CREATIVE REVOLUTION RETREATS PRESENTS

THE NICARAGUAN RETREAT
TO WRITE YOUR BOOK & LIVE YOUR DREAM.

You have an amazing story inside of you!

You know it, don’t blush.

And it’s time (long past) to get those words flowing!

Don’t roll your eyes either.

I know that’s easier said than done!  You’re a busy, ambitious lady who has work responsibilities, family responsibilities, relationship responsibilities, hell, even your dog is needy!

Don’t worry, I get it.

Tell me if any of this hits home?

  • You’re terrified you’re not good enough to write a book. (Hint: you are!)
  • No one in your life seems to support you bold writing dreams.
  • You just can’t seem to find the time or space to write. Everything and everyone else takes priority.
  • You’ve been working on your book for (what seems like) a billion years but never seem to finish.
  • OR… You have no idea how to even ‘effin start.

But you know what?

If you sit around waiting for the ‘perfect’ time to start writing, it’s never going to happen. Just. Simple. Science.

I know it sucks to hear that, it sucks to tell you that, but it’s just so true.

If you want to get that book done you need to…

  • Create time where you can just focus on you, your writing, and perhaps stick your toes in the sand.
  • Find an amazingly supportive group of writers who can help you craft your story and hold you accountable as you continue on this journey.
  • Create a schedule where you can make writing a priority and are free to regularly write without distraction.
  • Know that you CAN write and SHOULD write. You have the talent, you have the skills, you ARE a writer! (I know that can be hard to admit!)
  • Just relax a little.

It is time

to take your writing seriously, invest time in you,
and carve out the space to get that book DONE.

This is exactly why I created

Merken

the most intensive + relaxing
writing retreat in paradise! (aka the world.)

What is Pen. Paper. Paradise.:

It’s a 8 day, 7 night writer’s paradise where you escape to a beautiful jungle resort, treat yourself like the literary genius you are, learn from intensive workshops, get a whole lotta writing done, and chill with 12 other amazing women writers by the beach + at your own private resort.

Yep, you read that right. You will have 8 days to do nothing but learn, write, and relax at your own private resort. (Hammocks and massages included!)

When and Where

I know it’s hard to take a vacation. And it’s equally hard to find time to write. Why not do both and do it in guilt free, luxurious, exotic style?

Hell yes!

That’s kinda like the best
2-for-1 deal ever, right?

Apply Now!

What we cover

Freewriting To Freedom

Freewriting is an amazing tool to help kick-start your brain + crush serious writer’s block. Get writing faster and push through slumps with these tools!

Killer Theme and Structure

We’ll go over a number of story development strategies. This is the true nuts of bolts of your book, and you NEED to get this stuff down before diving in or continuing on!

Smart Plotting

We’ll spend an entire day going over strategies for plotting your plot! We’ll cover stuff like how plots should reflect your themes, heighten characterization, and play with your reader’s emotions.

Butcher That Shitty First Draft!

It’s just a fact, everyone’s first draft is probably going to be shit. But that’s FINE! It’s part of the process. During this workshop you’ll learn editing tools and help shape each other’s work into an epic masterpiece in the works.

Profesh as Possible

I’ll teach you strategies for pitching and submitting in a way that makes publishers swoon. Set income goals, writing objectives, and create strategies to make all this possible. Even if you’re not looking to build a professional writing career, this info will help you get your book published!

So We Wrote...Now What?

We’ll construct a strategy to keep this writing party going! Chances are, you’re not going to finish your book in 7 days (that would be nuts), BUT we’ll lock in a plan so you can keep the momentum going and get this book DONE. We’ll set goals, create a writing calendar, and figured out ways to make writing a priority in your life!

And don’t worry, I’m not abandoning you after this retreat!
I’ll be available to help you stay on track and hella motivated!

What you’ll get at Pen. Paper. Paradise.

