ABOUT SPEAKING BOOKS

YOU'RE INVITED TO THE

 WRITING AT THE LAKE RETREAT

 

Where you show up to write & we do the rest.

 

Thursday, September 12th - Sunday, September 15th 2024

 

An intimate retreat for writers to do deep work.


COACHING. CONNECTION. INSPIRATION. PROGRESS.  

 

I WANT TO WRITE AT THE LAKE

Are you a writer looking to get away to do the deep work of writing

(but don't want to hole-up in a soulless hotel alone, eating takeout)?

Then join us for this intimate, 3 day, writing retreat at beautiful Lake James, NC.

Take advantage of the scheduled writing times, set targets and goals, and enjoy a one hour 1:1 coaching session with author and writing coach, Niki Hardy. 

Or, simply write on your own schedule while picking from the optional extras included to feed your creativity and soul.

You get to choose.

The schedule is yours to play with.

Writing at the Lake Includes:

  •  3 nights at Niki's stunning lake house on Lake James, NC.

  • One 1hr, 1:1 coaching session with host and writing coach, Niki Hardy.

  • A customizable writing schedule designed to maximize your peaks of writing creativity.

  • All healthy, fresh, brain-fueling meals, snacks to nibble while you scribble, evening appetizers, luxury coffee, flavored sparkling water, and wine for those who'd like it.

  • Optional morning worship, trail walks, informal brainstorming, and optional writing target setting and gentle accountability.

  • Access to a pre-retreat Voxer group to help you prepare for the retreat, get to know your fellow writers before you show up, and learn more about the art and craft of spiritual writing.
I WANT TO WRITE AT THE LAKE

Meet your host,
Niki Hardy


Niki is an author, speaker and certified writing coach whose third traditionally published book hits shelves in March 2025.  

Carrying the burden of a looming manuscript deadline and struggling to get away from life's distractions to do deep work, in the fall of 2023, Niki invited a few writer friends to the lake to finally make progress.

While there, she realized how valuable the time in the beautiful, intimate setting was for not just getting work done but building community and refreshing their creativity . 

Now she’s creating space for other like-minded writers to get in the flow of writing, boost their creativity, meet their deadline, and find like-minded writing friends they’ll stay connected to for life.

Meet your co-host,
Asheritah Ciuciu


Asheritah is a bestselling author, national speaker, and host of the Prayers of REST podcast. A Romanian missionary kid, she's passionate about helping people around the world enjoy Jesus through creative spiritual habits. Asheritah is married to her high school sweetheart and together they raise their three spunky kids in NE Ohio.

Come join us

 
With only 4 spots available, space is limited.

Pick your room then add one of the limited number of private writing offices available if you love to hide away, spread out, and leave your things out each night. 

I WANT TO WRITE AT THE LAKE

What writers are saying about Writing at the Lake

With my busy schedule at home, I needed time to get away and fully focus on my speaking content for two upcoming women's events. This weekend away allowed me to do just that, while having meals provided for me in a beautiful setting.

The bonus of making new, lifelong friends with whom I could laugh, think deeply and spiritually connect was a welcome surprise.

Niki and her co-host also provided new insight and advice for me that I was able to immediately put into practice upon my return home"

~ Joy Mast ~

Author, national speaker and founder of Releasity

 
"I couldn't be more thankful for the time I spent at Niki's writing retreat.
 
The setting was nothing short of inspiring, and her attention to detail truly made it special. I came with the need to hear from the Lord, find words for my current project, and to be around other writers, and God was so faithful to give me all of this and more.
 
Don't hesitate to invest in your calling this way. I wholeheartedly recommend it!"
 

~ Brooke McGlothlin ~

Author, podcaster, and founder of Million Praying Moms

"Writing at the Lake was exactly what I needed to meet a writing deadline that kept getting delayed by distractions at home.

Niki's lake house was the perfect setting for my soul to get quiet and my mind to get clarity. It's flooded with natural light, views of the lake and places to work both inside and out. Being surrounded by beauty fueled my inspiration and kept my creative juices going.

I’ve stayed at hotels for the same price PLUS meals and didn’t get nearly as much done!

If you’ve got a deadline to meet, a big goal to work towards or need the push to get unstuck while making new writing friends you'll keep for life, Writing at the Lake is the best gift you can give your writing-self and every other part of you too!

~ Renee Swope ~

Best selling author

Is Writing at the Lake for You?

YES, if:
  • A dedicated hour with a writing coach would unlock your writing ideas, generate platform and income building strategies, and boost your writing confidence. 
                
  • You need time away from the distractions of life to do deep work and build momentum on your writing project.

  • You are inspired and refreshed by beauty, nature, and stunning views, and really don’t want to stay in a hotel alone.

  • Wish someone else would make the coffee and fresh, healthy meals while you work.

  • Crave lasting intimate friendships with other writers at your stage of publishing.

  • Want an intimate, exclusive, retreat for a limited number rather than a large conference or retreat where you and your work get overlooked.
NO, if:
  • You're a ninja at carving out time and getting your deep writing work done in between Instagram posts, laundry loads, emails and the nagging distractions of home.

  • You can create great work in a soulless hotel room while munching on takeout and Skittles.

  • You don’t need to other writers to bounce ideas around when you get stuck in your writing.

  • You're only just starting to think about writing or ministry. We’re cheering you on but for the moment these retreats are for writers who’ve been writing/podcasting etc a while and are looking to make significant progress on a manuscript or other big project.  A Writing at the Lake Retreat for budding authors and creatives is coming soon. Join the waitlist HERE.

  • You’re wanting a more conference-type event with famous speakers and publisher meetings.
I WANT TO WRITE AT THE LAKE

The Schedule

 

Choose your own writing schedule!

Meal times are the only things set in stone but even then, if you’re deep in the zone and on a roll, we can save you a plate for later. 

Your 1:1 coaching session can be scheduled whenever it’s most helpful to you - before, after or during the retreat.

Thursday:

 

4-6pm Arrive, unpack and set yourself up for success 

 

 6:00pm Appetizers and Intros

 

 7:00pm Freshly prepared dinner


Optional:  Fireside Gathering + Smores

 

Friday:

 

6:00am Coffee's ready for the bright and early

7:30 - 8:30am Brain-Boosting Breakfast  

Morning writing time 

12:30pm Local, farm-fresh salad bar lunch 

Afternoon writing time

(Optional writing sprints and goal setting)

3:30pm Afternoon tea 

6:00pm Apps and updates 

7:00pm Freshly prepared dinner

Optional:  writing time, group prayer time, or stargazing

 

Saturday:

 

6:00am Coffee’s ready  

7:30 - 8:30am Brain-Boosting Breakfast

Morning writing time

12:30pm Delicious, healthy, salad bar lunch 

Afternoon writing time (Optional sprints and goals) 

3:30pm Afternoon tea 

6:00pm Apps and updates  

7:00pm Freshly prepared dinner 

 Optional: Many Minds Hot Seat Moment

 

Sunday:

 

6:00am Coffee to fuel your day  

7:30 - 8:30am Brain-Boosting Breakfast

Morning writing time 

12:30pm Scrumptious, fresh celebratory lunch 

1:30pm Pack up and head home, proud of your progress

Click on a Room to Reserve Your Spot

Your private writing office can be added at checkout (only 2 available).

King Suite

King suite with private bath    

$995.00 USD

King Room

King bed with shared bathroom. 

$795.00 USD

Queen Bed

Shared room with two queen beds, private powder room and shared bathroom.  Cost is per person.

$695.00 USD