cozy up with your words in the woods:

A communal writing weekend in the Cuyahoga Valley national park.

The inaugural Words in the Woods retreat was a hit! Witnessing each writer work with focus and devotion — whether they were just beginning or finishing a draft of a novel for an agent — was fascinating. Some writers began at 5:30 am. Some found their way to a table around noon after working all night. There was story boarding on huge rolls of paper, tiny notes on post-its, highlighting on drafts, and scribbles on scraps of paper. Everyone’s process was as different as their voice, but we gathered at night to share, receive supportive feedback, and inspire each other with what we accomplished that day. Each person’s time was their own, though every writer connected when they needed a word of support, coffee, or a friend on the trails. Want to be part of the next community? 16 spots are open for the December 2025 retreat, so reach out if you’d like to reserve your spot!

WONDERING IF IT’S A FIT? Check out these notes from past WORDS IN THE WOODS writers:

“Words in the Woods is the best writing retreat I've been to in well over a decade. While it may seem daunting to house with a dozen strangers, there's no better community than creatives; it was very comfortable very quickly even for introverted creatures like writers. Writing in a National Park, with opportunities to share meals and fellowship, is a weekend like none other. Enough organization to feel a solid flow, and enough trust in each attendee that we understand how much solo time (or outdoors time, or music time, or sharing time, or...) we each need as individuals ensured that we each had the power to control how productive and impactful our own experience was.”

“Words in the Woods helped me to feel more confident, comfortable, and connected in my transition from writing poetry to writing fiction. I am so grateful for the experience!”

“Best investment ever of time, money, energy and emotion! Melissa crafted a perfect long weekend complete with wise choices of location, people, food and optional activities. She is a gracious host and an experienced event planner down to details that make the difference between nice and great!”

“Go away, don't join, it's our secret. ;)”

  • Yes! Do it! That’s what I want to do, too!

    This is not a craft talks/writing workshop weekend. This is time and space for your writing.

    Think of it as a commune: use the space and time as best fits your writing goals and be mindful of others who are in attendance.

    There is no need to share food that is made for the group (a chef-prepared welcome dinner or the yummy self-serve soups for lunches). There is no need to bring food for anyone other than yourself. There is no need to chat or read your work aloud. There is no need to check in with anyone if you feel the urge to walk, to go get a sandwich, to go walk your dog, or to visit the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame.

    AND… please know most of the writers are people who highly value shared space and words with other writers. This weekend was created because of the magic that occurs when creative minds sit together.

    Melissa will lightly facilitate and organize, but this weekend is dedicated writing time for her, as well. Other members of the 1614 Writers (a biweekly, Cleveland-based group) will also contribute energy, delicious food, and helpful critique in the optional feedback jams at night.

  • Once you have communicated with Melissa Vincel by phone or email (hello@melissavincel.com), you will receive payment details.

    Reserve your room for a $50 non-refundable fee, with remaining payment due by Aug. 1, 2025. After Aug. 1, no refunds, though if you cannot attend and there is another writer on the waiting list, we will happily transfer your space to them and refund your payment minus the $50 deposit.

  • Melissa loves working one-on-one with writers. Reach out to see if your needs and her availability will align during this retreat.

  • The house can hold 30 people, but the group is capped at 16 writers so that as many writers can join as fit comfortably, at prices that make is as accessible as possible.

    The private rooms have more than one bed in them (sometimes three!), so if you book it, feel free to spread your writing work on one bed, yourself on another, and if you’re lucky — use a top bunk for a secret hideaway.

    For those who want to share, we can find a good roomie situation for you!

    There are three partial scholarships for those in need.

    The first floor room is fully accessible. All other rooms are up a flight of stairs. If you have a need for a ground floor room, please let Melissa know.

  • Anywhere you want! There are big tables and plenty of chairs, as well as a living area with comfy couches. If you are in a double and there are several bunk beds, use the top for sleeping and the bottom as a hide-a-way writing space! Bring your lap desk and find a corner that feels inspirational.