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!
November 9 – 14, 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 9, 2023. Check out by 11:00am on Nov 14, 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.–
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Ego Break Writers 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 Session.
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.
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 (**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.
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.
Sound Bath Reiki Meditation
We will release tension and completely relax into the sound waves of crystal singing bowls, a gong, and other sound bath instruments.
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, critique sessions, group- Reiki sessions, murder mystery dinner, day trip to Mount Mitchell State Park, 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.
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 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.
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:
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
2nd floor bedroom with a queen size bed, wardrobe, 2 elegant sitting chairs and 2 nightstands. This room has a private bathroom with bathtub. $1899 for 1st guest / +$750 for (optional) 2nd guest. Pay in full or 15% + $100 fee now and the balance of $1614 by October 5, 2023.
Clara’s Salon
Viola Suite
1st floor 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. $1899 for 1st guest / +$750 for (optional) 2nd guest. Pay in full or 15% + $100 fee now and the balance of $1614 by October 5, 2023.
Lilac Room & Bath
2nd floor bedroom with a king size bed, dresser, nightstands, chair and closet. This has a private unattached full bathroom. The bathroom is down the hall, but will only be used by you.
$1899 for 1st guest / +$750 for (optional) 2nd guest. Pay in full or 15% + $100 fee now and the balance of $1614 by October 5, 2023.
Rolling Hills Suite
3rd floor 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. $1899 for 1st guest / +$750 for (optional) 2nd guest. Pay in full or 15% + $100 fee now and the balance of $1614 by October 5, 2023.
Garden Shade Suite
2nd floor bedroom with a queen size bed, wardrobe, dresser, nightstand, 2 chairs, settee bench and a washstand. Room also includes private bathroom with bathtub. $1899 for 1st guest / +$750 for (optional) 2nd guest. Pay in full or 15% + $100 fee now and the balance of $1614 by October 5, 2023.
Evergreen Suite
1st floor bedroom with a queen size bed, wardrobe, dresser, and nightstands. Room also includes in-suite 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 October 5, 2023.
Americana Room
3rd floor 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 with the Ruby Red Room. $1799 for 1st guest / +$750 for (optional) 2nd guest. Pay in full or 15% + $100 fee now and the balance of $1529 by October 5, 2023.
Ruby Red Room
3rd floor 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 with the Americana Room.
$1799 for 1st guest / +$750 for (optional) 2nd guest. Pay in full or 15% + $100 fee now and the balance of $1529 by October 5, 2023.
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!