The mission of Ego Break Writers Retreats is to facilitate unique, all inclusive, destination retreats that show rather than tell writers how to thrive. It is our vision to creatively expand consciousness through experiential retreats for writers.
Everything Is OK on an Ego Break!
November 16 – 21, 2023: The Possum Trot Inn, a 19th Century Victorian mansion originally built as a hotel for the CC&O Railroad in 1890. This private retreat is located in the rural Possum Trot Valley with a small stream meandering through the hollow amidst gently rolling hills, green pastures and far reaching slopes. Straight out of a Charles Dickens novel, this lavish estate is one of the few remaining vintage homes left in the area. Check in between 5:00pm and 9:00pm on Nov 16, 2023. Check out by 11:00am on Nov 21, 2023
While the location of Ego Break Writers 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. Rather than offering workshops that lecture on the mechanics of craft, Ego Break Writers 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 an experience you’ll write about! –Please scroll to the bottom of this page for room options.–
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Ego Break Writers Retreat
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 two part workshop, we’ll break down the ego, ego constructs, and ego programing. Once you experience an ego break, you’ll expand your awareness in the essence of character development. This informational and experiential workshop includes a guided, group meditation.
Creative Channel
In this two part workshop, you’ll learn more about where creativity comes from and how to access that space. This informational and experiential workshop includes a group Reiki Session.
Mystery Dinner Party
What better way to experience characterization than stepping into character? If you would like to participate in Ego Break’s 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.
Mountain Trails Horse Riding
Enjoy an hour horse ride along mountain trails.
Mount Mitchell State Park Day Trip
Mount Mitchell’s dramatic summit is the highest point east of the Mississippi at 6,684 feet and was the inspiration for one of the nation’s first state parks. It is located near Burnsville in Yancey County, North Carolina; in the Black Mountain subrange of the Appalachians. From its easily accessible observation deck, the spruce-fir forest of Mount Mitchell State Park leads the eye to unmatched views. A museum explains the mountain’s cultural and natural history, and its trail network allows visitors to explore up close, offering short hikes near the summit.
1 Hour Private Reiki & BioMat Session
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
We will release tension and completely relax into the sound waves of crystal singing bowls, gongs, and other sound bath instruments.
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.
My Intent Craft
You’ll choose a word of inspiration and create a keychain, necklace, or bracelet for a focus reminder.
Writing Time / Free Time
There will be plenty of time to write! Get some words on the page. Maybe work out your plot line or begin a new project as you sit on the wrap around deck. Or, if you seek inspiration, explore nearby mountain hiking trails.
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, a private Reiki session, murder mystery dinner, day trip to Mount Mitchell State Park, an hour horse ride, 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.
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 nearest airport to Burnsville, North Carolina is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) in Asheville, NC. From AVL, you’ll need to rent a car and drive 44 miles to the retreat home in Burnsville, NC. After your reservation is paid for in full, you will receive the exact address of the retreat home.
“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:
Cancellation Policy: 100% of all monies paid less a $75 processing fee are refunded for cancellations made within 60+ days before the retreat start date. 50% of all monies paid less a $75 processing fee are refunded for cancellations made 30-59 days before retreat start date. 0% will be refund for cancellations made within 0-29 days of retreat start date. However, 100% of all monies paid minus a $150 processing will be refunded in the event that Everything Is OK is able to rebook your canceled room before the retreat start date. 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 10/05/2024.
Clara’s Salon Suite
Bedroom with a queen size bed, wardrobe, 2 elegant sitting chairs and 2 nightstands. This room has a private bathroom with bathtub. This room also has a private sitting room and private balcony over looking the lush green countryside. $1999 for 1st guest / +$750 for (optional) 2nd guest. Pay in full or 15% + $100 fee now and the balance of $1699 by October 5, 2023.
Clara’s Salon 
Clara’s Salon 
Clara’s Salon
Viola Suite
Bedroom with queen size bed, dresser, wardrobe and stylish settee bench. This warm and cozy bedroom is covered from floor to ceiling with original red oak and maple wood floor. This bedroom includes a private bathroom. $1999 for 1st guest / +$750 for (optional) 2nd guest. Pay in full or 15% + $100 fee now and the balance of $1699 by October 5, 2023.
Rolling Hills Suite
Bedroom with a queen size bed, private bathroom, dresser, nightstands, 2 chairs, side table and a closet. Enjoy incredible views of the estate from this spacious room. $1999 for 1st guest / +$750 for (optional) 2nd guest. Pay in full or 15% + $100 fee now and the balance of $1699 by October 5, 2023.
Garden Shade Suite
Bedroom with a queen size bed, wardrobe, dresser, nightstand, 2 chairs, settee bench and a washstand. Room also includes private bathroom with bathtub. $1999 for 1st guest / +$750 for (optional) 2nd guest. Pay in full or 15% + $100 fee now and the balance of $1699 by October 5, 2023.
Americana Room
Bedroom with a queen size bed, dresser, nightstand and 2 chairs for unwinding after a long day. A ton of natural light fills this room splashing off of all of the wood from top to bottom. This bedroom shares a bathroom. $1949 for 1st guest / +$750 for (optional) 2nd guest. Pay in full or 15% + $100 fee now and the balance of $1569 by October 5, 2023.
Lilac Room
Bedroom with a king size bed, dresser, nightstands, chair and closet. This room shares a bathroom.
$1949 for 1st guest / +$750 for (optional) 2nd guest. Pay in full or 15% + $100 fee now and the balance of $1569 by October 5, 2023.
Ruby Red Room
Bedroom with queen size bed, dresser, nightstands 2 chairs designed for royalty, and one of the most captivating views on the property. This absolutely stunning Ruby Red room is located in the turret of the mansion. It’s straight out of a Victorian romance novel. This bedroom shares a bathroom.
$1949 for 1st guest / +$750 for (optional) 2nd guest. Pay in full or 15% + $100 fee now and the balance of $1569 by October 5, 2023.
Everything Is OK on an Ego Break!