Generation Women Writers’ Retreat
Catskill, NY (Hudson Valley)
Apply now for: Friday March 7th - Monday March 10th, 2025.
Applications accepted on a rolling basis: first come, first serve
The Generation Women Writers’ Retreat offers a luxurious long weekend of time and space to create in community. Hosted by founder Georgia Clark, this Catskill-based retreat takes place in a jaw-dropping hill-top estate, overlooking the Hudson River. Designed for female and non-binary creatives of all kinds, all you need to bring is a hunger to write (and for delicious meals prepared by our private chef).
“The most magical weekend. It both exceeded my expectations and was nothing like what I expected. A space to write, read, walk, write, sit… a space for work that I’ve never thought to have before. I had “aha” moments, I felt creative and relaxed, I met a group of women whose stories moved me and surprised me and made me laugh. The group that was assembled, the safety and peace created, the care and attention to detail… It was perfect. I am still in disbelief that I got to start my year with something so creatively fulfilling. Georgia Clark and Jessica Lore created something so special.”
Samantha Zabell
“In a beautiful house with a gorgeous view, I met eleven fierce women from different generations who came to write. This was just the beginning; the wonderful atmosphere in which to create, dine on delicious food, read our work, laugh and get to know each other was nothing short of magical. Georgia Clark gave me excellent suggestions for improving my work in our one-on-one session. Georgia, Jessica Lore and Chef Emily put together an unforgettable weekend.” Joan Weisblatt
Join us for three unforgettable nights in the Hudson Valley, 1/3/25 - 1/6/25.
Your days are yours to dream and create. At night, a communal cheffed dinner awaits. Each bedroom is comfortably bespoke.
Fiction? Non-fiction? Poetry? A screenplay, lyrics, your next big thing?
All artists are welcome. Work a little or a lot—it’s up to you. We invite you to share your work and let us love on it!
12 residents. 3 nights. Much joy.
Cost is $1,200 for a shared Twin room; $1,350 for shared Queen room; $1,700 for private Queen; $1,850 for private King, or private Queen with ensuite. Includes all meals/wine/snacks.
The unique joy of having your creativity AND your fear welcomed into the most comforting, magical space was truly unforgettable. Gen Women created an experience like nothing I’ve had the privilege to be a part of before. I truly found my groove with my writing in the most gentle form and a community I will take with me always.
Mona Kirschner
“For years I’ve put together my own “writer’s retreats,” week-long stays alone at a rented house on the lake. I don’t think I’ve ever produced more than three pages. I’d had no idea that what I needed was a house full of focused women all working nearby. In the course of two days I exceeded my goal of 10,000 words—more importantly, I enjoyed writing them. It was a truly exceptional experience and I’m grateful to have shared it with an amazingly talented group of writers.”
Mara Mindell
“The gratitude is overflowing. I had the privilege to spend a long weekend swimming in scintillating conversation, sparkling personalities, and beautiful art. I’m floored by the connections we made and the sheer magic that surfaces when we make space for vulnerability, stillness, and each other. Fourteen amazing women helped me come away from this weekend with five new short story ideas, 18K words drafted in my new novel, and what I never knew I always needed: a badass writing community of powerful, brilliant women. Wow. Simply, wow.”
Dinah Susan
“This retreat gave me the opportunity I needed to allow myself to become totally absorbed in a project that's been hard for me to get into at home. I truly can't believe how much I wrote—and even more, how fun it was! Taking the weekend to get lost in my WIP really helped reignite for me how FUN writing fiction is. I loved having the chance to connect with others who share in my writerly quirks, passions, and challenges. I'm looking forward to having them as part of my creative community going forward and to cheering them on as the projects they shared with us at the retreat continue to grow!”
Alli Hoff Kosik
Generation Women Writers’ Retreat
After 7+ years of monthly live storytelling shows in New York City, Generation Women now hosts writers’ retreat! Twelve creatives are invited to a long weekend in a beautiful estate in Catskill, NY. Spend your days writing, thinking, creating. Come nightfall, and there’s a communal happy hour in the Great Room, followed by a vegetarian feast, prepared by a lauded local chef. Residents will be invited to share their work, if they desire.
