5
MEA 5-Day Immersion

Write Where You Are: Unleash Your Creativity & Transform Your Writing

Feb 8 - 13, 2027 Santa Fe, USA
Enroll Now Book A Call
Kelly Notaras

25-Year Book Editor at Major Publishing Houses Author of The Book You Were Born to Write Founder of KN Literary Arts

Get the expert guidance and support you need to make real progress on your book.

There's a book inside you that’s waiting to be born.

Maybe it's an idea you've been carrying for years, waiting for the right moment to begin. A first chapter you wrote in a burst of energy and haven't returned to since. A half-finished draft you're starting to lose the thread of, or a nearly complete manuscript that just needs the final push to become the book you set out to write.

Wherever it lives right now – in your head, a notebook, or a dozen scattered files – it deserves more than the scraps of time you've been able to give it.

But dedicated writing time can be hard to come by.

Between work, family, and the dozen smaller demands of a regular week, the long, uninterrupted stretches your book needs almost never appear. And you may be starting to wonder if you'll ever get it finished – and if it will live up to the vision you’ve held for it.

Imagine what you could accomplish in five days devoted to your writing and nothing else.

Write Where You Are is the chance to do exactly that. This immersive writing retreat is designed to spark ideas, reconnect you to your purpose for writing, and give you the space, time, and support to make significant progress on your book.

Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, you’ll find the inspiration you need to write with a freedom and depth that's hard to access anywhere else.

Hosted by Kelly Notaras – a 25-year book editor and author of The Book You Were Born to Write – Write Where You Are is built around the idea that given the right setting and guidance, you'll unlock the insight and creativity to take the next big step in your writing journey.

Kelly is a veteran of the major New York publishing houses, including HarperCollins, Penguin, and Hyperion. She knows what makes a manuscript work and has a gift for seeing what a book actually wants to be, sometimes before the writer can. And she knows how to create the conditions for writers to share openly, support one another's work, and grow as authors.

You'll get to do this powerful work with her at Rising Circle Ranch, MEA's 2,600-acre regenerative ranch outside Santa Fe – an environment that lets you exhale and turn your full attention to the work.

Ignite Your Creativity in a Setting Built for Breakthroughs

During your five days with Kelly in New Mexico’s high desert, you will…

Drop fully into the work – with long, protected stretches of writing time built into every day, far from the distractions of regular life, you'll experience the kind of deep focus that turns scattered effort into real momentum.

Get answers to your publishing questions – in a dedicated Q&A session, you can ask Kelly anything about agents, proposals, editing, self-publishing, and the realities of getting a book into readers' hands.

Read your work aloud and hear how it lands – peer sharing circles offer the chance to share excerpts of your writing with a small, supportive group and receive feedback from fellow writers and Kelly's team (sharing is always optional).

Reconnect with the writer you are at your best – daily group practices, mindfulness sessions, and time in nature help quiet the inner critic and reawaken the curiosity, freedom, and creative confidence that bring your best writing to life.

Build relationships with writers who get it – meals, evening gatherings, and shared writing time tend to produce the kind of bonds that turn into accountability partners, beta readers, and writing friends for years to come.

Leave with new pages, fresh perspective, and a renewed sense of purpose – the kind of momentum that follows you home and keeps the book moving long after the retreat ends.

Plus: Get A Private 1:1 Session with Kelly

Every participant receives a private 20-minute coaching session with Kelly – a rare opportunity to sit one-on-one with a 25-year book editor and get her undivided attention on your work.

Submit up to 5,000 words of your writing before the retreat, and Kelly will read your pages in advance and bring personalized feedback to your session. Bring your manuscript questions, your structural puzzles, your stuck places. Whether you're shaping an idea, deep into a draft, or trying to figure out what your book actually wants to be, this is the kind of focused editorial guidance that most writers never get.

