I never expected to attend a writing retreat. It was not something I was ever drawn to, for all the same reasons writers don’t do things. Fear of judgment, writer’s block, laziness and carefully managed ego. I have always just written, the way I do, my way, or the highway. Then Janna contacted me and invited me to consider getting out of my very solitary way of writing at home, alone. Last month, I got on a plane and traveled to Santa Fe to join 8 lovely strangers in Janna’s snowy mountain-top home. There, we wrote, together and apart. We delved deeply into our words and ourselves. We pondered, cried, laughed and learned new things about ourselves and our new writing retreat friends. We worked hard together on being there for ourselves and our writing.
It was an experience that went by too quickly. Of course I wished I had done it years ago. But like all good things, there is a perfect moment for everything.
Janna’s Land of Enchantment Writing Retreat was exactly what I needed to exhume and exorcise the previously unknown parts of myself I didn’t realize were clogging the ink in my pen.
I highly recommend Janna as a gentle guide and teacher to anyone, of any writing ability. Like a good Sherpa, she’ll guide you safely to experience the best views of yourself.
I could not recommend Janna’s weekend writing retreat enough to anyone ready to dive deep and connect to themselves, to other writers, and to their creativity. She carefully curates each group and the bonding among participants inspires breakthroughs, significant up-leveling, and shatters limitations. Janna’s tenacious dedication to serving each participant is infectious and made me feel so seen, cared for, and supported. The book I’d planned to work on when going into the weekend transformed dramatically into something else entirely- something more freeing, exciting, and motivating. I left with more confidence and far less fear and anxiety. If you’re considering signing up for one- Take the leap- you won’t regret it!
Janna, I just finished listening to your book, “Me, My Selfie, and Eye.” I’m feeling sad now that the book has ended. You feel like a friend now, and I miss you. I understand what you mean about writing for yourself. You don’t worry about who and how others may judge you. You just put it all out there. Your honesty is gripping and heartfelt. Thank you, Janna!
“I celebrate and recommend Janna in a world of noisy ‘How To’ and interpersonal guides to finding your unique voice to become a writer. Janna is an exceptional Facilitator, Guide, Coach, and Teacher of the Art of Expressive Creative writing. While I have written for most of my life the mindless numbing of business and corporate messaging. Through Janna’s direction she has opened up my creative mind to enhance both my professional and personal writing. I am honored to call Janna my ‘Teacher’, Mentor, and Inspiring Facilitator of my creative Self. Participating in Janna’s Group Writing Sessions and hiring her as my Private Writing Teacher and Coach has opened up a long desired, but, now only realized creative voice with a novel in the making. Janna encourages each individual to “Show UP” for our own Self and to honor and recognize our unique voices, experiences and the individual perspectives on how we “see” and more importantly describe through words and writing the world. I recommend Janna to anyone seeking to be simply a better writer, but, more importantly I recommend Janna for anyone wanting to integrate all parts of themselves in our fragmented and compartmentalized world.”
Hi Janna, I got my essay published in Exponent II, a feminist Mormon magazine. I am so freaking proud of it I cannot even see straight. I’m working on a new goal for myself: allowing myself not to be perfect in it but it’s working for me. 4-5 days in….Write an hour a day. I’m at a place of peace with my writing that it is not burdening me unnecessarily and it helps me get some actual stuff moving. Thanks for changing my life, one word at a time.
The way you care for our writing group is like a chicken with huge wings spread over her chicks. You are a love magnet pulling in writers to grow into authors. It’s God’s plan and your purpose.
Janna struck a soft burning match in my soul that warms me to know I am a poet. I learned my feelings, impressions and beliefs can be more passionately expressed through poetry and that it is more accessible than I ever imagined. She helped me feel free and realize I don’t have to be stuck on rules, meter and structure. Also, the form and playing with the creativity in the form has illuminated new understanding for me. Janna has a way to hep me try poetry in the first place, and then to try it in new ways and to understand myself and my world better because of it.
I’ve watched Janna build a creative community, nurturing poets and writers of all kinds. For me, Janna has been an inspiring, prolific poet whose work is approachable and aims at self discovery, reminding me to get back to it.
Thank you so much. That was an incredible experience, working with you. We will definitely be in touch, and we are seriously considering the May retreat! It’s hard to describe how I’m feeling right now. Certainly excited, and very empowered and optimistic. Thank you again! You are a truly wonderful person and mentor.
