The Jumpstart Your Book - Aspiring Authors Retreat
Up to 30 in group
October 9 - 13, 2024
Retreat Highlights
- Spend 4 days at Sunrise Ranch with Literary Midwife and bestselling author Kathy Sparrow, taming the overwhelm and confusion that keeps you from realizing your dream.
- In this 4-day Writing Studio Adventure, you will:
- Receive the support and technical expertise of a seasoned publishing professional.
- Gain clarity on what you want to write and how to put your thoughts to paper.
- Learn a framework to write each chapter of your book with ease.
- Overcome the blocks that keep you from being seen and heard in the world.
- As a bonus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with Kathy to discuss your individual writing goals.
- Plus, you’ll get to enjoy all that Sunrise Ranch offers to nourish your soul.
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Literary Midwife Kathy Sparrow
Literary Midwife Kathy Sparrow is an award-winning author, ghostwriter, and publishing consultant who has mentored aspiring non-fiction, fiction, and poetry writers for over two decades. Many have penned bestselling books because of her book coaching services. Known as a “behind-the-scenes secret weapon” to thought leaders, Kathy specializes in the areas of self-development, leadership, and memoir. She was recently named one of the “Top 15 Book Coaches to Watch in 2023” by LA Weekly.
Kathy is the co-author and project lead of Ignite Your Leadership: Proven Tools to Energize Teams, Fuel Momentum, and Accelerate Results. Her novel, The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout, is touted as the feminine version of A River Runs Through It. She is the co-author of the children’s books Stanky & Cece: Break the Rules (2022) and Stanky & Cece: Out of Control (2023). She has ghostwritten books and blogs on personal growth, professional development, and leadership, including The Precipice of Life: Leadership and Personal Growth Insights from a Mountaineer’s Edge.
Throughout her career, she has worked with traditional publishers such as IDG Press (the former For Dummies publisher), Master’s Press, Wish Publishing, ARE Press, and others. Her work as a journalist has also appeared in Saltwater Fly Fishing, Indianapolis Woman, Indiana Business Magazine, E-magazine, Hudson Valley Magazine, and many more. A university professor, she has taught writing in first-year writing programs, sophomore literature, theatre, and marketing for authors.
Kathy has studied transformational methodologies with Jack Canfield, founder of Chicken Soup for the Soul and author of The Success Principles, Dr. Deb Sandella of The RIM® Institute, Laurie Seymour of The Baca Institute, and Renee Moorefield of Wisdom Works. She is a Certified Canfield Trainer in The Success Principles and Canfield Methodologies, Certified Be Well Lead Well Pulse® Guide, and Master RIM® facilitator. Kathy relies on the science of success tools to assist her clients in overcoming obstacles and mindset limitations that prevent them from sharing their wisdom with the world. She holds a master’s degree in English with a concentration in literature and cultural studies.
Kathy enjoys yoga, hot indoor cycling, hiking, fly fishing, and adventures with her partner and family. She spends her time in LA and San Diego, and you can also find her in Colorado, Mexico, Costa Rica––or wherever her travels take her.
Her websites are: www.kathysparrow.com and www.awritablelife.com
Details of this retreat
Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Loveland, Colorado, Sunrise Ranch sets the stage for an unparalleled writer's retreat—an oasis where creativity blooms and inspiration dances in the crisp mountain air. This idyllic haven invites wordsmiths from far and wide to immerse themselves in a retreat that transcends the ordinary.
Surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, writers find solace and serenity at Sunrise Ranch, where the convergence of natural beauty and artistic energy fosters an environment conducive to literary exploration. As the sun paints the sky with hues of pink and gold, participants embark on a journey of self-discovery and literary craftsmanship, their pens dancing across pages as they tap into the muse that resides within this enchanting retreat.
This immersive writing experience at Sunrise Ranch offers an all-inclusive package encompassing delectable meals, cozy lodging, top-notch workshop materials, and the rejuvenating embrace of morning and evening yoga—seamlessly woven into your enchanting writer's retreat.
This carefully curated 5-day retreat combines the tranquility of Sunrise Ranch's inspiring grounds, the expertise of inclusive writing workshops suitable for all levels and genres, personalized coaching, and the nourishment meals. The all-inclusive nature of the retreat ensures that every participant is equipped with the tools and inspiration needed to turn their literary aspirations into reality.
Surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, writers find solace and serenity at Sunrise Ranch, where the convergence of natural beauty and artistic energy fosters an environment conducive to literary exploration. As the sun paints the sky with hues of pink and gold, participants embark on a journey of self-discovery and literary craftsmanship, their pens dancing across pages as they tap into the muse that resides within this enchanting retreat.
This immersive writing experience at Sunrise Ranch offers an all-inclusive package encompassing delectable meals, cozy lodging, top-notch workshop materials, and the rejuvenating embrace of morning and evening yoga—seamlessly woven into your enchanting writer's retreat.
This carefully curated 5-day retreat combines the tranquility of Sunrise Ranch's inspiring grounds, the expertise of inclusive writing workshops suitable for all levels and genres, personalized coaching, and the nourishment meals. The all-inclusive nature of the retreat ensures that every participant is equipped with the tools and inspiration needed to turn their literary aspirations into reality.
Schedule
Workshop Schedule
Day 1 - Wednesday, October 9: Arrival and Settling In
During this time, you will have the opportunity to meet, connect, and familiarize yourself with the property and enjoy a hike.
2:00 - 5:00 p.m. – Check-in and Registration
5:00 - 5:45 p.m. – Sunset Yoga for Relaxation
6:00 - 6:45 p.m. – Welcome Dinner
7:00-9:00 p.m. – Welcome Ceremony and Retreat Overview
Recognizing that many have traveled great distances, we've designed this evening as a chance for a soft start. Instead of diving straight into writing sessions, we’ll have icebreakers, share the workshop agenda, and have a little fun. It’s a relaxed beginning, allowing everyone to settle in comfortably before the workshop kicks into full gear. You’ll also be able to sign up for your individual coaching sessions.
Day 2 - Thursday, October 10: Setting the Stage for Your Book
7:00 - 8:00 a.m. – Morning Yoga to Awaken Creativity
8:15 - 9:15 a.m. – Breakfast
9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. – Morning Session: Identify Your Book's Purpose and Impact
10:30 - 10:45 a.m. – Snack
12:00 - 2:30 p.m. – Lunch & Break
Note: Lunch is from 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Then you have time to hike, relax, rest, and/or write!
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Afternoon Session: Life's Turning Points: Moments, People, Places
3:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. – Snack
5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. - 15-minute Individual Sessions (sign-up required)
6:00 - 6:45 p.m. – Dinner
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. – Evening Session - Tips for Engaging Our Audience
Small group sharing, Q&A, and set-up for the next day’s activities.
Day 3 - Friday, October 11: Framework Techniques for Crafting Your Chapters
7:00 - 8:00 a.m. – Morning Yoga to Awaken Creativity
8:15 - 9:15 a.m. – Breakfast
9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. – Morning Session - Define Your Premise & Create an Outline
10:30 - 10:45 a.m. – Snack
12:00 - 2:30 p.m. – Lunch & Break
Note: Lunch is from 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Then you have time to hike, relax, rest, and/or write!
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Afternoon Session - Implementation & Individual Sessions
You will continue to work on your premise and your outline. Kathy will be providing individual feedback on your progress during this session.
3:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. – Snack
5:00 - 5:45 p.m. - 15-minute Individual Sessions (sign-up required)
6:00 – 6:45 p.m. – Dinner
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. – Evening Session - Cultivate the Writer's Mindset and Conquer Writer’s Block
Group Meditation, Small group sharing, Q&A, and set-up for the next day’s activities.
Day 4 - Saturday, October 12: Writing with Presence, Precision, and Polish
7:00 - 8:00 a.m. – Morning Yoga to Awaken Creativity
8:15 - 9:15 a.m. – Breakfast
9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. – Morning Session - Rules of the Road - Writing Like a Pro
10:30 - 10:45 a.m. – Snack
12:00 - 2:30 p.m. – Lunch & Break
Note: Lunch is from 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Then you have time to hike, relax, rest, and/or write!