Who This Is For

Write Where You Are is designed for writers who have something they need to put on the page and are ready to give it the time and attention it deserves. You'll feel at home here if you're:

  • Actively working on a book – you’ve started working on a memoir, business book, novel or other book-length work, and you have an outline, chapter, partial manuscript or proposal underway
  • Tackling a substantial writing project of a different shape – alternatively, you’re working on a Substack series, a set of essays, or a collection of pieces you'd eventually like to shape into something larger
  • A capable writer, whether you've published before or you’ve never been paid to write a word in your life – what matters is that you know how to put a well-crafted sentence together and feel confident in your ability to make progress while working independently during the retreat
  • Looking for the kind of immersive, focused environment that's nearly impossible to create at home
  • Open to learning alongside other committed writers, sharing your work (when you choose to), and being part of a small, intentional community for the week

This retreat welcomes writers at every stage – first-timers, working professionals between books, and writers who've been circling a project for years and are ready to land it.

Who This Isn't For

This retreat is intentionally small and we want every person here to get what they came for. This probably isn't the right fit if you're:

  • Looking for a beginner's writing class or a how-to-write-a-book curriculum – this is a retreat, not a “how-to” course, and it assumes you already have a project underway
  • Hoping for line-by-line manuscript editing during the retreat itself – Kelly's 1:1 sessions are focused on the bigger questions of structure, vision, and direction, not hands-on editing
  • Expecting a publishing accelerator or a pitch-to-agents intensive – while we will have one dedicated 90-minute Publishing Q&A, the heart of the retreat is the creative act of writing itself
  • Not open to feedback or to sharing your work in some form – peer sharing circles are optional, but the retreat assumes a willingness to be in conversation with other writers and with Kelly
  • Not ready to commit to actually writing for the bulk of the week – this is deep work, and it asks something of you

Not sure if you're a fit? That's what the application is for. Apply, and we'll have a conversation to see if this experience is right for you.

Meet Your Faculty

Kelly Notaras

25-Year Book Editor | Author of The Book You Were Born to Write | Founder of KN Literary Arts

Kelly Notaras has spent more than 25 years inside the world of book publishing. She started her career in the editorial divisions at HarperCollins, Penguin, and Hyperion Books, and later served as V.P. and Associate Publisher at Sounds True, the renowned spirituality publisher in Boulder, Colorado.

In 2014, Kelly founded KN Literary Arts, an editorial book studio that helps authors write, edit, publish, and market their books. She has personally edited more than 200 titles, ranging from debut authors finding their footing to New York Times bestsellers including Two Weeks Notice by Amy Porterfield, The Tapping Solution by Nick Ortner, and Pussy: A Reclamation by Regena Thomashauer.

Kelly is also the author of The Book You Were Born to Write: Everything You Need to (Finally) Get Your Wisdom onto the Page and into the World, a practical guide that has helped thousands of would-be authors get their books out of their heads and onto the page. Together with Hay House CEO Reid Tracy, she co-teaches the Hay House Writer's Community and Authorpreneur memberships, which serve thousands of writers every day. Kelly lives in Colorado.