I would like to encourage everyone to take Janna up on her free 30 minute ‘One on One’ with her. And if that feels good… and I promise it will…book a ‘Private Session’ to get you back on track from where ever you are at this point in your writing dreams…I’ve met with Janna a couple of times in the last month and experienced a profound inspirational and incredibly helpful and valuable time spent with an amazing in-tune and intuitive coach. She asked me to tell her the names of all the animals I wanted to write about! I said: “All one hundred of them?” She said, “Yes!” Without blinking an eye, Janna wrote down their names and showed me the ‘long’ list afterward :)))
Now that’s a true COLLABORATOR :))) LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
Janna, I would like to thank you for an exciting class! It certainly awakened some ideas in me and gave me some direction in my writing. I love your style of acceptance and encouragement to write. I look forward to the next class.
Your video replay from Monday’s class session, was so rich. So much inspiration, good direction and amazing feedback. I am so inspired to apply your psychic guidance of “scaffolding” and the affirmation of the “Road Map.” Thank you so so much for the session yesterday…. it was a shift that aligned with my entire life. I’m all in!
Janna has opened me up to myself, in such a short period of time, not only through her poetry but also through her teaching; her example. She has shown me how to re-connect to parts of myself that I thought no longer existed. She exemplifies how memory is a doorway through which gifts to ourselves can travel. The first time I heard her poetry; she was reading it out-loud. It brought tears to my eyes and I felt a kinship with her through a memory she shared about participating in Ecstatic Dance. Somehow, I felt so heard in my own discomfort and judgement… and wanted to heal what ails me, through writing. Thank you, Janna for showing me a doorway through which I can travel. xoxo
“I have never previously taken a creative writing course and doing the workshop with Janna the last two months has been a new and freeing experience. Her process of offering prompts for us to respond to offers an opening to untold thoughts. Remembrances often float up in unique and creative response. I recommend it to anyone who wants to gain a conduit to their inner world and an opportunity to attempt a new creative outlet. Janna is very supportive and gives immediate feedback and encouragement.”
“Janna has been such an inspiration for me. I had a personal tragedy about 9 months ago and a friend invited me to Janna’s workshop a few months ago. I was very nervous and unsure what to expect, but my new life mantra has been to say ‘yes’ to opportunities I wasn’t seeking that presented themselves to me. Janna has encouraged each one of us to speak our voice and embrace where the writing takes us, there is no right or wrong. I find the variety of prompts is helpful in exploring different feelings, thoughts, and emotions and it keeps the class exciting as you never know how the evening’s workshop will evolve. I look forward to her workshop as the 2 hours each week where I am doing something just for me. I share my writing within an environment of care, encouragement, and support all under Janna’s guided coaching. Janna will kindly not let you second guess or dump on your own writing. She provides ‘pro-tips’ each weeks to help us to overcome common writing challenges. Janna has created an environment where whoever shows up each week is valued and appreciated and she has provided a setting where deeply personal experiences and thoughts have been shared with the group.
Hi Janna,
I just watched your class replay and it was awesome. I’m in Phoenix now and get started on my writing. I belong to a spiritual group which is a small group. Now I have that group and I have you, my Team is starting to come together.
“Janna, Thank you for tonight. I had a craptastic day at work and almost bailed, but then your words popped into my head, show up for yourself. I decided to do just that and focus on something I love and myself. Gratitude on creating this amazing space.
Sincerely, ”
“Janna’s writing course is the perfect environment for me to grow as a writer and a person. Writing in spurts in response to the writing prompts she give us is exhilarating. I have been a writer for more than 40 years. Yet no other course or workshops has allowed me to dig as deeply and express so clearly as this class. More than that, as a result of several of the classes, I’ve had breakthroughs with myself and members of my family. My writing and my life have been enriched.”
Whether you are a seasoned writer with years of experience, or someone who is just beginning to explore writing, I highly recommend this retreat.
Janna creates an atmosphere of safety and support.
I could not help but notice her gift for encouraging us by noticing each of our individual strengths, while simultaneously inviting each of us out of our comfort zones to expand our concept of what it means to write.
Santa Fe felt like a magical place to find inspiration. Escaping the Oregon rain for some reflection, creative exploration, clarity and motivation for writing my book, was exactly what I needed.