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Afternoon Session – Self-Editing Tips and Tricks
3:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. – Snack
5:00 - 5:45 p.m. - 15-minute Individual Sessions (sign-up required)
6:00 - 6:45 p.m. – Dinner
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. – Evening Session – Discussion on Publishing Options
Day 5: Sunday, October 13 - Closing Day: Celebration & Departure
7:00 - 8:00 a.m. – Morning Yoga to Awaken Creativity
9:30 - 10:45 a.m: Closing Session: Making a Plan for Your Writing Success
We’ll discuss ways that you can make a commitment to your writing and declare our intentions! Award Certificates of Completion.
11:00 a.m. Farewell Brunch
12:30 - 3:00 p.m. Coffee with Kathy and casual conversation about the writing life and extra time for questions about your individual projects.
Optional Grounds Exploration or Relaxation & Check-out
Day 1 - Wednesday, October 9: Arrival and Settling In
During this time, you will have the opportunity to meet, connect, and familiarize yourself with the property and enjoy a hike.
2:00 - 5:00 p.m. – Check-in and Registration
5:00 - 5:45 p.m. – Sunset Yoga for Relaxation
6:00 - 6:45 p.m. – Welcome Dinner
7:00-9:00 p.m. – Welcome Ceremony and Retreat Overview
Recognizing that many have traveled great distances, we've designed this evening as a chance for a soft start. Instead of diving straight into writing sessions, we’ll have icebreakers, share the workshop agenda, and have a little fun. It’s a relaxed beginning, allowing everyone to settle in comfortably before the workshop kicks into full gear. You’ll also be able to sign up for your individual coaching sessions.
Day 2 - Thursday, October 10: Setting the Stage for Your Book
7:00 - 8:00 a.m. – Morning Yoga to Awaken Creativity
8:15 - 9:15 a.m. – Breakfast
9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. – Morning Session: Identify Your Book's Purpose and Impact
10:30 - 10:45 a.m. – Snack
12:00 - 2:30 p.m. – Lunch & Break
Note: Lunch is from 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Then you have time to hike, relax, rest, and/or write!
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Afternoon Session: Life's Turning Points: Moments, People, Places
3:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. – Snack
5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. - 15-minute Individual Sessions (sign-up required)
6:00 - 6:45 p.m. – Dinner
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. – Evening Session - Tips for Engaging Our Audience
Small group sharing, Q&A, and set-up for the next day’s activities.
Day 3 - Friday, October 11: Framework Techniques for Crafting Your Chapters
7:00 - 8:00 a.m. – Morning Yoga to Awaken Creativity
8:15 - 9:15 a.m. – Breakfast
9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. – Morning Session - Define Your Premise & Create an Outline
10:30 - 10:45 a.m. – Snack
12:00 - 2:30 p.m. – Lunch & Break
Note: Lunch is from 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Then you have time to hike, relax, rest, and/or write!
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Afternoon Session - Implementation & Individual Sessions
You will continue to work on your premise and your outline. Kathy will be providing individual feedback on your progress during this session.
3:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. – Snack
5:00 - 5:45 p.m. - 15-minute Individual Sessions (sign-up required)
6:00 – 6:45 p.m. – Dinner
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. – Evening Session - Cultivate the Writer's Mindset and Conquer Writer’s Block
Group Meditation, Small group sharing, Q&A, and set-up for the next day’s activities.
Day 4 - Saturday, October 12: Writing with Presence, Precision, and Polish
7:00 - 8:00 a.m. – Morning Yoga to Awaken Creativity
8:15 - 9:15 a.m. – Breakfast
9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. – Morning Session - Rules of the Road - Writing Like a Pro
10:30 - 10:45 a.m. – Snack
12:00 - 2:30 p.m. – Lunch & Break
Note: Lunch is from 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Then you have time to hike, relax, rest, and/or write!
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Afternoon Session – Self-Editing Tips and Tricks
3:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. – Snack
5:00 - 5:45 p.m. - 15-minute Individual Sessions (sign-up required)
6:00 - 6:45 p.m. – Dinner
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. – Evening Session – Discussion on Publishing Options
Day 5: Sunday, October 13 - Closing Day: Celebration & Departure
7:00 - 8:00 a.m. – Morning Yoga to Awaken Creativity
9:30 - 10:45 a.m: Closing Session: Making a Plan for Your Writing Success
We’ll discuss ways that you can make a commitment to your writing and declare our intentions! Award Certificates of Completion.