  • Seven days in a private resort with 12 creative ladies! Do morning yoga, meditate in a hammock, or take a dip in the ocean.  I’ve scheduled plenty of time to both write AND relax in this secluded tropical paradise.
    ($800 value)
  • Daily workshops – I have 20+ years of teaching under my belt, so these workshops are definitely intensive! We’ll dive deep into all areas of the writing process + writing life!  Feel confident in your writing, craft an amazing story, and continue your writing flow even when life gets in the way!
    ($4000 value)
  • One-on-One time! – I’ll work with you (and only you!) to give feedback on your work, answer questions from the workshops, and help you craft a writing plan!
    ($2000 value)
  • Plenty of Writing Time each day! – You’re here to write, right? Don’t worry, this isn’t all chit-chat and sunsets. You’ll have lots of designated time to get some serious work done. Tush + Chair – Facebook = writing success!
    (Priceless)
  • Daily Yoga + Meditation –  Each morning we’ll start our day with either yoga, a guided meditation (in a hammock if you’d like) or both! You’ll start your morning relaxed, energized and ready to create!
    ($1000 value)
  • Luxurious Tropical Massage – Use this anytime throughout the week. Best part, the masseuse comes right to your room. #LifeGoals
    ($150 value)
  • Delicious Meals – You can’t write on an empty stomach! All your meals will be provided by an onsite, open air restaurant. This restaurant is open all day so you can pop in for a bite anytime you want. Who doesn’t love tasty snacks?
    ($1200 value)
  • Work with Amazing Women Writers – My aim is to build a community that’s safe, supportive, and inspiring.  I work hard to make sure our group dynamic is on fire and continues long after the retreat!
    (Priceless)
  • Adventurous Excursion – Near the end of your stay, we’ll take an excursion to a private, secluded beach that’s only accessible by boat! You’ll have the option to hike, lay on the beach, or take some of the best selfies in the world.
    ($250 value)
  • Post Retreat FB Group – Don’t worry, the work doesn’t stop once you leave paradise! You’ll have access to a private, post-retreat Facebook group. Stay in touch, provide feedback, and keep each other accountable. PLUS, I’ll be in there to help answer questions, give notes, and provide additional educational content and motivation! Don’t worry, I’m in it for the long haul. Your success is my success!
    $1000 value)

Pen. Paper. Paradise. is worth over $10,400 in value…
and that’s NOT counting the priceless experience of having the time to write without distraction while building an amazing support group of fellow writers!

Early Bird Special

If you grab your spot by March 6, 2017
And save $1000 off the ticket price!

Sound like – well – paradise?!?!

Check out these photos of where you’ll be staying.
(Honestly, they don’t even do this place justice!)

It’s ok if you start drooling. I won’t judge.

Only 12 8 Spots available!

Apply Now!

NOW WHO AM I?

Hello!  I’m Leigh Shulman,

the founder of The Future is Red and your retreat leader!

I can actually remember the very first time I sat down to write. I was about 12, flooded with raging hormones and super pissed at my parents (basically like all twelve-year-olds) but instead of acting out, I pulled out a pen and paper and put my feelings on the page. I was hooked!

In college, I discovered that I loved teaching creative writing, almost as I loved the writing itself.  I went on to earn a MA in Creative Writing and Education from the City College of NY. I dreamt of spending my days writing, teaching, and exploring the world.

But life doesn’t quite work like that.

I actually ended up working as a web producer for MTV. While I really liked what I did, it was an insanely stressful job and I found it nearly IMPOSSIBLE to find the time to write. Then, when my first daughter Lila was born, my writing grinded to a halt.

If you have kids, I’m sure you get it. I was tired, irritable, and super distracted, not exactly fertile ground for inspiration.  Plus, I was worried that no one wanted to hear what I had to say anymore, that I didn’t have any more creativity to give. It got to the point where every area of my life took priority over my writing. As I lost sight of my goals and passion, my confidence nearly disappeared.

I wrote this in my journal
when Lila was one-year-old.

If I keep going the way I’ve been going,
I will never do the things I want to do.
I will never travel. I will never write.
I will never create what I want in my life.

#truth

Fortunately, I turned that ship around. My family and I sold everything we owned and traveled the world for three years!  We lived in Europe, Panama, and finally settled in Argentina. During this time I taught writing wherever we ventured, and I found ways to work writing back in my life. My confidence blossomed, my inspiration grew, and my work benefited in quality and quantity. I had never felt like more of a badass.

Fast forward 10 years. My work has been featured in The New York Times, The Huffington Post, The Guardian, The Establishment, Guernica, Mashable and many other publications.  I’ve published 2 books that I’m incredibly proud of and have taught at at Barnard College, CUNY, Yeshiva University, the Brooklyn Academy of Music plus countless other programs.