“I cannot emphasize enough what a magical experience this was. I’ve dabbled in writing since I can remember and have always felt so confused and unsure. Other workshops or writing groups I’ve been involved in just didn’t quite get to the source of the issue. In mere moments working with Janna, I felt a freedom I have never felt before. I feel endless possibilities unfold before, behind, and all around me. If you have any inkling that working with Janna might be for you. Take the leap. You’ll land in a space vast and nurturing and home. P.S. I’m registering for her retreat in March as soon as I’m finished writing this review. Working with her is beyond worth every penny.”
I was drawn to Janna Lopez after reading about her online, through BookBaby. In particular, her unconventional approach to writing and what I view as a writing style infused and informed by the spiritual aspect of being human. Janna’s approach resonated with my own sense of being and led me to attend the most recent three-day creative writing retreat that she hosted in Santa Fe, from November 5-7.
I found the retreat to be instantaneously transformational, captivating, and yet liberating. Transformational in that Janna’s “prompt” approach propels you not only to think fast on your feet, but also to think outside your box. Captivating as we listened to each others’ responses to the prompts. And liberating because there was no right or wrong way of answering the prompt. To me, this approach ushers in a new way of thinking, dispelled any fears I may have held and liberated me to think, feel, write, and connect to the “Word” in an authentic manner, no matter the subject.
Janna’s capacity and ability to listen with an intention to acknowledge and “salute” everyone’s individuality and sense of their whole being within the group was remarkable. Her spirit radiated energy that everyone’s story matters and everyone’s story is important. This approach put everyone in the group at ease and helped allow the individual talent to flow freely. The synergy and camaraderie that emerged from the retreat was incredible… a community for sisterhood and friendship was created. By the third day, the pace and quality of my writing skill “upon prompt” was impressive and provided me with not only a strong sense of accomplishment but also self-belief that I can write and that I can write well and without fear.
Janna is, among others, a teacher, a writer, a coach, a mentor, and an inspiration to some of us who are timid and living in fear of being judged. The retreat has shifted my writing trajectory from fear of writing to celebrating, through writing stories, fiction or nonfiction, and putting on paper ideas about cooking, eating and culture. There are numerous lessons that I draw from the writing retreat with Janna. One of the most important ones is not to doubt myself, my thoughts or ideas that flow within me. Instead, embrace them, nurture them, acknowledge them. And as I write, I should write with my whole-being, write with all the five senses without judgement, be in the present moment while connected to my spiritual self. In summary, Janna challenged me to awaken to my uniqueness, encouraged me to show up, to self-trust, recognize and own my talent.
I attended the Land of Enchantment Writing retreat in August with an idea for a book, an outline for chapter names, a couple of chapters fully written, and even an idea for an ending. I left with all of that blown out of the water and for the best reasons. I went into the retreat thinking I’d work on my sentence structure, get some feedback from a seasoned and excellent writer (Janna) and meet some new people in a beautiful setting. Most of that happened, and then so much more. I can’t possibly describe the experience because it was almost spiritual for me. I found myself crying while watching a sunset after a writing prompt on the first evening, which caught me completely off guard. After so many years of writing professionally and losing my creative way, looking back on that moment now I see it was my old self opening up a creative box I had shut tight and locked away. Janna found a key I had thrown away long ago with a simple task to watch a sunset and write about it. A flood of memories came rushing in, remembering how I used to sit in my room for hours writing as a child, and I found my love for writing again. I found my flow with my words, my soul felt lighter, and everything became clear. I know I wasn’t alone in this feeling because when I looked around, everyone had tears on their cheeks. And I knew it was going to be a special weekend. (Spoiler alert: It was.)
Janna’s retreat is truly in the Land of Enchantment, from beautiful Santa Fe to a transformative experience. With Janna’s unique and refreshing teaching style, she invites us to cultivate a deeper connection to our words which has long lasting effects on our writing, no matter genre or style. Her deep commitment and caring for her students and their growth shines through all that she does. I am immensely grateful for attending one of her retreats and look forward to exploring new ways to connect to my writing. Invest in yourself, you won’t regret it.
With uncertainty in my ability to write a book, let alone even believe in my writing skills, I braved through with determination to attend Janna’s writing retreat. Janna’s teaching style helped me dive into my soul and put words to paper that I never thought possible. If you are at all uncertain, brave through and attend one of her retreats. You will love the experience and won’t regret attending.
I could not recommend Janna’s weekend writing retreat enough to anyone ready to dive deep and connect to themselves, to other writers, and to their creativity. She carefully curates each group and the bonding among participants inspires breakthroughs, significant up-leveling, and shatters limitations. Janna’s tenacious dedication to serving each participant is infectious and made me feel so seen, cared for, and supported. The book I’d planned to work on when going into the weekend transformed dramatically into something else entirely- something more freeing, exciting, and motivating. I left with more confidence and far less fear and anxiety. If you’re considering signing up for one- Take the leap- you won’t regret it!
“I celebrate and recommend Janna in a world of noisy ‘How To’ and interpersonal guides to finding your unique voice to become a writer. Janna is an exceptional Facilitator, Guide, Coach, and Teacher of the Art of Expressive Creative writing. While I have written for most of my life the mindless numbing of business and corporate messaging. Through Janna’s direction she has opened up my creative mind to enhance both my professional and personal writing. I am honored to call Janna my ‘Teacher’, Mentor, and Inspiring Facilitator of my creative Self. Participating in Janna’s Group Writing Sessions and hiring her as my Private Writing Teacher and Coach has opened up a long desired, but, now only realized creative voice with a novel in the making. Janna encourages each individual to “Show UP” for our own Self and to honor and recognize our unique voices, experiences and the individual perspectives on how we “see” and more importantly describe through words and writing the world. I recommend Janna to anyone seeking to be simply a better writer, but, more importantly I recommend Janna for anyone wanting to integrate all parts of themselves in our fragmented and compartmentalized world.”
“I have never previously taken a creative writing course and doing the workshop with Janna the last two months has been a new and freeing experience. Her process of offering prompts for us to respond to offers an opening to untold thoughts. Remembrances often float up in unique and creative response. I recommend it to anyone who wants to gain a conduit to their inner world and an opportunity to attempt a new creative outlet. Janna is very supportive and gives immediate feedback and encouragement.”
“Janna has been such an inspiration for me. I had a personal tragedy about 9 months ago and a friend invited me to Janna’s workshop a few months ago. I was very nervous and unsure what to expect, but my new life mantra has been to say ‘yes’ to opportunities I wasn’t seeking that presented themselves to me. Janna has encouraged each one of us to speak our voice and embrace where the writing takes us, there is no right or wrong. I find the variety of prompts is helpful in exploring different feelings, thoughts, and emotions and it keeps the class exciting as you never know how the evening’s workshop will evolve. I look forward to her workshop as the 2 hours each week where I am doing something just for me. I share my writing within an environment of care, encouragement, and support all under Janna’s guided coaching. Janna will kindly not let you second guess or dump on your own writing. She provides ‘pro-tips’ each weeks to help us to overcome common writing challenges. Janna has created an environment where whoever shows up each week is valued and appreciated and she has provided a setting where deeply personal experiences and thoughts have been shared with the group.
“Janna, Thank you for tonight. I had a craptastic day at work and almost bailed, but then your words popped into my head, show up for yourself. I decided to do just that and focus on something I love and myself. Gratitude on creating this amazing space.
Sincerely, ”
“Janna’s writing course is the perfect environment for me to grow as a writer and a person. Writing in spurts in response to the writing prompts she give us is exhilarating. I have been a writer for more than 40 years. Yet no other course or workshops has allowed me to dig as deeply and express so clearly as this class. More than that, as a result of several of the classes, I’ve had breakthroughs with myself and members of my family. My writing and my life have been enriched.”
Whether you are a seasoned writer with years of experience, or someone who is just beginning to explore writing, I highly recommend this retreat.
Janna creates an atmosphere of safety and support.
I could not help but notice her gift for encouraging us by noticing each of our individual strengths, while simultaneously inviting each of us out of our comfort zones to expand our concept of what it means to write.
Santa Fe felt like a magical place to find inspiration. Escaping the Oregon rain for some reflection, creative exploration, clarity and motivation for writing my book, was exactly what I needed.
“I cannot emphasize enough what a magical experience this was. I’ve dabbled in writing since I can remember and have always felt so confused and unsure. Other workshops or writing groups I’ve been involved in just didn’t quite get to the source of the issue. In mere moments working with Janna, I felt a freedom I have never felt before. I feel endless possibilities unfold before, behind, and all around me. If you have any inkling that working with Janna might be for you. Take the leap. You’ll land in a space vast and nurturing and home. P.S. I’m registering for her retreat in March as soon as I’m finished writing this review. Working with her is beyond worth every penny.”