All residents are offered optional one-on-one time with host Georgia Clark to discuss their work. The residency cost is all-inclusive, and must be paid in full to secure a spot. There is no fee to apply.
What is a writers’ retreat?
A space for writers to do self-directed work in a quiet, communal setting. There is no homework or assessment. A retreat is designed to be a relaxing, nourishing space for writers to focus exclusively on their work, and make connections with fellow writers.
Why the Generation Women Writers’ Retreat?
We offer a short but impactful time to dive into a project in gorgeous, perfectly appointed surrounds. Get inspired and go deep as you take in the sweeping view of the Hudson River. Create in quiet, intentional community with eleven other devoted writers. Enjoy chef-cooked meals and fun nightly happy hours to meet your fellow writers.
Generation Women is a multigenerational storytelling series that invites a woman or non-binary performer in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s+ to share an original true story on a theme. Founded in New York City in 2017, the mission of Generation Women is to amplify underheard voices, and create space for intergenerational connection and community. You don’t need to have heard of us or seen a show to apply.
What kinds of writers can apply?
Any kind! Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, narrative journalism, screenwriting, plays etc. This retreat is open to all writers but would especially suit new and emerging writers. Past acceptance to a writers’ residency is not required. This is a great environment to kickstart (or restart) a novel/short story/personal essay/pilot/poetry collection etc.
Writers of all ages and backgrounds are encourage to apply.
What is the optional one-on-one with Georgia Clark?
At some point during your weekend, you may book in a one-on-one with host Georgia Clark to discuss your work or career.
Georgia has extensive experience as a storyteller, novelist, creative entrepeneur and is excited to share her wisdom and hear your ideas. Georgia is the author of Most Wonderful (forthcoming Fall 2024), Island Time, It Had To Be You, The Regulars, The Bucket List, and others. A native Australian, she lives in Brooklyn with her wife and toddler.
Is the weekend phone-free?
It is! This is to encourage an undistracted atmosphere of community, and allow writers to immerse themselves more fully in their artistic practice. This is optional, but encouraged.
Our dinners, salons, and happy hours will be phone-free. Cell phone use is not encouraged in the communal spaces in working hours.
Can men apply?
The retreat is for female and non-binary writers.
Where will I be working?
You’re free to work from anywhere in the house. The day will be quiet time in the house. We ask you join us for dinner, but feel free to skip happy hour and post dinner socializing if you’d like to keep working.
What is the food like?
Delicious! The weekend will offer comforting, nourishing vegetarian food all prepared by Emily, aka Mrs Pleasant. Breakfast (including coffee/tea) and a hot lunch will be offered as “grab and go”. Nightly happy hours with apps will precede a fabulous dinner with mains, sides, and dessert. Wine is unlimited and included. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
If I’m accepted, what is the cancellation policy?
Residents can receive a full refund for the first 48 hours after payment is received. No refund is offered beyond that time unless we are able to fill your spot from the waitlist. If we are able to fill your spot, a full refund will be offered. Please note that we will be unable to credit your payment to future retreat dates due to a cancellation for any reason.
How do I get there?
The house is a 2.5 hour-drive from New York. If you’re not driving, it’s 10 minutes from Hudson train station, which offers service to NYC. From the station, it's a short taxi, which residents must pre-book prior to arrival. Do not rely on Uber, especially if arriving later.
Please note while can connect all residents prior to the residency, so people can organize to carpool, we cannot organize, oversee or finalize your travel or transfer. Residents are ultimately responsible for getting to and from the retreat.
Can I bring my pet or partner?
Nope, sorry!
Questions? Email hellogenwomen@gmail.com
What’s the itinerary?