I feel humble to have had the opportunity to be surrounded by writers who listened, supported and encouraged one another. Kelly is such an authentic, grounded, committed leader. Amy and Jill are a fantastic team. Coming from Australia I felt such warmth, love, kindness, compassion and they allowed me to share our common love for Tibetan traditions. OM Shanti Much love, peace, appreciation and gratitude to each of you.
Marcela Toro
Go without expectations and one's experiences will expand beyond measure. This retreat was about more than writing. It was about connection, reflection, personal exploration and how these facets work synergistically to unearth deep writing from where a person finds themselves.
Marisa de Santo
If the message you're called to share is important to you and you know you're meant to deliver it via a book, yet it's simply having the time and space that keep you stuck...THIS is what you need. Kelly and her team provide the environment, support and inspiration that unleashes the writer in you...gently, persuasively and powerfully. It is MORE than worth the time, money and effort invested...in you and your dream.
Chris Makell
I arrived with a backpack full of scattered pages and 'research'—generational trauma, parentification, all of it. Kelly looked me in the eye and gave me the only assignment that mattered: tell the truth, the medicine is in the words. In one weekend, her genius—and the easy chemistry with Jill and Amy—turned craft, breathwork, and community into alchemy. I read a scene, the room went still, and my voice stepped forward. If you're ready to stop performing resilience and write the book only you can, immerse yourself.
Deborah Neilsen
The Write Where You Are Retreat was transformative for me. The camaraderie with the other participants was unexpectedly deep and supportive, the writing experience was just what I needed, and the other activities rounded out the truly exceptional experience. The positive impacts continue to resonate in my writing and my life. It is a gift I highly recommend you give yourself!
Dianna Anderson
The retreat gave me an opportunity to find my writing voice. I was able to apply the discipline of producing work in a setting that supported me with people who care. The location is a place of natural divinity and opens the doors of creativity with ease.
Vicky McCarthy
If you're looking to reach a wider audience in your business, and a book is part of that plan, then KN Literary is an accelerator to success! Their retreats strike the right balance of hearts & minds.
Melanie McLagan

Our Agenda at a Glance

Monday:

All Day: Arrivals

4:30 PM: Pre-Workshop Meeting - Run of Show - in Classroom

5:30 PM: Meet n Greet/Snack and drinks

6:00 PM: Dinner

7:00 PM: MEA Orientation & Setting Intentions + Introductions

9:00 PM: Goodnight

Tuesday:

6:30 AM: Coffee, tea, fruit available

7:00 AM: Early Morning Writing Together

8:30 AM: Breakfast

9:30 AM: Special Activity & Deep Writing Time

1:15 PM: Lunch

2:00 PM: Deep Writing Time

4:30 PM: Sharing Circles

5:30 PM: Open Time

6:30 PM: Dinner

7:30 PM: Evening Activity

Wednesday:

6:30 AM: Coffee, tea, fruit available

7:00 AM: Early Morning Writing Together

8:30 AM: Breakfast

9:30 AM: Deep Writing Time

1:15 PM: Lunch

2:00 PM: Deep Writing Time

4:30 PM: Sharing Circles

5:30 PM: Open Time

6:30 PM: Dinner

7:30 PM: Evening Activity

Thursday:

6:30 AM: Coffee, tea, fruit available

7:00 AM: Early Morning Writing Together

8:30 AM: Breakfast

9:30 AM: Deep Writing Time

1:15 PM: Lunch

2:00 PM: Deep Writing Time

4:30 PM: Sharing Circle

5:30 PM: Open Time

6:30 PM: Dinner

7:30 PM: Evening Activity

Friday:

6:30 AM: Coffee, tea, fruit available

7:00 AM: Early Morning Writing Together

8:30 AM: Breakfast

9:30 AM: Deep Writing Time

1:15 PM: Lunch

2:00 PM: Deep Writing Time

4:00 PM: Optional Publishing Q & A

5:30 PM: Open Time

6:30 PM: Dinner

7:30 PM: Evening Activity

Saturday:

6:30 AM: Coffee, tea, fruit available

7:00 AM: Packing time

8:30 AM: Breakfast

9:30 AM: Special Activity/Deep Writing Time

11:15 AM: Closing Circle

1:15 PM: Lunch

2:00 PM: Departures onward

Sunday:

*Please note all times are estimates as some activities go longer or shorter depending on the group. This agenda is meant to give you an idea of the general flow of activities.

Step into transformation in the high desert

Rising Circle Ranch | Santa Fe, USA.

Our spectacular Santa Fe campus is located on an upscale regenerative ranch featuring traditional Pueblo architecture and nearly 2,600 acres of wildlife, hiking trails in the arroyo, and awe-inspiring beauty. Close to historic Santa Fe, an artisan’s mecca.