I seriously, couldn’t be happier.

And now, I spend my time coaching women 1:1 and at amazing retreats because I want to help more women feel confident with their writing, finish their masterpieces and build professional careers!

This is why I’m so excited about Pen. Paper. Paradise. I want to prove to you, without a doubt, that you are strong, wonderful and creative. I want to show you why that you can write and absolutely must share what you have to say with the world.

Let’s go write in paradise! (Hell yes!)

Want To Hear From Writers Who’ve Been To Paradise?

Leigh’s retreat met and exceeded my expectations. I’m a new writer. I love the idea of writing, and I love storytelling, but I really thought I wasn’t a writer. Each day at the retreat, I could feel the progress during this retreat and I feel that I was growing. My writing has matured. Now, I have a solid plan and know where I want to go with the book I began at the retreat. It’s been an amazing experience.

Kathleen Evans

Leigh is my greatest cheerleader. She’s helped reignite my long-fizzled passion for writing a novel; now Leigh has already helped me find my way to a great story. The questions she asks about plot, characters and even the smallest scenic details encourage me to focus on the world I’m creating, clarify my intentions, and push myself as a writer. Having her in my editorial corner boosts my confidence and keeps me moving forward!

Melanie Wynne

I met my first, most important writing goal soon after returning from Nicaragua: I sent a thoroughly edited and polished version of the piece I wrote in Nicaragua to my writer’s group.

There’s no way I would have accomplished this without Leigh’s support and encouragement to loosen up, to set goals, to keep goals, to finish and to let go, regardless of how much one’s house (Mine!) needs to be cleaned and how many other things there are to do and that need to get done!

BETH WENGER

Bonuses Galore!

Did you think that was it? Nope, you get even MORE!
(More is better right?)

  • Pre-Retreat Notes – You’ll have an opportunity for me to read your work before the retreat. I’ll come ready with notes and we can discuss your work one-on-one early in the retreat! ($1000 value)
  • 29 Foolproof Methods to Inspire Your Writing Confidence. This guide will help you FEEL like the writer you already ARE. Take your work seriously and make it priority in life! ($300 value)
  • Quick + Dirty Guide to Pitching and Getting Published. Discover strategies for landing PAID writing gigs and build your resume as a professional writer!   ($300 value)
  • Special offers on my other services and retreats. Basically, you’ll get a permanent discount on all my future offers!

Accomodations

Our private resort is situated seemingly in the middle of the jungle, but is actually a short drive from town. It’s pretty much the best of both worlds.  If you’re interested in exploring outside the resort you’ll be free to do so. It’s just a short walk to TWO of the area’s best beaches! PLUS, you get FREE transportation to and from the airport.

Did you get enough pictures of this idyllic resort?
If not, here’s some more!

AMENITY BREAKDOWN
  • Open air restaurant – Open all day!
  • Lagoon swimming pool + poolside
    gazebo
  • Hammocks galore
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Lush private gardens
  • Grass volleyball court
  • 24/7 security
  • Easy walk to three beaches

You’ll have the option of choosing one of TWO amazing bungalows.

PRIVATE BUNGALOW
  • One HUGE bedroom
  • Spacious living room
  • Full kitchen
  • AC
  • Satellite TV
  • Shaded patio with seating
SHARED BUNGALOW
  • Two private bedrooms
  • Spacious living room
  • Full kitchen
  • AC
  • Satellite TV
  • Shaded patio
  • Wrap around porch with seating
  • Private hammock

ONLY 12 8 SPOTS AVAILABLE!

Apply Now!

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?

Your airfare, additional transportation, booze, additional massages, or adventures.

By the end of Pen. Paper. Paradise. you’ll have…

  • So much damn confidence! When people ask you what you do, you proudly say, “writer”. You take your work seriously and believe in your talents! #BOOM
  • A fool proof writing process. No more (long lasting) writer’s block + no more excuses. Even when life attacks your writing plans, you have the tools to keep pushing forward, reach your goals, and keep writing!
  • An amazing community of fellow writers. Ones you can always rely on for support, feedback, and the occasional venting sesh!
  • A relaxed mind and body. Even after the retreat you make the space to take care of yourself AND get some serious writing done!
  • A finished book! Ok this won’t probably happen at the retreat. BUT you’ll have the tools, timeline, and plan-of-attack to get it done like a boss.
R

WHO IS THIS RETREAT FOR?

