Virtual Writing Retreat

 

October 15, 16, and 17, 2025.

Led by Alexandra Franzen and Danielle Cohen.

Join us for one, two, or all three days.

Focus, write, and get beautiful work done.
 

A Note from Alex

 

I have hosted writing retreats all over the world—from Melbourne, Australia to Portland, Oregon to the Big Island of Hawaii. Leading retreats is one of the greatest joys of my life.

 

For the first time ever, I’m hosting a Virtual Writing Retreat. No need to hop on a plane! Participate from anywhere in the world.

 

My dear friend Danielle Cohen, a phenomenal photographer, writer, and coach, will co-host. 

 

Think of this retreat like a three-day writing sprint. Pick a project. Clear distractions. Give it your full attention for a short burst of time. Go! See how much you can get done. You may astonish yourself.

 

Can't clear your schedule for three days? If you need to skip certain parts of the retreat, no problem. All sessions are recorded so you can catch up later. Whether you attend the entire retreat or just some of it, either way, you'll have a productive experience and get some writing done.

 

When you are part of a group that is excited to write up a storm, the energy is contagious.  

 

Hope to see you there!

 

-Alex

Virtual Retreat: How It Works

 

  1. Choose a project to focus on during the retreat. Work on your book, blog, newsletter, business plan, or any writing-related project that's important to you.
     
  2. During the virtual retreat, attend coworking sessions with me, Danielle, plus new colleagues who are focusing on their projects, too.
     
  3. When you join the coworking session, announce what you plan to work on that day. Hooray!
     
  4. When you leave the coworking session, give a quick update and share what you got done. Good job!
     
  5. In addition to coworking time, this retreat includes three inspirational presentations. Different topic each day. Check out the schedule below.

What Kind of Project Can I Work On?

 

Any project you want!

During the retreat, perhaps you want to write…

  • An outline for your next book (or a chapter or two)
     
  • A newsletter for your mailing list (or several newsletters)
     
  • Text for a card deck or another product
     
  • An email announcing your new program, product, or service
     
  • Your business plan or life goals for 2026
  • A list of episode ideas for the next season of your podcast
     
  • Thank you notes to all the clients who hired you this year
     
  • A letter to your children, sharing wisdom to pass on
     
  • A collection of stories about your parents 
     
  • Or another project that is important to you
Upload your image

Who Is Hosting the Retreat?

 

Alexandra Franzen is an award-winning book editor and best-selling author.

 

She collaborates with top publishers like Penguin Random House, Hachette, and Chronicle, and has been featured in The Atlantic, The Los Angeles Times, Fast Company, and Forbes.

 

In addition to writing books of her own, Alexandra works with clients as a writing partner, helping her clients create books that change readers' lives.

 

Projects include Rich Relationships by Selena Soo (USA Today Bestseller, Gold Medal in the Non-Fiction/Marketing category, Readers’ Favorite Book Awards), Unicorn Team by Jen Kem (USA Today Bestseller), We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers (Wall Street Journal Bestseller), and many more.  

 

She deleted all of her social media accounts 10 years ago and now runs a popular newsletter (named one of the "14 Newsletters You Need in Your Inbox" by Brit+Co) where she shares writing tips and inspiring true stories. 

Danielle Cohen is a visibility mentor, photographer, and the creator of Visibility Medicine—a transformational methodology that helps leaders, creatives, and healers express their work with clarity, courage, and soul.

 

She has worked in the healing arts for over 25 years, blending trauma-informed coaching, somatic practices, intuitive business strategy, and equity-centered coaching. Her work is known for helping clients navigate pivotal thresholds, launch powerful offerings, and be seen in ways that feel true and liberating.

 

Danielle has supported thousands of entrepreneurs, authors, and change-makers—guiding them to deepen their voice, trust their timing, and bring their next era of work to life. Her photography has been featured in bestselling books, media campaigns, and personal brand identities across the world.

Upload your image

What Is the Schedule?

 

Wednesday, October 15, Thursday, October 16, and Friday, October 17, 2025.

 

Stay for the entire retreat—or pop in and out as your schedule allows. 

 

Sessions happen on Zoom. After you register, the link will be emailed to you.