I was drawn to Janna Lopez after reading about her online, through BookBaby. In particular, her unconventional approach to writing and what I view as a writing style infused and informed by the spiritual aspect of being human. Janna’s approach resonated with my own sense of being and led me to attend the most recent three-day creative writing retreat that she hosted in Santa Fe, from November 5-7.
I found the retreat to be instantaneously transformational, captivating, and yet liberating. Transformational in that Janna’s “prompt” approach propels you not only to think fast on your feet, but also to think outside your box. Captivating as we listened to each others’ responses to the prompts. And liberating because there was no right or wrong way of answering the prompt. To me, this approach ushers in a new way of thinking, dispelled any fears I may have held and liberated me to think, feel, write, and connect to the “Word” in an authentic manner, no matter the subject.
Janna’s capacity and ability to listen with an intention to acknowledge and “salute” everyone’s individuality and sense of their whole being within the group was remarkable. Her spirit radiated energy that everyone’s story matters and everyone’s story is important. This approach put everyone in the group at ease and helped allow the individual talent to flow freely. The synergy and camaraderie that emerged from the retreat was incredible… a community for sisterhood and friendship was created. By the third day, the pace and quality of my writing skill “upon prompt” was impressive and provided me with not only a strong sense of accomplishment but also self-belief that I can write and that I can write well and without fear.
Janna is, among others, a teacher, a writer, a coach, a mentor, and an inspiration to some of us who are timid and living in fear of being judged. The retreat has shifted my writing trajectory from fear of writing to celebrating, through writing stories, fiction or nonfiction, and putting on paper ideas about cooking, eating and culture. There are numerous lessons that I draw from the writing retreat with Janna. One of the most important ones is not to doubt myself, my thoughts or ideas that flow within me. Instead, embrace them, nurture them, acknowledge them. And as I write, I should write with my whole-being, write with all the five senses without judgement, be in the present moment while connected to my spiritual self. In summary, Janna challenged me to awaken to my uniqueness, encouraged me to show up, to self-trust, recognize and own my talent.
I attended the Land of Enchantment Writing retreat in August with an idea for a book, an outline for chapter names, a couple of chapters fully written, and even an idea for an ending. I left with all of that blown out of the water and for the best reasons. I went into the retreat thinking I’d work on my sentence structure, get some feedback from a seasoned and excellent writer (Janna) and meet some new people in a beautiful setting. Most of that happened, and then so much more. I can’t possibly describe the experience because it was almost spiritual for me. I found myself crying while watching a sunset after a writing prompt on the first evening, which caught me completely off guard. After so many years of writing professionally and losing my creative way, looking back on that moment now I see it was my old self opening up a creative box I had shut tight and locked away. Janna found a key I had thrown away long ago with a simple task to watch a sunset and write about it. A flood of memories came rushing in, remembering how I used to sit in my room for hours writing as a child, and I found my love for writing again. I found my flow with my words, my soul felt lighter, and everything became clear. I know I wasn’t alone in this feeling because when I looked around, everyone had tears on their cheeks. And I knew it was going to be a special weekend. (Spoiler alert: It was.)
Janna’s retreat is truly in the Land of Enchantment, from beautiful Santa Fe to a transformative experience. With Janna’s unique and refreshing teaching style, she invites us to cultivate a deeper connection to our words which has long lasting effects on our writing, no matter genre or style. Her deep commitment and caring for her students and their growth shines through all that she does. I am immensely grateful for attending one of her retreats and look forward to exploring new ways to connect to my writing. Invest in yourself, you won’t regret it.
With uncertainty in my ability to write a book, let alone even believe in my writing skills, I braved through with determination to attend Janna’s writing retreat. Janna’s teaching style helped me dive into my soul and put words to paper that I never thought possible. If you are at all uncertain, brave through and attend one of her retreats. You will love the experience and won’t regret attending.
I could not recommend Janna’s weekend writing retreat enough to anyone ready to dive deep and connect to themselves, to other writers, and to their creativity. She carefully curates each group and the bonding among participants inspires breakthroughs, significant up-leveling, and shatters limitations. Janna’s tenacious dedication to serving each participant is infectious and made me feel so seen, cared for, and supported. The book I’d planned to work on when going into the weekend transformed dramatically into something else entirely- something more freeing, exciting, and motivating. I left with more confidence and far less fear and anxiety. If you’re considering signing up for one- Take the leap- you won’t regret it!