PLUS: Gourmet from-scratch meals, snacks, and drinks featuring locally sourced ingredients, made by our in-house chefs

  • Big-sky desert country
  • Breathtaking nature
  • Evenings around the campfire
  • Star-gazing

Your Workshop Includes:

  • 5 nights of lodging in a private room at MEA’s world-class retreat center at Rising Circle Ranch, Santa Fe with all of your meals, snacks, drinks and other amenities included
  • A review of up to 5000 words of your writing by Kelly, with personalized feedback and guidance provided in a 20-minute private coaching session during the retreat
  • Deep writing time each morning and afternoon, designed to help you build writing stamina and generate pages over the course of the retreat
  • Daily group experiences to stimulate creativity and deepen your writing journey
  • Peer feedback circles to share your work and participate in a real-time writing community (sharing is optional)
  • Access to inspiring writing spaces to help you focus and elevate your creative process
  • A 90-minute Publishing Q&A with Kelly, where you can ask questions about editing, publishing, or any aspect of the writer's path
  • Mindfulness practices to soothe your nervous system and help you cultivate greater mindfulness and presence in the moment to unlock inspiration and insight
  • Movement to get the energy flowing and build your strength and agility as you chart your course forward to the life you want to live
  • An optional 60-minute massage provided by a trained bodyworker ($150 additional fee) 

Give Your Book the Attention It's Been Waiting For

A week like this doesn't come around often. Dedicated writing time is rare. So is the chance to work alongside an editor of Kelly's caliber, in a setting designed to let you focus, with a small group of writers as serious about the craft as you are.

In five days at Rising Circle Ranch, you'll have: 

  • Long, uninterrupted writing time built into every day
  • A private coaching session with Kelly Notaras, with personalized feedback on your work
  • Answers to your publishing questions from a 25-year industry veteran
  • A small group of serious writers in your corner
  • A setting designed to let you exhale and do your best work

Everything your book needs is already in you. This is the week you give it the conditions to come to life.

Apply Today

Write Where You Are: Unleash Your Creativity & Transform Your Writing

Feb 8 - 13, 2027 Santa Fe, USA
Starting at
$7,750 per person
Enroll Now Book A Call

Frequently Asked Questions

What skill level is the retreat suitable for?

This retreat is open to writers of all levels. Whether you’re just starting or have published multiple works, the program is tailored to meet your needs.

Do I need to have a book already underway?

This retreat is designed to give you deep time to drop into a project and make meaningful progress. For this reason, we ask you to arrive at the retreat ready to drop in and write. For most, this will mean arriving with a project outline at minimum. And if it’s something you’ve been working on for a while, you may be surprised at how much progress you can make on it in just five dedicated days of writing time.

Do I have to be writing a work of nonfiction? What about fiction or poetry?

Kelly’s expertise is in writing and editing non-fiction, and most of the people who attend her retreats are working on some sort of non-fiction work. That said, she has also had participants who have been working on other projects, such as fiction, a screenplay and a series of articles for a blog. If you’re wondering if Kelly can help you bring your writing project forward, apply today and let’s have a conversation about it.

Will I get feedback on my work?

Yes! You will have the option of submitting up to 5,000 words prior to the retreat for Kelly to review, in order to provide reflection during your private coaching session. We will also be providing opportunities to read your work and receive uplifting and useful feedback from your peers.

Do I need to bring my own writing materials?

Yes! Please bring your laptop, notebooks, and any other materials you need in order to write comfortably over the course of the retreat. 

What's included in the investment?

Everything is included: five days of immersive workshop sessions, all materials, luxury accommodations at MEA’s Santa Fe retreat, chef-prepared gourmet meals, and unforgettable group experiences – all within an intimate learning environment of just 20 participants.

The only additional costs are your travel to Santa Fe and any personal expenses. The investment does not include travel or transportation to MEA.

Still deciding or have questions?
Connect with our helpful team of Advisors

Our Advisors are all MEA alumni who can offer genuine insights into our programs. They’re passionate about helping you finding the right fit to make your next chapter the best one.

BOOK a cAlL

Daniel Booz

Lucas Erie

Leslie Bartlett