11:00 a.m. Farewell Brunch
12:30 - 3:00 p.m. Coffee with Kathy and casual conversation about the writing life and extra time for questions about your individual projects.
Optional Grounds Exploration or Relaxation & Check-out
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Directions
One of Sunrise Ranch’s biggest advantages as a retreat center lies in its convenient location. Just a 20-minute drive from downtown Loveland and Horsetooth Reservoir, and about an hour from Denver International Airport, we are close to town yet far enough removed in the mountains to escape noise and pollution. The roads leading to the property are paved and well-maintained all the way—no need for four-wheel-drive vehicles or SUVs, even in winter.
Mimi’s Ride to Fly is our main shuttle service. Groome Transporation also runs from the airport right to our doorstep.
If you are interested in holding an event/retreat/training at Sunrise Ranch click the Events top menu item on our website and choose 'Lead an Event'
Mimi’s Ride to Fly is our main shuttle service. Groome Transporation also runs from the airport right to our doorstep.
If you are interested in holding an event/retreat/training at Sunrise Ranch click the Events top menu item on our website and choose 'Lead an Event'
Accommodation
Welcoming our guests means sharing the atmosphere of home. A variety of clean, comfortable accommodations are available in close proximity to meeting rooms and the dining room. Rooms are uniquely decorated by our staff to offer a sense of being in a family home, not a chain hotel. Each room is given individual attention, and the spaces are blessed by our housekeeping staff before guests arrive. We take housekeeping to a different level—a level of care, comfort and relaxing peace that creates the feeling of home. Room options include: • 3-bedroom suites • single, double and triple rooms • full apartments with kitchens and private bathrooms • camping space north of Accommodations
Single Room in Apartment
This is a private room in a 2 or 3 bedroom apartment. The bathroom, kitchen, and living
room will be shared with the other people from the event who also booked a room in the apartment. Please note that members of another gender may be in other rooms within the apartment.
Single
This is a private room. Most single rooms have a queen bed, though rarely a twin bed. The bathrooms and showers are in a nearby hallway.
Commuter
Select this option if you have your own lodging outside of Sunrise Ranch and are driving in to attend the event. This option includes meals and use of facilities.
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains 18 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park and close to population centers of Fort Collins, Boulder and Denver, Sunrise Ranch is a peaceful and beautiful venue for groups and individuals. The ranch has been growing since 1945 and is the home of about 100 people who ranch, farm, cook, care, and practice radiating love in all they do.
As a complement to the accommodations experience, our amenities provide additional activities for relaxation and renewal. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool during the summer, and the dry sauna and hot tub are available for year-round use. There are various hiking trails around the property, with sweeping views of Eden Valley and Green Ridge Glade Reservoir. A tranquil pond and stone labyrinth round out the list of meditative places. Massage is available upon request.
As a complement to the accommodations experience, our amenities provide additional activities for relaxation and renewal. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool during the summer, and the dry sauna and hot tub are available for year-round use. There are various hiking trails around the property, with sweeping views of Eden Valley and Green Ridge Glade Reservoir. A tranquil pond and stone labyrinth round out the list of meditative places. Massage is available upon request.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
As part of our commitment to healthy living in mind, body and spirit, we insist on the highest quality nourishment for our guests and community members.
Much of our food comes straight from our own farm and garden. Our produce is pesticide-free and GMO-free, and our pastured chickens and 100 percent grass-fed cattle always receive humane treatment.
Other items come from local farms or are Certified Organic. We are sensitive to individual needs and provide satisfying options for gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian and dairy-free diets.
What's Included
- Surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, writers find solace and serenity at Sunrise Ranch, where the convergence of natural beauty and artistic energy fosters an environment conducive to literary exploration. As the sun paints the sky with hues of pink and gold, participants embark on a journey of self-discovery and literary craftsmanship, their pens dancing across pages as they tap into the muse that resides within this enchanting retreat.
- This immersive writing experience at Sunrise Ranch offers an all-inclusive package encompassing delectable meals, cozy lodging, top-notch workshop materials, and the rejuvenating embrace of morning and evening yoga—seamlessly woven into your enchanting writer's retreat.
What's Not Included
- Not included are additional activities
- Not included are airfare
