the author threshold
a 5-night writing & book strategy retreat for writers who are ready to claim their identity as authors
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April 26-May 1, Sacramento, CA
You don’t need motivation. You need space, guidance & devotion to the book that’s been waiting.
You don’t need another course. You don’t need more advice. You don’t even need more discipline.
What you need is time that actually creates space, structure that doesn’t suffocate you, and someone who knows how to listen for the book underneath the noise. This retreat is designed for writers who are ready to stop spinning their wheels on revisiting ideas, second-guessing themselves, and never quite landing—and start generating meaningful pages that move the book forward.
This is a semi-private retreat limited to just 3 women, allowing for deep focus, individualized guidance, and substantial personal attention on your project.
Who This Is For:
This retreat is for women who:
- Have a book calling them (even if it’s still forming)
- Are ready to prioritize writing without distraction
- Want both structure and spaciousness
- Are open to deep listening and real work
This is not for:
- Casual dabblers
- People looking for a quick-fix publishing hack
- Writers looking for a formulas or prescriptive, one-size-fits-all advice
What This Retreat Is:
This is a small, deeply focused author retreat designed to help you:
- Clarify what book you’re truly here to write
- Establish a clear, sustainable path forward
- Do real, uninterrupted writing
- Receive personalized guidance tailored to your book
- Leave grounded, resourced, and anchored in your identity as an author
There is rigor here—but it’s softened by spaciousness.
A Day at the Retreat
Mornings are quiet and self-directed.
Mid-days hold focused work and individualized sessions.
Afternoons open into deep writing.
Evenings are communal & nourishing.
Nothing is rushed.
Nothing is wasted.
Our days are intentionally introvert-friendly, with generous quiet time, optional activities, and no pressure to share beyond what feels supportive.
What a lovely way to start the new year. I put away my phone and sat in community for a full day, thinking and planning for the year ahead. I knew no one coming into the group and felt welcome. I came in for dedicated time to journal and plan. The food was amazing and filling. I highly recommend to anyone looking for more connection and warm community.
Right now you might be feeling...
scattered or unclear about your book. Or stuck revising or rethinking instead of writing. Or unsure how this book fits into your life as an author.
If you’re feeling any of these things, then this retreat is for you.
You’ll leave with a clarified vision and direction for your book; a workable outline or clear and actionable next steps; and momentum, confidence, and a sustainable path forward.
Janna created a warm nurturing space where we, a small group of women, could find support, connection, and inspiration.
What’s Included:
- semi-private experience, limited to 3 participants
- coordinated arrival transportation from the airport
- 5 nights / 6 days in a private room
- All meals + snacks (one optional meal out)
- 2-hour book strategy session with Janna
- Advance review of up to 5,000 words
- 12 months of virtual support, beginning as soon as you register
- Spacious, unscheduled writing time
- On-site coaching support throughout
- 2–3 optional self-care / field experiences
- A closing integration + next-steps planning session
- Payment plans are available
Where You’ll Stay
The retreat takes place at my home in Sacramento, California. The property has two houses: I live in one, and the other is an Airbnb. You’ll have your own, private room, and we will have meals together outside on my patio (weather permitting).
Your Retreat Host
Janna Maron
I’m Janna, founder of More to the Story and your dedicated guide on this journey. I’ve spent over a decade coaching women to craft voice-driven nonfiction books that resonate and transform. My work combines practical strategy with soulful support, helping you move through blocks, doubts, and overwhelm to bring your stories to life.
I believe in writing as a spiritual practice, a form of self-discovery, and a way to connect deeply with others. My approach is grounded in compassion, authenticity, and the understanding that every writer’s path is unique.
Participating in this retreat means you’ll be harnessing my Human Design as a 1/3 Emotional Manifestor energy, specifically designed to catalyze those around me—many people in my life feel a surge of inspiration and motivation after a single, brief conversation with me. Just imagine what that kind of energy can do for you over the course of 5 days.
More officially, I am a book coach and editor with nearly 20 years of experience helping writers to complete their projects and produce the best work possible. My experience includes time as a magazine editor, college professor, agency editorial director, and content director for a popular internet brand. I have worked on a number of book projects from self-published Amazon bestsellers to traditionally published New York Times bestsellers. I’m also the founding editor and publisher of Under the Gum Tree, a literary arts magazine publishing creative nonfiction and visual art.
Reserve Your Spot
This experience is intentionally intimate.
Enrollment is limited to 3 women to ensure depth, presence, and personal attention.
This isn’t about producing pages for the sake of productivity. It’s about crossing into the work you already know is yours.
Secure your spot now. (Payment plans available.)
FAQ
Your registration includes lodging for all nights, and most meals. Breakfast will be self-served on your own, while lunch and dinner will be shared together as a group. Always to-be-determined is one dinners out, which are not included.
At least one wellness activity will be included (also TBD, depending on the season and availability). Other wellness activities may be available for an add-on cost. (Payment plans available.)
Below is sample daily agenda, with the caveat that it’s always in flux depending on group preferences, needs, and planned activities. The schedule is intentionally light and fluid, with a lot of unscheduled time for you to work on your own writing and book project. I’m always available during that time for impromptu coaching, brainstorming, and idea shaping. The final retreat schedule will be shared in advance of your arrival.
- pre-9:00a – breakfast on your own
- 9:00a – optional morning activity such as walk or yoga
- 10:00a – morning book strategy session
- 12:30p – group lunch
- 1:30p – afternoon of focused writing time
- 4:30p – optional afternoon activity
- 6:00p – group dinner + optional social time
- 9:00p – solo evening wind-down
I have dietary restrictions myself, and am familiar with accommodating special needs. Most meals will have vegetarian, gluten-, and dairy-free options. When eating out, we will also take care to select restaurants with many options to accommodate any dietary needs. You’ll also be asked to complete an intake questionnaire, which includes space for you to share any special needs.
Your registration includes transport from the airport, and around town for any planned activities. (Departure transportation will be discussed on-site based on individual flight times and preferences.) You are welcome to rent a car if you feel like you would like more independence, otherwise Lyft and Uber rides are always readily available.