Friday: 4.30pm check-in
5.30pm: Happy hour
6.30pm: Dinner
Saturday:
8am: Breakfast served
12pm: Lunch served
5.30pm: Happy hour
6.30pm: Dinner
8pm: Salon readings
Sunday:
8am: Breakfast served
12pm: Lunch served
5.30pm: Happy hour
6.30pm: Dinner
8pm: Salon readings
Monday:
8am: Breakfast served
10am: Check-out
Follow a one-mile-long private driveway to reach this expansive estate. Upon entry, you'll find 19th-century oak floors, antique brick from the old Athens brickyard, floor-to-ceiling windows, and huge dining and living rooms designed for large, cheerful gatherings. The corner game room invites you to gather around the pool table and cozy up by the brick fireplace. When it's time to unwind, head to your comfortable bedroom. Outside, a river-side hottub and a great lawn leading directly to the sandy beach on the Hudson. Spend your days writing anywhere in the house— even the hot tub—for an unbeatable experience so close to the Hudson River that at times you can hear it.
“I'm so grateful for my time with the Generation Women squad! I tend to work best when I'm working on five things at once (insert joke about toxic traits here), but I challenged myself to work on the ONE project that I've been equal parts afraid of and obsessed with for the last few years. The energy and focus of the other incredible writers created a cosmic force field of productivity and somehow: I WROTE. WORDS. A LOT OF THEM. The nightly salon readings were especially wonderful. Ending the evening snuggled on the couch with a glass of wine, hearing the fruits of the house's labors, cheering each other on...what a delicious way to send us off to bed before another day of writing. Thank you Georgia and Jessica!!” —Carly Ciarrocchi
“The incredibly talented women I met during the Generation Women writers’ retreat, all with magic in their mind, body and souls reminded me that I, too, am talented as a writer and performer. This gorgeous weekend reawakened my desire, my need, to revisit my solo show. I'm so grateful for all the support, mantras, encouragement, laughter, vulnerability and yes, love that was shared over such a short period of time.”
—Anthoula Katsimatides
“This retreat weekend was low pressure with a high pay off. The setting is spectacular, the writing environment inspiring and the hospitality unmatched. I have been waiting to step into something like this my whole life. You will not regret it! It really is something so special and unique. The possibilities now seem endless and my practice is revitalized!”
—Kate Schmieding
“Attending the retreat to write and connect with fellow writers was an incredible experience. The Catskill location was stunning and we were spoiled with delicious food and wine. Every aspect of the weekend was organized to inspire creativity. If you want a nurturing place to unlock your creative potential and connect with passionate and like-minded souls, this retreat is for you!”
—Kate Ramsay-Scott
“The weekend retreat took place in a lovely, rather large old house in the Catskills with a spectacular view of the Hudson River. The women who participated were thoughtful, smart, funny, and delightfully warm women. We had ample time to eat, drink, socialize and get to know one another, but no pressure to do so. We spent our morning in silence with people huddled in the many nooks and crannies and spacious bedrooms the house provided. Gathered for a delightful lunch and good conversation. Back to silence for a few hours and then time again for happy hour, dinner, and sharing our work. I felt so nourished, supported, and got so much writing done. Georgia is generous, kind, funny, entertaining, and just great to be with. She knows how to people feel comfortable and supported.”
—Lucy West
“It’s easy to feel nervous before meeting a new group of people, especially writers, but Georgia and her team couldn’t have made the environment more welcoming. I’m truly a better writer and thinker for having spent the weekend with Generation Women. I wouldn’t have been able to create what I did without this retreat. If you’re on the fence, this is your sign to take the leap.”
—Katherine Sorensen
“Exactly what I needed. Surrounded by creative women, in a lovely house in the Catskills overlooking the Hudson, I floated between writing in my journal, reading some of my earlier work, and dreaming back into my life as a writer. Georgia creates a juicy vibe. Infused with a loving, creative and playful sprit, we wrote, shared food and inspired conversation, and held space and grace for each other’s work. Each day culminated in celebration as we listened to each other read aloud.”
