The mission of Ego Break Writers Retreats is to facilitate unique, all-inclusive, transformational retreats that show rather than tell writers how to thrive. It is our vision to creatively expand the consciousness of writers.
Everything Is OK on an Ego Break!
February 22-27, 2024: This Ego Break Writers Retreat will be held at The Inner Garden Creative Retreats and B&B located in Bogalusa, Louisiana. The center includes two homes on the property: the Main House and Zeke’s House. We will use both houses for our retreat, however the Main House will be where all our activities and meals will occur. We’ll be an hour from New Orleans. The retreat includes one day trip to the French Quarter area of Bourbon Street. Check in between 5:00pm and 9:00pm on February 22, 2024. Check out by 11:00am on February 27, 2024.
While the location of each Ego Break Retreat changes, the essence and promise remain the same. Ego Break is an experiential, all-inclusive, writers retreat for journal writers, novice writers, professional writers, and everyone in-between, including those who don’t write yet but want to write. Rather than offering workshops that lecture on the mechanics of craft, Ego Break Retreats focus on creativity and character development. No matter your genre or where you are in your writing journey, the expanded and unique perspectives you’ll gain on this retreat will rejuvenate your writing and your life. Ego Break promises to be a transformational experience you’ll write about! -–Please scroll to the bottom of this page for room options.–-
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Your Writing Retreat
What Guests Say:
“I arrived 5 days ago with the hope of finding motivation to write, but after these simple yet so powerfully impactful days, I have been gifted the motivation to LIVE. TO LEAP. To TRUST IN MY INSPIRATION. I came here with a writing PROJECT but after these serene yet personally challenging days, I am leaving here with a writing PASSION. A PURPOSE. A DEEP KNOWING for my writing path to come. I began here with 7 strangers, but after these self-reflective yet intimately bonding days, I am ending with FRIENDS, FELLOWS, a writing TRIBE who I will feel beside me when those whispers of self-doubt interrupt me. I started the week as some girl writing a memoir, but after these information-packed yet deeply inspiring days, I am finishing as the HERO of my own story! Thank you Karrie & Jake (and guests).” –Molly N
Ego Break Experiences
Critique Sessions
Read up to 2000 words of a project you would like to receive on the spot critiques from the whole group. Be prepared to humbly receive and give constructive criticism. The critiques will be spread out over a few days to give everyone an hour for feedback.
Ego Break
In this three part, transformational workshop, we’ll explore the ego, ego constructs, ego programing and break down the Hero’s Journey story pattern on a personal level. Once you experience an ego break, your understanding of character development and the Hero’s Journey will deepen. This informational and experiential workshop includes a guided, group meditation.
Creative Channel
In this workshop, you’ll learn more about where creativity comes from and how to access that space. We will explore how to use transpersonal methods, such as meditation, dream work, and Tarot cards to enhance our creativity. This informational and experiential workshop also includes a group Reiki Meditation.
Murder Mystery Dinner Party
What better way to experience characterization than stepping into character? If you would like to participate in Ego Break’s Murder Mystery Dinner activity, you’ll receive your character’s information in advance of the retreat. On the night of the mystery dinner, each participating guest will play out their character’s role until the mystery has been solved. Prizes will be awarded for: best costume, best detective, and best acting.
Day Trip to New Orleans
We’ll spend an afternoon and evening in the French Quarter area of Bourbon Street. Dinner is included in this trip, and possibly an evening ghost tour.
Bonfire
Fill your glass of wine, and we’ll gather around the bonfire. Under the stars, we’ll share wonderfully, unique conversations–you know, the kind of conversations only a group of writers have.
1 Hour Private Reiki & BioMat Session (**Optional for an additional $100 fee.**)
Reiki works to clear disturbances in the body’s energy fields. The disturbances are experienced as different symptoms, such as conscious and unconscious beliefs that do not serve us. Your optional private Reiki session could help with imposter syndrome, fear of success, creativity, procrastination, or your session could be used to help with completing a goal. More about Reiki here. More about the BioMat here.
Sound Bath Meditation
Release tension and completely relax into the sound waves of crystal singing bowls, a gong, and other sound bath instruments.
Writing Time / Free Time
You’ll have plenty of time to write! Get some words on the page. Maybe work out your plot line or begin a new project. Or, if you seek inspiration, explore the area.
My Intent Craft
You’ll choose a word of inspiration and create a keychain, necklace, or bracelet for a focus reminder.
What’s Included and What’s Not Included with the Registration Fee.
Your Investment in This Experience Includes: Room for 5 nights/4 full days, all of the included meals will be prepared by our cook and served at the retreat house: five dinners, five breakfasts, four lunches, snacks, various wines, coffee, teas, water, soda, workshops, critique sessions, group Reiki session, murder mystery dinner, day trip to New Orleans, linens, towels, washer/dryer, wifi, fellowship, motivation, and inspiration… We will do our best to accommodate food preferences, ie…vegan/vegetarian, however, depending on the circumstances (cross-contamination sensitivity), we might not be able to accommodate gluten free diets. If you are gluten free and are interested in attending Ego Break, please contact to discuss options. If you have food sensitivities/aversions, please comment in the “notes to business” section during your registration process. ***There will be a Zoom session with Ego Break’s host and all retreat guests before the date of the retreat, so that we may introduce ourselves and ask/answer any last minute questions.