 

Daily Schedule

9 am to 12 pm Pacific

12 pm to 1 pm Pacific

1 pm to 3 pm Pacific

3 pm to 3:30 pm Pacific

Coworking time with Danielle

Presentation with Danielle and Alex

Coworking time with Alex

Wrap up and share what you accomplished today!

Presentation Topics

Wednesday, October 15

Grounded and Clear: Nervous System Tools for Writers, Creatives, and Entrepreneurs


Bringing your creative work into the world can be intense.

 

You may experience rejection, criticism, or the discomfort of not knowing how something you made will be received by the public. (“Will anybody buy this? Like this? Read this?”)

 

Danielle will teach a few practices to settle your nervous system so that you can create, launch, share, and be seen—without feeling so rattled.

 

Learn how to remain grounded during a high-stakes moment—and how to increase your capacity to tolerate uncertainty. 

Thursday, October 16

Finding Clients, Customers, and Readers—Without Using Social Media


Ten years ago, Alexandra Franzen deleted all of her social media accounts—and never went back.

 

Alex will share why she left social media and how this decision has impacted her life and career—mostly, for the better.

 

She will share a few creative ways to find more clients, customers, and readers without using social media. 

 

You'll enjoy Alex's refreshing, calming perspective on what it means to do “marketing.” 

Friday, October 17

Money Magic: How Much We’re Earning, How We’re Doing It, and What’s Next


A behind-the-scenes peek into how two entrepreneurs think about money, make it, spend it, and set goals around it.

 

Alex and Danielle will each share how much money they planned to earn in 2025 and how it’s going so far.

 

They will announce their money goals for 2026 and invite you to think about yours, too.

 

To finish up, Alex and Danielle will each share one lesson about money that has significantly impacted their lives.

What If I Can’t Stay for the Whole Time?

 

No problem. This is a flexible, no-pressure retreat.

 

Join for whichever parts you want. Leave anytime.

 

You’ll have a productive experience even if you only come for a portion of the retreat.

 

Each presentation will be recorded. Watch the videos later if you can’t be there live.

Can I Keep In Touch with People I Meet During the Retreat?

 

Yes! We will send you a list of contact info. Feel free to follow up with someone you met during the retreat. 

 

(If you prefer not to have your contact info shared with others, just let us know and we will not include it.)
 

What Are the Benefits of Doing This Retreat?

 

  • Designated time to focus on a project that is important to you.
     
  • Accountability. Declare what you are going to work on, do it, then share what you finished.
     
  • Connections. Meet people who may become friends, colleagues, collaborators, writing buddies, and more.
     
  • The pride and joy of getting something DONE!

May I Ask a Question?

 

Sure! Please email Alex’s assistant (her name is Aeczl) at [email protected]

 

Register for the Retreat

Classic Retreat

$300

 

One payment of $300 
-or- 
3 monthly payments of $100

 

Includes:

  • Daily coworking sessions
  • Daily presentations
  • Recordings of all presentations
  • Contact list to keep in touch with people you meet during the retreat
  • Curated box from One Idea Books and Gifts shipped to you (snail mail)
  • The pride and joy of getting something DONE! 

 

VIP Retreat

$3,000

 

One payment of $3,000 
-or- 
3 monthly payments of $1,000
 

 Includes:

  • Daily coworking sessions
  • Daily presentations
  • Recordings of all presentations
  • Contact list to keep in touch with people you meet during the retreat
  • Curated box from One Idea Books and Gifts shipped to you (snail mail)
    The pride and joy of getting something DONE!

 

Plus:

  • Private 1-1 meeting with Alex and Danielle before the retreat to discuss your project
  • Private 1-1 coaching with Alex and Danielle to help you achieve your writing goals


Details:

  • Coaching happens via email and Voxer (text and audio messaging app)
  • Coaching happens during the retreat and for seven days afterward (ten days total)

 

Alex and Danielle can:

  • Take a look at a piece you are working on
  • Give suggestions to make your piece even stronger
  • Answer questions about writing, publishing, business, etc.
  • Help you think through your ideas and find simpler ways to achieve your goals
  • Cheer for you as you accomplish tasks
  • Or whatever else you need (within reason!)