Women writers who are struggling to finish their first book! 

It doesn’t matter what level of writer you are (or THINK you are) or what genre you prefer, if you’re serious about your writing goals and willing to help others, this retreat is for you!

You just need to be ready to take risks, try new things, and be down for a little relaxation and fun too!

Q

WHO IS THIS RETREAT not FOR?

Men. Sorry, dudes, you’ll have to sit this one out.

Women NOT writing books. If you are interested in different kinds of writing, we can still chat, but this retreat is probably not what you’ll need. I do other retreats focused on other kinds of writing throughout the year. So stay tuned!

Women who aren’t willing to learn, grow, share, and communicate. Basically, if you’re not curious, don’t sign up.

Got Questions?

What are your payment plan options?

Yes! You can pay all at once or in three separate installments. All payments must be complete before the start of the retreat.

What food can we expect? I have a lot of allergies and intolerances.

Don’t worry! I’ll be asking for everyone’s dietary restrictions and have the restaurant will make accommodations. The food at the restaurant has a HUGE variety so there’s bound to be something for everyone!  It’s hard to write on empty, sad tummy, so I make good food a big priority.

How do I get to the resort?

You’ll fly into the Managua airport where the hotel transportation will pick you up and bring you to the resort.  You’ll get the address and all the other pertinent details in a Welcome Packet once you’re officially in!

When do you close registration for the retreat?

Since we have a VERY limited number of spots available (8), registration closes when all the beds are snatched up. Space at my retreats NEVER lasts long so scoop up your spot today!

Do you have a money back guarantee?

If you need to cancel, you can receive a 50% refund as long as I can fill your spot at the retreat. (This shouldn’t be a problem). I can take certain extenuating circumstances into consideration but this is a commitment! I shape the course around its members so if members drop out that’s not great for the group as a whole!

I have another question not listed here, how do I contact you?

No problem! You can reach me by email {leigh@thefutureisred.com}. I look forward to chatting!

How To Snag A Spot Before They Run Out!

We only have 8 spots available
and trust me all my retreats fill up FAST!

  • Click that apply button anywhere on this page.
  • Fill out a SHORT questionnaire. (No writing sample required.)
  • We will have a short qualifier call to make sure this is the best retreat for you!
  • If we all agree it’s a fit, you’ll need to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your spot! I use Paypal and Stripe!
  • You’ll receive a Welcome Message with a link to the retreat handbook which includes everything you need to know from what to pack to currency info etc.
  • You’ll join the private FB group and meet the other members before our trip.
  • Then you mark your calendar, to pack your beach clothes, and meet us in Nicaragua!

More Praise from Paradise

I’m so lucky I got the chance to work with Leigh. At the beginning, I felt completely overwhelmed and underqualified to write a book. One hour later, I felt completely revitalized and confident in my own abilities. Leigh’s exercises and unique perspective will force you to confront your work (and your weaknesses), head-on, and I can’t recommend working with her enough.

ILANA GORDON

I absolutely love working with Leigh! She has helped me get really clear on my goals for my writing, and has the expertise to guide me through whatever I’m writing at the moment, whether that is a pitch, an article, a blog post, or organizing my thoughts for a someday book. Leigh has always been there to answer any follow up questions after our sessions together and has a way of gently nudging you to keep going. I highly recommend working with Leigh if you want to move your writing forward!

Abbie Mood

The Creative Revolutions Yoga/Writing retreat was an extraordinary experience.  As a mom, and a nurse-midwife, I spend almost every second of my day taking care of other people. The retreat provided and opportunity to focus deeply on my writing, on my goals, on all the “someday when I have time” dreams that get pushed aside by the demands of everyday life.  Yoga every morning, wonderful meals I didn’t have to shop for or prepare, the support and encouragement of other women writers, and an amazing massage: It was heavenly to be the one taken care of for a while.  The workshops and the feedback from the other women gave me the courage and motivation to prepare and submit my writing for publication. The continuing support from Leigh and the community Creative Revolutions has created on-line keep me writing and submitting now that I am back home.

Jody Burke-Kaiser

Only 12 8 spots Available!

Apply Now!

Join Us!