The Write Escape is a four-day, three-night writing retreat set on a stunning lakefront property in Monticello, NY, surrounded by peak fall foliage.
Choose Your Comfort
PRIMARY SUITE (SINGLE)
$1,479
King bed
Private spa bathroom
Wraparound floor-to-ceiling glass windows
Deck access
PRIMARY SUITE (SHARED)
$1,294/person
King bed
Queen Murphy bed
Shared spa bathroom
Wraparound floor-to-ceiling glass windows
Deck access
SECONDARY SUITE (SINGLE)
$1,397
King bed
Private bathroom with heated floors, standalone tub & shower bench
SHARED SUITE
$1,047/person
Two queen beds
Shared bathroom between roommates
Your Hosts
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Your Hosts 〰️
Laura Pu-Syska
co-hostShe’s a book editor with over a decade of experience helping creatives shape their stories from vision to publication. She handles the behind-the-scenes magic of The Write Escape—contracts, logistics, and making sure every detail is taken care of so you can focus on your work. At the retreat, she brings an editor’s eye to workshops and critique sessions, giving you the kind of direct, thoughtful feedback that actually moves your manuscript forward.
Kara M. Zone
co-hostShe’s an award-winning, best-selling indie author who writes tales of magic, mayhem, and mischief. A contest judge for NY Midnight, anthology publisher through Fablehouse Press, and speaker on writing craft and indie publishing, Kara has spent years helping writers at every stage find their voice and build a sustainable creative career. At the retreat, she leads workshops rooted in her 25+ years of writing experience—designed to spark new ideas and sharpen your storytelling instincts.
What to Expect
An intimate experience designed to pull you out of your routine and into a space where creative breakthroughs happen. Whether you’re drafting your first chapter or deep into revisions, you’ll leave with momentum, clarity, and a community of writers who get it.
Daily writing sessions & expert-led workshops — Structured time to write alongside workshops designed to spark inspiration, sharpen your craft, and push your work forward.
Small-group critique — Bring your work-in-progress and receive thoughtful, actionable feedback in an encouraging, intimate setting.
A retreat home that inspires — Think lakefront views, a covered cabana for outdoor writing, a fire pit for evening gatherings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the fall colors inside.
An experience, not just an event — Housing, workshops, two group meals, and curated swag bags are all part of your retreat package. Just bring your writing project, any personal provisions for dietary needs, and an open mind.
Testimonials
Sample Schedule
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Start your morning lakeside with a guided tai chi session designed to ground your body and open your mind before a day of writing.
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Fuel up with an optional home-cooked breakfast prepared by your hosts, or make your own.
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Head out for a group hike, explore the area, or stay in and write—your call.
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The group heads out for a sit-down brunch at a local restaurant, voted on by the group. Transportation provided by your hosts.
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Two hours of dedicated, focused writing time. Find your spot—the cabana, the lakefront, the living room—and get to work.
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Prepare your own meal or coordinate with fellow retreaters in the kitchen.
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Wind down the evening with a guided paint & sip session (no artistic talent required, just a willingness to play).
Where We’ll Be!
Our retreat home sits on a lakefront property in Monticello, NY, nestled in the heart of Sullivan County’s Catskills region.
From the New York City area, take I-87 North to Exit 16 (Harriman), then Route 17 West to Exit 104.
From Connecticut or points east, take I-84 West to Route 17 West, same exit.
You’ll be surrounded by peak fall foliage, lake views, and the kind of quiet that makes it easy to disappear into your writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.
If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.
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You’re responsible for your own transportation to and from the retreat. Once you’re here, your hosts will handle driving for any group outings. The property is located off Route 17 (Exit 104) in Monticello, NY—about two hours from NYC.
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Your total is split into three equal installments, with the final payment due by September 22, 2026.
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Besides our group brunch on Friday and dinner on Saturday, you're welcome to go out to eat or get food delivered to the house for any other meals. Your hosts will be preparing breakfast Friday and Saturday mornings—and while we’ll do our best to accommodate dietary preferences, we can’t guarantee we can cater to everyone. Each guest is responsible for managing their own dietary needs and restrictions.
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Absolutely! While we love the energy of writing together, this is your experience and you get to shape it however works best for you. Write from bed, your private desk, the cabana, or the lakefront—wherever the words flow.
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Not at all! Whether you’re working on your first draft, deep in revisions, journaling, or just exploring—this retreat is for anyone who wants dedicated time and space to write.
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Nothing is mandatory. The schedule is there to support you, not box you in. If you’d rather skip and do what vibes with you, go for it.
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Your writing materials (laptop, notebook, whatever you work with), comfortable clothes, layers for cool fall mornings, and anything you’d need for outdoor activities like hiking. We’ll send a full packing checklist closer to the retreat date.
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Check-in is Thursday, October 22 at 5:00 PM. Checkout is Sunday, October 25 at 10:00 AM.
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Yes, the house has Wi-Fi. Network details will be shared upon arrival.
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Yes, there’s free parking at the property.