Nosara, Guanacaste
November 3-9, 2019
Novelists, Memoirists |
The Ultimate Writing Adventure
Ready to escape the daily grind and push your writing into bold new territory, in one of the most creatively inspiring locations on the planet?
For 30-plus hours over six days, our master instructors will teach you the foundational elements of story that move manuscripts from slush piles to bookshelves. You'll play as hard as you work, fueling your creativity with outdoor activities, gourmet cuisine and everything else Nosara has to offer.
This is the ultimate writing adventure: a synergetic combination of life-changing vacation and breakthrough learning.
For 30-plus hours over six days, our master instructors will teach you the foundational elements of story that move manuscripts from slush piles to bookshelves. You'll play as hard as you work, fueling your creativity with outdoor activities, gourmet cuisine and everything else Nosara has to offer.
This is the ultimate writing adventure: a synergetic combination of life-changing vacation and breakthrough learning.
Put Your Writing On The Map
You're already an exceptional writer. We can make you an exceptional storyteller, which will set you apart from the countless other novelists and memoirists who are lost in the jungle of their projects, unable to see the forest for the trees. Whether you're a beginner or expert, many drafts in or just getting started, we'll guide you to a more impactful, publishable book.
Structured by the Story Map, our groundbreaking curriculum is comprised of three parts: Crafting Unforgettable Characters; The Driving Forces of Plot; and Activating Theme, Setting and Voice. Scroll through the interactive maps below to explore the components of each section.
Structured by the Story Map, our groundbreaking curriculum is comprised of three parts: Crafting Unforgettable Characters; The Driving Forces of Plot; and Activating Theme, Setting and Voice. Scroll through the interactive maps below to explore the components of each section.
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"A truly incredible experience. Doug and Dan pushed me to think about my novel in new and exciting ways, and gave me amazing tools that I am excited to employ as I plow forward with the inspiration I have brought back with me. This retreat is not for the faint of heart. You will work hard on your project, but you'll love every minute of it. And all in one of the most relaxing and beautiful places on earth! If you have the opportunity to sign up for this one of a kind experience, don't hesitate. You won't regret it."- Andrew Mong
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"This was one of the best experiences of my life. To bond with fellow writers, to learn form and function of characters and plot development, that you will never learn in a YouTube tutorial or find in any book, was invaluable. Doug and Dan create a no nonsense, get this done bootcamp. The writing drills had me digging deep on formative events and inciting incidents. But there is so much fun to be had, I have not laughed that hard since I was a kid. I came home with a head full of new ideas and the tools to put a story to paper..."- Gwyn Stuckless
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"I've always felt like a writer. I know there is a book (or three) in me. But I've struggled to put pen to paper and actually write. Novel Boot Camp has given me the tools and the confidence to make sense of the ideas in my head and write them down. I went from floundering to focused in seven days. Thanks to Doug and Dan, I have found the author inside me. I'm inspired and working to to finish the first draft of my book."- Brooke Dilling
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"Doug and Dan are awesome instructors and provided a really workable model by which to structure a novel. The writing activities really inspired me and helped me to formulate ideas. Their framework really helped me to come up with a coherent plot and map out scenes. Plus, they are just amazing people! The whole experience was outstanding. I made new friends, and I came home motivated to write!"- Jean Unger
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"What a great surprise! I didn't expect both the workshop AND the beach, jungle and food experience to be so fulfilling and exciting. I'd never been to Costa Rica before. But, obviously the the best part was I got what I came for. I left the workshop experience with a big Ah-hah--I'd been feeling the holes in my ability to put my story together organically before the workshop. Doug and Dan created a visual piece that we worked with all week and it hit the bullseye for me. Worth every moment!"- Nancy Knutson
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"If you are looking for a slow paced event that'll allow you to continue to creep along at your current writing pace...don't go to Dan and Doug's retreat. They were the most delightful teachers/kick in the pants I've experienced. In a matter of days, they helped me hone my storyline, craft real tension into the story and build characters who were complex and believable. I left inspired to write more and having the tools to do so."- Kabira Ferrell
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"Doug and Dan make an incredible team. They are respectful of where everyone is in the process and really work to help you with whatever you're struggling with. If you've resisted outlining (like I have) for whatever reason, then Doug and Dan's story map may be for you. It's a fluid, accessible method that can help you see your project in a new light."- Lynne S
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"This is the perfect setting to learn how to write a better story, whether a novel or a memoir. Our instructors presented the material in an organized fashion and gave us plenty of practice activities, discussion and one on one conferences. All this occurred in a drop dead gorgeous setting on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. They incorporated several optional activities to experience