Meet New York Times Bestselling Author Jacquelyn Mitchard in Person at Our Writing Retreat!

If you found yourself in an intimate gathering with a New York Times bestselling novelist, such as Oprah’s very first book club pick, Jacquelyn Mitchard, what would you ask that author?

You may just have the opportunity to find out!

As Robin Kall and I planned the rebirth of our Creative Abundance Writing Retreat for March 14 and 15, we brainstormed who to invite as our special author guest.

A few weeks prior, I’d had an email exchange (about a potential project) with New York Times bestselling novelist Jacquelyn Mitchard who saw my email signature mentioning the upcoming retreat in Narragansett.

At the top of her email back she’d written, “I’d love to do that retreat with you someday!”

Wow. Wouldn’t that be amazing?!

Robin and I both knew that Jacquelyn Mitchard normally spoke to very large audiences. Would our intimate retreat be enough of a draw?

Apparently, yes!

So, we’re adding this incredible opportunity to be in a beautiful, sun-filled room with views of the ocean in three directions, and to hear the wisdom and advice of a literary powerhouse. You’ll get to ask Jackie your burning questions about writing, her novels, publishing, character, plot, journalism…you name it. And, of course, you will be writing (oh, do we have prompts for you!). You’ll also have the opportunity to work on an empowering plan for writing this year. And you may experience the kind of breakthroughs that past retreat participants have said keep them coming back year after year.

Jacquelyn Mitchard’s Latest Page Turner: The Birdwatcher

Psychological thrillers are not a genre I tend to read. Jacquelyn Mitchard’s novels are a different story. Her novels defy categorization and transcend genre. I’m drawn in by her nuanced narrators and their relationships, the brilliant plot twists I never saw coming, the tension, and Jackie’s masterful writing. Plus, reading outside our usual genres is one of the most powerful ways of improving our writing. So nonfiction writers, self-help authors, memoirists and poets—take note!

New York Times bestselling author Amy Bloom called The Birdwatcher, “a helluva mystery…as taut, compelling and unnerving as it is witty and compassionate.” Karin Slaughter called it “compelling and masterful.”

Since Jackie and I had already set up an interview to discuss her latest book, The Birdwatcher, I will save most of the details about that book for the upcoming author interview, which I’ll be sending out soon. But here’s a little teaser:

In The Birdwatcher, we are introduced to Reenie Bigelow, a journalist for style magazine Fuchsia, who convinces her boss to let her return to her childhood home to attend—and write about—the trial of her childhood best friend, Felicity Wild. Felicity, a brilliant grad student turned high-priced escort is accused of murder. Reenie cannot imagine it and sets out to prove her innocence—or at least find out what on earth happened. Since Felicity won’t speak to anyone, including Reenie, Reenie must do some high-risk sleuthing of her own.

Jacquelyn Mitchard writes with such a deep understanding of her characters—and great compassion. There are so many twists, turns and jaw-dropping surprises, I can’t put her books down. Her themes are nuanced, enlightening and timely. I always learn something new from a Jacquelyn Mitchard novel. In this one, each chapter starts with a brief—and unusual—description of a particular bird species, along with a small sketch of the bird. I loved this touch.

I do encourage you to purchase a copy of your own. Yet if you’re joining us for the retreat, you will receive your very own copy, personally signed and addressed to you, at no charge!

Back to Our Creative Abundance Writing Retreat

In addition to meeting Jacquelyn Mitchard and getting to ask her your burning questions as a writer, we have lots of exciting activities planned:

• Prompts to help you reflect, shift your mindset and experience breakthroughs.
• Discussion about writing community that inspires, supports and empowers you.
• An opportunity to create or refine your empowered writing plan for 2026.
• Yummy, nourishing lunches and delightful conversation with kindred spirits.
• Simple mindful movement and breathing practices to open you to a whole new level of inspiration and insight.
• An exploration of the self-care that can be a foundation for prolific and powerful writing.
• And so much more!

At our Saturday retreat last month (Sunday was postponed due to the snowstorm), we were all amazed at how warm and inspired we felt despite the single-digit temperatures outdoors. The sun sparkled on the sea and shone into the light-filled room with its giant windows and beautiful paintings and sculptures by its former resident. Everything about the setting nourished our souls.

Robin and I heard from several participants the very next day—and the day after that—and the day after that—that the plans they put together at the retreat were already shifting their writing process, creating flow, commitment, prolific writing, and freedom.

Imagine what it will be like just a few days before the official start of spring! Warm enough to walk the nature paths and beach coves and be inspired by the fresh air.

And if you haven’t yet experienced a “Reading with Robin” interview, you’re in for a real treat! (or, for that matter, if you have experienced one, you’re in for a delectable treat as well!). Robin’s questions and Jacquelyn Mitchard’s answers are bound to give you insights into your own writing process—no matter your genre. And there is always a great deal of laughter in a Robin interview!

So, please, join us for what promises to be a life-enhancing and liberating literary event!

Some Details

Date: Saturday & Sunday

March 14 and15, 2026, 9am – 4pm

Or if you are ready, sign up here!

Jacquelyn Mitchard on writing A Very Inconvenient Scandal

And in case you haven’t met Jacquelyn Mitchard yet, here’s an interview I did with her in 2023, where she shares:

• The shocking event in her own life that inspired this story.
• The most important writing lessons she teaches her students.
• How she develops the characters in her books.
• What is required of a good ghostwriter.
• How she gets unstuck.
• Secrets for writing bestselling books while raising a large family.

Meet Jacquelyn Mitchard at the March seaside retreat! And we’ll be giving you a copy of The Birdwatcher which Jackie will sign and endorse to you!

Find out more or sign up here.