Writers at the Beach

February 2026

February 5-8, 2026

Atlantic Villa Fran-to-Sea

3108 Sandfiddler Rd,
Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Daily Itinerary

  • Arrival, Setting Intentions and Writing Goals

    • Arrive any time after 3:00. Settle in and write, walk the beach, relax.

    • 5:45 - 6:15 Reception - meet and chat over small bites

    • 6:30 Dinner (provided)

    • 7:30 Introductions, Setting Intentions, and Group Writing

  • Intensive Writing and Revision Day

    • Sunrise-9:00 Sleep, walk the beach, write!

    • Eat breakfast at your own time and pace. Coffee and tea will be brewing all day!

    • 9:30- 11:30 Group Writing with Cindy

    • Noon -1:00 Lunch (provided). Eat with the group or take your lunch "to go" and begin individual writing time.

    • 2:00 - 3:00 Pre-scheduled meetings with Cindy. You can sign up with an Add-on for a private session.

    • 3:30 to 5:30 Optional Writing Session led by Cindy

    • 6:00 Gather to carpool to dinner.

    • 6:30 Dinner at Eurasia. (Cost not included)

    • 8:00 - 9:30 Optional Group Sharing. Bring something to read - whether you’ve written it or just love it. (Not a workshop.)

  • Write, Revise, Relax

    • Sunrise-9:00 Spend the early morning sleeping, walking on the beach, writing morning pages.

    • Eat breakfast at your own time and pace.

    • 9:30-11:30 Group Writing with Cindy

    • 12-1:00 Lunch (provided)

    • Afternoon: Individual writing time. Enjoy your retreat: walk, meditate, eat chocolate and read a book, shop...

    • Individual Meetings with Cindy (pre-scheduled)

    • 4:00 - 6:00 Writing Session Led by Nadia

    • 6:30 Dinner together - discuss the day, enjoy food and kindred spirits.

    • Optional post-dinner Group Share. Bring something to read to the group! (Not a workshop.)

  • Closure

    • Wake up refreshed! Spend the morning packing, walking, doing yoga.

    • 8:30-9:15 Gather for a final (brief) group write.

    • We will wrap up the weekend, discuss our thoughts and takeaways, and set intentions for post-retreat writing.

    • Option for Group to Meet for Brunch at local restaurant.

Essays & Prompts

“A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.”
Thomas Mann