Listen, and you will realize that we are made
not from cells or from atoms.We are made from stories.
― Mia Couto
Private Writers Retreat in Hawai'i
At the Kohala Coast Writers Retreat, your private group of 2-4 writers will work directly with USA Today bestselling author Sara Ackerman, who’s walked the very same path—and now wants to help light the way for you. We delve into elements of story that make up a novel, and how to craft a work that is unforgettable and unique to you, from expert plotting tips, to writing habits that actually work, to getting to the finish line and finding an agent/publisher.
All retreats are flexible to your writing level, whether you simply have an idea for a novel or you have a few manuscripts under your belt yet want to deepen your work. Each guest will receive a copy of Sara's little book, The Novel Gameplan, as part of your retreat experience—and the daily sessions will bring its teachings to life in real time. Each session will include short writing/journaling activities that help you focus on where exactly youʻre going with your story.
The sessions are held in the beautiful Surf House in the Mauna Lani Resort. Theyʻll be relaxed but also highly productive, fun and inspirational, and are designed to transform your writing game.
All retreats are flexible to your writing level, whether you simply have an idea for a novel or you have a few manuscripts under your belt yet want to deepen your work. Each guest will receive a copy of Sara's little book, The Novel Gameplan, as part of your retreat experience—and the daily sessions will bring its teachings to life in real time. Each session will include short writing/journaling activities that help you focus on where exactly youʻre going with your story.
The sessions are held in the beautiful Surf House in the Mauna Lani Resort. Theyʻll be relaxed but also highly productive, fun and inspirational, and are designed to transform your writing game.
The Retreat Includes:
- 5 nights/4 days lodging at the Surf House
- 2.5 hours each day (late morning or early afternoon) learning & writing with Sara
- 1 morning coastal walk with Sara (optional)
- 2 late afternoon/evening talk story events with Sara
- 1 query critique or 1st page critique
- Each writer receives a copy of The Novel Gameplan & a selection of Hawaiian goodies, including a signed copy of one of Sara's novels
- Time to relax on the beach out front, or explore the natural beauty of Hawai'i Island
Sara's Story
Sara Ackerman is the Hawai'i born, USA Today bestselling author of nine (and counting) historical & contemporary novels set in the islands. Her books have been labeled “unforgettable” by Apple Books, “empowering & deliciously visceral” by Book Riot, and New York Times bestselling authors Kate Quinn and Madeline Martin have praised Sara’s novels as “fresh and delightful” and “brilliantly written.” Amazon chose Radar Girls as a best book of the month, and ALA Booklist gave The Codebreaker’s Secret a starred review. The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West currently has 72% 5-Star Reviews on Amazon, and Shelf Awareness had this to say about it: “Whip-smart...Vivid, insightful.” Her books have been published in many languages around the world. Sara has also taught a novel writing class to seniors at at the local prep school.
Retreat Pricing
Prices are flat rate for the whole group and include 5 nights of lodging + cleaning fee (travel & meals not included)
- 2 writers $3,800 plus tax
- 3 writers $4,200
- 4 writers $4,600
Additional nights of lodging are optional for an additional charge, pending availability.
Are you ready to take that leap? Great things will happen when you do! Please use the form below to request a retreat flier with more information.
- 2 writers $3,800 plus tax
- 3 writers $4,200
- 4 writers $4,600
Additional nights of lodging are optional for an additional charge, pending availability.
Are you ready to take that leap? Great things will happen when you do! Please use the form below to request a retreat flier with more information.