Join award-winning novelist and essayist Amy Shearn for an inspiring day of reading, writing, and sharing work in community.

A day-long writing retreat for women (or anyone who identifies as female / nonbinary / gender-nonconforming) who feel like they miiiiiight be losing it. Maybe you're on the precipice of some major change. Maybe you're feeling a restlessness you don't know what to do with. Maybe you're brimming with things that stay unsaid.

Instead of running away from home... try this first?

This retreat is a way to reconnect with your creative core. You can write in any genre you like—nonfiction, fiction, poetry, stream-of-consciousness, journaling, fragments, rants, letters, lists—whatever feels right. We're all about process, creativity, and making some space for your own voice. It's just one day, and there's no homework.

Sneak away for a Saturday! It'll be encouraging, regenerative, nourishing, and fun. You'll come away with inspiration and material for your work, whether you're starting something new, adding to a work-in-progress, or just looking to play on the page.

Testimonials from Past “Writing for Women on the Verge” Students

“Amy was a wonderful facilitator and always chose perfect readings and prompts to get us going. This was a really fun experience.”

“The best environment to write with freedom! I love it so much. Ideas are born in this space. Frustrations are let go! Thank you to Amy!”

“This class was such a delight! Amy was engaging and organized -- a winning combination. The excerpts and prompts she shared... were provocative. I also really enjoyed the other writers in the group. So glad I signed up.”

“This space to collaborate, connect, and hear incredibly writing and poignant thinking on the art of writing while being a mother proved profound. Amy led the class with so much grace and compassion, and the group built camaraderie quite quickly. Would recommend this to anyone who wants ... to get inspired and feel truly seen and heard.”

About Amy

Amy Shearn is the award-winning author of five novels, including Animal Instinct, which NPR called a best book of 2025, saying: "In the middle of reading Animal Instinct, I had to stop to text this to a friend: 'Divorce is so HOT right now!'"

Amy teaches creative writing at the Yale Writers' Workshop, Sackett Street Writers Workshop, and Writing Co-Lab, an experimental cooperative she co-founded. Amy's work has appeared in many publications including The New York Times Modern Love column, Slate, Poets & Writers, and O: The Oprah Magazine.

Amy lives in Brooklyn and, alongside her own writing, she works with writers as a developmental editor, book coach, and retreat-leader.