Ongoing Support: The fellowship and support continue after the retreat in our exclusive, active, Ego Break Facebook group. You’ll also stay motivated and accountable to continue writing by participating in our monthly Zoom critique sessions.
Not Included: Transportation to and from retreat house, Travel expenses, Travel Insurance, Personal Toiletries
How to get there: If you need to fly in, the best airport nearest to Bogalusa, LA is New Orleans (MSY) . From MSY, you’ll need to rent a car and drive about 60 miles to the retreat center. After your reservation is paid for in full, you will receive the exact address of the retreat center.
What Guests Say:
“Overall, I can honestly say this retreat was one of the most personally fruitful ones I have ever attended. I truly enjoyed myself and realllllly wish it was days longer.” –Karen S
“Ego Break was the perfect retreat to reset my creative spirit and thus my writing.” –Becky K
“The Ego Break retreat takes a deep dive into finding your inner artist (authentic self) and applying that “freedom from Ego” to writing practices. I experienced a personal breakthrough following the retreat that will impact my writing and my life for years to come.” –Pennie N
Ego Break’s Host & Presenter
Rooming Options:
Cancelation Policy: 100% of all monies paid to Everything Is OK less a $75 processing fee are refunded, or registration may be transferred to a different listed Ego Break retreat for cancelations made within 60+ days before the retreat start date. 50% of all monies paid to Everything Is OK less a $75 processing fee are refunded, or registration may be transferred to a different listed Ego Break retreat for cancellations made 30-59 days before retreat start date. 0% of monies paid to Everything Is OK will be refunded with NO option to transfer registration to a different Ego Break retreat for cancellations made within 0-29 days of retreat start date. However, 100% of all monies paid minus a $150 processing fee will be refunded in the event that the retreat has sold out and Everything Is OK is able to rebook your canceled room before the retreat start date. **If Everything Is OK has to cancel the retreat for any reason OTHER THAN NATURAL DISASTERS: such as hurricane/flood/storm/evacuation, you will receive a full refund (100%) of your reservation fees paid. In the circumstances a retreat has to be canceled due to a natural disaster, no refunds will be offered. Under zero circumstances will refunds be given for travel expenses. **
For guests who’d like to share their private room with a friend, there will be an additional fee of $750 for the 2nd guest. You may pay for your reservation in full or on a payment plan 15% + a $100 processing fee now and then receive an invoice for the balance to be paid by 1/22/2024.
MH Blue Suite
Main House: Private double bed room with an attached private bathroom. $1899 for 1st guest / +$750 for (optional) 2nd guest. Pay in full or 15% + $100 fee now and the balance of $1614 by January 22, 2024.
MH Patio Suite
Main House: Private double bed room with an attached private bathroom. This room has a patio. $1899 for 1st guest / +$750 for (optional) 2nd guest. Pay in full or 15% + $100 fee now and the balance of $1614 by January 22, 2024.
ZH Flamingo Suite
Zeke’s House: Private queen bed room with an attached private bath.
$1899 for 1st guest / +$750 for (optional) 2nd guest. Pay in full or 15% + $100 fee now and the balance of $1614 by January 22, 2024.
MH Flower Room
Main House: Private double bed room. This room shares a bathroom. $1699 for 1st guest / +$750 for (optional) 2nd guest. Pay in full or 15% + $100 fee now and the balance of $1444 by January 22, 2024.
MH Spanish Room
Main House: Private double bed room. This room shares a bathroom. $1699 for 1st guest / +$750 for (optional) 2nd guest. Pay in full or 15% + $100 fee now and the balance of $1444 by January 22, 2024.
ZH Louisiana Room
Zeke’s House: Private double bed room. This bedroom shares a bathroom. $1699 for 1st guest / +$750 for (optional) 2nd guest. Pay in full or 15% + $100 fee now and the balance of $1444 by January 22, 2024.
ZH Twin King Room
Zeke’s House: Private room with two twin beds or they can be latched together and a mattress topper added to make a king bed. This bedroom shares a bathroom. $1699 for 1st guest / +$750 for (optional) 2nd guest. Pay in full or 15% + $100 fee now and the balance of $1444 by January 22, 2024.
What Guests Say:
“Karrie put on a first-class event and did everything possible to make things run smoothly. She surveyed the group ahead of time about our preferences, held a Zoom meeting for us to get acquainted, and now has a private social media site so we can share photos and communicate with one another. During the retreat, Karrie created a congenial environment. I felt an immediate connection to the other attendees who came from different walks in life and all over the country. There was a great balance among educational workshops and relaxing, fun activities. I highly recommend this retreat for writers. Karrie, Anna, and Chef Jake exceeded my expectations in how well cared for I felt and how much I learned. Wanted another week and hated to leave.” –Marilyn B
Everything Is OK on an Ego Break!