Join Me in Baja: A Memoir Retreat on the Sea of Cortez

Episode Title Join Laura Davis in Baja: A Memoir Retreat on the Sea of CortezEpisode DescriptionLaura Davis invites writers to step away from daily life and into nine transformative days on the shores of Baja, Mexico. In this episode, Laura shares the vision behind The Art of Memoir: Baja — a retreat blending generative writing, craft instruction, and community on the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez. Laura discusses what draws writers to this remote stretch of coastline, and what becomes possible when a story finally gets the time and space it deserves.What Laura Covers in This EpisodeThe dream so many writers carry — to tell their story, understand themselves, and leave a legacyWhat makes The Art of Memoir retreat different from a typical writing workshopThe rhythm of retreat days: generative morning sessions followed by structured feedbackWhy "finding the story beneath the story" is central to Laura's teaching approachThe setting: La Ventana, Baja California Sur, and why this particular coastline mattersThe people and details that shape the retreat experience beyond the writing sessionsWhat past participants have said about how the retreat changed their relationship to their storyEpisode HighlightsLaura opens with the question every writer eventually has to answer: what does your story deserve?A look inside the daily structure — writing sessions, free afternoons, and feedback circlesLaura explains the concept of "slowing down where it hurts" and why it matters for memoirA description of La Ventana's transformation from sleepy fishing village to a place of reflectionLaura introduces her co-host for the retreat and the role they'll play throughout the nine daysWhat happens beyond the page — the experiences woven into the week that support the writingFirsthand reflections from writers who've attended past retreats with LauraLaura's closing invitation to writers considering whether this is their momentAbout Host Laura DavisLaura Davis is an acclaimed author and writing teacher with more than 35 years of experience helping writers find and shape their stories. She is the author of the award-winning memoir The Burning Light of Two Stars, winner of the BookLife Prize in 2021, and co-author of the bestselling The Courage to Heal. Laura leads writing classes, workshops, and international retreats through The Writer's Journey LLC, guiding writers of all levels — not only memoirists — toward more vivid, resonant work. Her retreats are known for the safe, generative container she creates, one that allows writers to access material they didn't know they had access to.Resources Laura MentionsThe Art of Memoir: Baja Retreat — May 14–22, 2027The Burning Light of Two Stars — Laura's award-winning memoirThe Courage to Heal — Co-authored by Laura DavisThe Writer's Journey SubstackLaura Davis's website — classes, books, workshops, and retreatsKey Takeaways from This EpisodeGiving your story dedicated time and space can unlock material you didn't know was there.Generative writing practice is one of the most powerful tools for surfacing memory and breaking through blocks.A memoir isn't just a record of events — it's built from scene, summary, and musing woven together.The right setting can be part of the creative process, not just a backdrop to it.A small, intimate group creates the safety writers need to write and share without self-censoring.Episode Call-to-ActionWriters ready to give their story the room it needs are invited to learn more about The Art of Memoir: Baja and reserve their place — space is limited to 14 writers.Connect with Laura DavisWebsite: lauradavis.netSubstack: laurasaridavis.substack.comThe Writer's Journey with Laura Davis is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support her work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. You'll receive regular posts like these, as well as beautifully curated poems and nature photos, essays on life and the craft of writing, and more.You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com/ Learn about Laura's writing classes, books, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe