The Single Most Important Element to a Writer’s Success…

bestselling author Marshall Chapman, winter sunbathing at Santa Rosa Beach
bestselling author Marshall Chapman, winter sunbathing at Santa Rosa Beach

In the past six months over a dozen of my writers have happily trotted off to top agents, stuffed their hats with pub credits, signed book deals, gotten phone calls from Hollywood folks, gained audiences of over 2  million and basically sky-rocketed to the moon.

Through it all, I finally learned one of the most important elements for a writer’s success: You have to run away.

Escape. Explore that creative wild side that’s knocking at your door.

Retreat is a mainstay. It’s true, writers have signed book deals on Gateless retreats (you’ll see why when you come, it’s a recipe for profoundly, often explosive, work) gotten pub credits, started and finished novels, but those are just byproducts of the absolutely best thing feeling in the world: the boundless freedom of a blank page.

If you’ve missed the Gateless magic in the past (it's true, we are filled for the annual retreat in RI), it's happening again October 17-19th.

Nestled in the rolling forest of the beautiful West Tennessee hills with waterfalls, outdoor saunas, watsu pools and gorgeous blossom-studded paths, Gray Bear is a pause from our crazy busy world...
Nestled in the rolling forest of the beautiful West Tennessee hills with waterfalls, outdoor saunas, watsu pools and gorgeous blossom-studded paths, Gray Bear is a pause from our crazy busy world...

This time retreat is at one of my all time favorite places on earth: Gray Bear Holistic Retreat Center, one of the most mystical retreat spots in the world.  And we want you to come!

Marshall Chapman, celebrated songwriter, award-winning author, silver screen actress and one of my very best friends, is doing the song workshop. And I’ll whisk you away to write fiction, memoir, poetry, love letters whatever your writing heart is dying for. We’ll write and read aloud, have a big pajama party every night, tell secrets in front of a roaring fire, feast on fantastic food, and get massaged by some strong, caring, gentle hands.

Yes, she has written songs for EmmyLou Harris, Jimmy Buffett, and Joe Cocker, been on Willie Nelson’s bus, shared the screen with Paltrow, and been on the New York Times Bestseller List, but Marshall will still hold your hand on the page and lead you to your north star…
Yes, she has written songs for EmmyLou Harris, Jimmy Buffett, and Joe Cocker, been on Willie Nelson’s bus, shared the screen with Paltrow, and been on the New York Times Bestseller List, but Marshall will still hold your hand on the page and lead you to your north star…

So if you’re in love with stories, bring us some of those kudzu-covered words, tell us some phat fiction lies, write to us about blues on diddly strings, juke joints and pretty boys, getaway cars, your first whisper behind the wisteria that made you believe you could hold the sun and sail the world.  We’ll love each other up with some deliciously detailed (always sweet) feedback and celebrate your writing, show you where you shine and where your talent lies.

And yeah, maybe you’ll get that book deal and/or a movie option, but absolutely no doubt about it, you’ll have the chance to tell that story that’s been knocking you out every time there’s silence in the room.

Email me at suzannekingsbury@yahoo.com if you are hearing the call and have questions, and otherwise don't be shy, come along with us to Gray Bear for one hell of a ride. I can’t wait to write with you!  Sign up here: I want to go a little wild with Suzanne and Marshall! If you know someone who would love to plunge on to the page, pass it on pass it on pass it on...

And always pretty please send me a love note below, so I can send one back, I love hearing from you so much!