Revising & Submitting Your Work for Acceptance

Holding Compassionate Space for Aspiring and Established Writers

For the daring writer who is looking to deepen their craft, edit their piece, and receive expert guidance to help them take the next step toward publication.

During this transformative writing retreat, participants are invited to embark on a profound exploration of self and creativity, while also gaining invaluable insights and strategies to begin their journey into the complex world of publishing.

Through powerful workshops led by writing mentor Mee Ok Icaro, the aim is to provide the writer with a balance of nurturing and practical application as well as personal and artistic growth.

At the heart of the retreat is the belief that writing is a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth. Whether you’re an experienced writer or new to the craft, this approach focuses on the full process rather than only the end result. Participants are encouraged to embrace the journey of writing, while letting go of judgment and perfectionism to tap into their inner wisdom and creativity.

What's Included

Each guest will be required to submit their pieces 2 weeks before the retreat begins to allow time to read each other’s work beforehand and provide both in-line edits and a 1-page summary of feedback.

Participants will meet during a live Zoom session (1 week prior) before the retreat to prepare and introduce themselves.

Accommodations & Meals

    • 3 Night/4 Day accommodations at Mt Sequoyah in Fayetteville AR
  • Culinary, organic meals are prepared for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Writing Workshops

    • 2 full days of writing workshops and talks crafted and led by award-winning writer Mee Ok Icaro
  • Immersive experience for writing in nature with a personalized experience to grow as artists and whole beings

What Writer’s Leave With

  • Clear feedback to revise their manuscript and a clear path to submitting work to literary magazines
  • A renewed sense of who they are as writers
  • Tools, materials, and strategies for the publishing process

POST-RETREAT

Also included is one post-retreat 1:1 mentoring session with Mee Ok Icaro for strategizing or additional manuscript consultation.
This will take place within 30 days following the conclusion of the retreat.

What to Expect

Set in a serene and inspiring environment, this retreat encourages participants to embrace the surrounding nature, creating a space where individuals can delve deep into their inner landscape, uncovering layers of their identity, emotions, and aspirations through the art of writing – and come away with strategies to get their stories out to the world.

Through customized teachings, reflective discussions, and supportive feedback sessions, attendees are invited to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with authenticity, compassion, and vulnerability.

Mee Ok Icaro will provide an inviting and inclusive atmosphere where everyone’s voice is valued and respected. She believes that each individual has a unique story to tell and that by sharing our experiences, we can heal ourselves, while we inspire, uplift, and empower one another.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have gained not only practical writing skills, but also a deeper understanding of themselves, their writing, and their place in the world.

About the Property

Mount Sequoyah is a welcoming space to celebrate and connect with people, land, and spirit. Set atop a mountain on a serene 32-acre property just minutes from downtown Fayetteville, AR, this sanctuary provides a nurturing environment for artistic expression, personal growth, and connection to nature.

MT SEQUOYAH ACCOMMODATIONS

25% Discount Early Bird pricing available until through April 30!

Young Lodge

The main house features a wraparound porch, spacious living room, den w/ a ping pong table, a large kitchen, and a washer and dryer. Three private bedrooms, two attached bathrooms.

(1) Queen Bed with Writing Nook, Private Bath

Early Bird $2500 + fees (reg. $3,333 + fees)
Book Now

 

 

(2) Queen Bedroom with Private Bath

Early Bird $2166 + fees (reg. $2,888 + fees)
Book Now

 

 

(3) Queen Bedroom with Unattached Bath

Early Bird $1917 + fees (reg. $2,555 + fees)
Book Now

 

Birch House

Open-concept great room with dining area and living room, seating for 15, Two sitting porches, full kitchen. Three private bedrooms, each with a private attached bathroom.

(1) King Bedroom with Master Bath

Early Bird $2500 + fees (reg. $3,333 + fees)
Book Now

 

(2) Queen Bedrooms with Private Bath

Early Bird $2166 + fees (reg. $2,888 + fees)
Book Now

 

Sunset House

Cozy living room, four-top dining table adjacent to the kitchen. Small outdoor seating area. Two private bedrooms which share a bathroom.

(2) Queen Bedrooms with Shared Bath

Early Bird $1667 + fees (reg. $2,222 + fees)
Book Now

 

*Need-based scholarships available for BIPOC writers

PAYMENT DETAILS

A 75% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your space. The remainder of the payment is due in full two weeks prior to the retreat on May 23.

If you wish to book directly via the booking link above, a 3.5% processing fee will be added to your checkout.

For additional questions or to eliminate processing fees, contact Mee Ok directly to send payment via Paypal or Venmo.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

11 Workshops led by Mee Ok Icaro
8 Meals provided by Executive Chef Kevin McCombs, House Cured Culinary

Thurs. June 6th

4:00pm
Arrivals

Check-in to Mt Sequoya
Settle in and and enjoy nature

5:30pm – 7:00pm
Intro

Introductory talks on nonviolent communication, the art of critiquing and receiving critique

7:00pm
Dinner

Fresh & healthy dinner prepared by a local chef followed by rest and relxation.

Fri. June 7th & Sat. June 8th

7:00am – 9:00am
Breakfast

Fresh & healthy breakfast, juice, coffee, and tea prepared by a local chef

9:30am – 3:00pm
Workshops

Writing workshops led by Mee Ok Icaro with 15 minute breaks each hour. Lunch to be served in the afternoon.

3:30pm – 7:00pm
Leisure Time

Enjoy time at your leisure for hiking, swimming, massage, or gym followed by an additional workshop on the art of the craft.

7:00pm
Dinner

Fresh & healthy dinner prepared by a local chef followed by rest and relaxation.

Sun. June 9th

8:00am – 10:00am
Breakfast

Fresh & healthy breakfast, juice, coffee, and tea prepared by a local chef

11:00am
Departures

Guest to check-out by 11:00 am. Opportunities to extend the stay or enjoy the property can be arranged with the Mt Sequoyah Center directly.

MEE OK ICARORETREATS

“In the end, we’ll all become stories.”— Margaret Atwood