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!
SOLD OUT! Please click button for available upcoming Ego Break Writers Retreats.
May 25-30, 2023: Possum Trot Inn in Burnsville, NC This 19th Century Victorian mansion was originally built as a hotel for the CC&O Railroad in 1890. Our 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. And, this fairy tale property is featured in the movie “Snapshot of Love,” which you can watch on Amazon Prime. Check in between 5:00pm and 9:00pm on May 25, 2023. Check out by 11:00am on May 30, 2023.
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 an experience you’ll write about! –Please scroll to the bottom of this page for room options.–
days
hours minutes seconds
until
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 writing 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 two part writing 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 Session.
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.
Mountain Trails Horse Riding
We will practice being present while enjoying a two 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 focus.
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 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
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, 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 through 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 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.
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 fee will be refunded in the event that 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 you will receive a full refund of your reservation fees paid. However, you will not receive a refund for your travel expenses.** For people sharing a private room, 1st guest registers and comments in the “notes to business” section during registration with the name, phone number, and email of the 2nd guest for your room. We will send registration forms and payment options for the additional fee of $500 via email to the 2nd guest.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lilac Room
Bedroom with a king size bed, dresser, nightstands, chair and closet. This room shares a bathroom.
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.
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!