enough to call this retreat center my home. I write about living here in my Substack. You can learn more about me, my work, and my writings here, on this website.
At the heart of my work is a belief that stories—especially from people who may not see themselves as “writers”—hold the power to nourish, connect, and transform both ourselves and the world. And now, more than ever, is the time to begin.
www.sirensrising.co
Refunds and Cancellations
Due to the nature of this retreat, we will not be able to refund monies if you drop out, so please be sure you know you can join before committing.
Should you need to cancel due to an emergency, we will try to fill your spot. If we are able to do so, we will refund your payment, less a 10% processing fee.
If we are unable to fill your spot, we will not be able to refund your payment.
Cancellation Due to Low Numbers
We reserve the right to cancel the retreat prior to the event if there are not enough participants signed up. In this case, you will be given a full refund.
We are not responsible for reimbursing travel or flights, so as applicable, we advise that you obtain travel insurance for the Retreat.
