FIND YOUR STORY
A Weekend Writing Intensive
October 9–11, 2026 • Westerbeke Ranch • Sonoma, California
Every writer has a voice.
The challenge is discovering the story only you can tell.
Join us for the inaugural Find Your Story Weekend Writing Intensive, an intimate three-day retreat designed to ignite your creativity and deepen your understanding of story. Set among the vineyards and oak trees of the historic Westerbeke Ranch in Sonoma, this immersive weekend offers dedicated time to write, reflect, and reconnect with the work that's calling you.
Led by acclaimed author, editor, and memoir teacher Erika Schickel and hosted by writer, filmmaker, and creative mentor Kerri Randles, the weekend blends literary insight with thoughtful guidance in a warm, supportive creative community.
Whether you're beginning a memoir, exploring a personal essay, or simply searching for where to begin, this workshop will help you uncover the emotional through line of your story while providing practical tools to move your writing forward.
No matter where you are in the process—from first ideas to well-worn drafts—you'll leave with greater clarity, renewed momentum, and a roadmap for what comes next.
The Weekend Experience
Through a combination of inspiring lectures, guided writing exercises, story development sessions, and supportive discussion, you'll explore the foundations of compelling storytelling while generating new material throughout the weekend.
Topics include:
• Finding the story beneath the story
• Theme and emotional truth
• Structure and Constraint
• Memoir, personal essay, and novel development - where does your story best fit
• Guided writing prompts and creative exercises
• Coaching and group discussion
• Time for independent writing and reflection
Whether you arrive with a notebook full of ideas or a completed draft, the workshop is designed to meet you where you are and help move your work to the next stage.
Between sessions, enjoy the peaceful beauty of Westerbeke Ranch. Wander the gardens, write beneath the trees, take a refreshing swim or relax beside the expansive pool, soak in the Sonoma sunshine, or simply connect with fellow writers over meals prepared on site.
Optional add-on experiences include massage therapy and a Saturday morning yoga session, offering space to restore both body and mind while nurturing your creative process.
Day Workshop
For local writers attending Saturday and Sunday.
$750
Saturday & Sunday
Includes:
• All workshops and coaching
• Continental breakfast and lunch each day
• Full access to the ranch during program hours
Weekend Retreat
For writers joining us Friday through Sunday with overnight accommodations.
$1,250
Friday through Sunday
Includes:
• Two nights accommodations
• All workshops and coaching
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the weekend
• Full access to the ranch and grounds
An Intimate Workshop
Participation is limited to ensure meaningful coaching and personal attention.
Whether you're writing for publication, writing for yourself, or simply ready to begin, Find Your Story offers the inspiration, structure, and community to help you take the next step.
We look forward to welcoming you to Sonoma.
Kerri Randles & Erika Schickel
The Big Story