December Writing Retreat: From Scraps to StoriesSunday, December 13Location: Little House of GlencoeTime: 10am-4pmGet your ticket here!Join us for one last story gathering before the new year! During this thought-provoking retreat, we’ll focus on all the new beginnings of stories- the seeds we all have that just need to take root to grow. We all have a collection of papers, digital notes or just ideas floating inside our heads that are waiting to become stories. And often, we ask, “Is this even a story?”

This retreat will explore what is a story and what isn’t (just kidding- they’re ALL stories!) We’ll help find you find the most compelling way to express your thoughts through written exercises and discussion.

Feel free to bring your arsenal of ideas to the event or come empty handed- you certainly won’t leave that way! We’ll explore writing prompts and discuss our work by a cozy fire, pausing for snacks and breaks.

Reserve your spot today! Space is limited. Early bird tickets are $49 before Nov 30, $65 after Nov 30. Price includes workshop and snacks.

Got questions? We’ve got answers- feel free to email us at [email protected].

Getting to the Little House of Glencoe:By car: An easy drive with free parkingBy train: Just a mile walk from MetraShared rides: We’re also happy to help organize ride shares for the event- let us know if you’re an interested driver or passenger.

Check out a recap of last summer’s retreat here!

A note from one of our past retreat participants:“Jill and Rachael’s retreats are a feast for nascent and experienced storytellers alike. Unlike other retreats — of which there are, of course, tons — these ladies provide an atmosphere that is as nurturing as it is rigorous. As someone similarly invested in fostering women’s voices and the stories that need to be told, I was inspired by their commitment to the craft and their sense of what it means to nourish writers, body and soul.”–Deborah Siegel, PhD, author of two books, TEDx speaker, and Coach-in-Chief at Girl Meets Voice Inc. About The InstructorsJill Howe co-founded Story Sessions and when she’s not producing, she performs her own true stories at shows like Essay Fiesta, Story Club, Mortified, That’s All She Wrote and many others. Her work has been featured in Story Club Magazine, You’re Being Ridiculous Blog and on Vocalo Public Radio featured on NPR. Jill has also coached new storytellers for Fear Experiment at the Park West and organizes her own writing groups and retreats throughout the city and suburbs. Recently Jill presented a Tedx Talk on storytelling and vulnerability. A high school English teacher by day, Jill believes that a life full of story is a life well-lived.

Rachael Smith, Story Sessions co-founder, is a professional triple threat- writer, graphic designer and marketing maven. She became hooked on writing and performing short personal non-fiction three years ago and is proud to be part such a warm and welcoming community. Rachael is currently working on a longer piece, Forever Maybe, a memoir of radically different dating.