—Janet Pfeffer
“I'm still buzzing from this retreat! The structure of the experience was so well designed by Georgia Clark and Jessica Lore, that there was so much room for my inspiration and creativity to play. I had also forgotten how critical COMMUNITY can be for your art. The phenomenal group of writers, refueled me with their encouragement, knowledge of the craft, vulnerability and joy. And parlor time? Pure magic!” - Esther Blanchard
“I came with high expectations for writing and zero expectations for socializing during the retreat. While I enjoyed the uninterrupted time to write in a beautiful setting, the most rewarding part of the weekend was building a community of women across generations. I am no stranger to all women's settings (from going to an all women's college to working at women's organizations), but I have never bonded so quickly and so intimately with a group of women. Through inside jokes, shared meals, and late night talks, I developed many friendships that I know will continue to carry me through my creative life and beyond.” —Sarah Batchu
“My long weekend with Generation Women was glorious, nurturing, inspiring. I don't know exactly how the magic was cast but we all created, bonded, shared, grew in confidence and sisterhood. I will forever have the backs of these women, and I'm so grateful to Georgia and Jessica for dreaming this into being!” —Susan Henderson
“Imagine you have all the time in the world to write, share your work in progress, enjoy a great view and the company of brilliant, funny, and insightful people, and of course, eat well. That's what you get when you sign up for the Generation Women writers' retreat. Georgia and Jessica brought a group of strangers together and over only a few days, made them friends and big fans of each other's work.” —Michelle Aboodi
“I’m still buzzing from the magical energy I received from this retreat! I went into the weekend nervous and excited with only the spark of an idea, and I left feeling inspired, encouraged, and incredibly supported. I also forged so many beautiful friendships and I miss everyone already!! Georgia and Jess have created something truly special and I feel honored to have been a part of it!”
—Rebecca Shorstein
“The Hosts - Georgia and Jessica, you made it seem effortless. Your presence brought the structure and the guidance for how to bring our best selves to the allotted time and space without micromanaging or pomp and circumstance.
The Food - Nutritious, filling without heaviness, tasty to keep the stomach fed, and therefore the mind fueled so we didn’t have to think about it. Wine and snacks get shout outs too.
The Space - Charming, picturesque, large enough to give us all space even in the same room. Nature literally kept reminding me to look at the trees and step back to see the forest.
The Permission - to sit where we wanted, break when we wanted, not have to talk to each other during quiet hours.
The Salon - I never understood the power of hearing someone’s draft work read out loud. We are so used to hearing published work via audiobooks or events. Hearing the beauty of everyone’s self proclaimed new or unfinished work altered my mindsets on how I see drafts and how we sadly all think we suck when that can’t be farthest from the truth.
The Happy Hour / Common Meals - Writers can talk! And loudly. A melodious cacophony if ever I heard one. On our personal lives and fears, our jobs, our celebrity crushes. I have a list of authors, TV shows, podcasts and some Inner Compass cards to hunt down.
My writing progressed. My heart was full. It’s been one of the best experiences as an adult woman I’ve had in long while.”
—Elaine Manios
“This was my first-ever retreat and I went in anxious that I wouldn't "do it right." But the setting, the structure, the serenity of the house, all put me in a natural state of reflection and focus. I was inspired and motivated by the women around me, each in their own worlds of creativity and flow. I left the weekend feeling optimistic and invigorated in a way I'd never felt, and certainly never expected.”
-Brianna Snyder
“The retreat was an incredibly supportive, fulfilling experience, and I can't recommend it enough. Having full days to concentrate on nothing else except my writing, I was able to hone in on chapters that had been too tricky to figure out in regular life and surprise myself with new aspects to add that enhanced the work. I learned a lot about my writing habits, which has helped me elevate my writing practice beyond the retreat. Georgia created such a fun, positive environment, that the gatherings after the day of writing would always be a treat. It was inspiring and just the break my soul needed!”
—Erin Hug