Write by the Lake

“I’m Not a Writer” Retreat in Guatemala

Nov. 28-Dec. 4

The “I’m Not a Writer” Memoir Retreat

Nov. 28-Dec. 4

This one’s for anyone who ever studied pictures and descriptions of Joyce’s retreats, dreamed about joining her at Casa Paloma, but stopped herself with the reminder: “But I’m not a writer”.

You don’t need a manuscript to attend this retreat. You don’t need to have the first three chapters of a memoir in your desk drawer. All you need is curiosity, a desire to explore the story of your life. And if you think that story isn’t all that interesting….think again.

You’ll get a good idea of what to expect by reading the descriptions here of our Write by the Lake retreats. Joyce will have a lot to say about the writing process, and tools that can help you get started. But for this one we won’t be workshopping manuscripts. And because this retreat lasts six nights, not seven, our all-inclusive price has been reduced.

If you’ve ever wanted to write, but don’t know how to begin, or where, Joyce promises: you’ll have plenty of ideas and inspiration (also great shopping finds, terrific memories, and new friends) by the end of the week. As well as—possibly—a whole new way of looking at the people and experiences that got you where you are. And, if you choose, a way of moving forward with more story- telling in the days to come.

Your adventure begins when your driver picks you up at the airport and brings you to a lovely Spanish colonial hotel in the historic town of Antigua , where you’ll meet the others in your group over sunset drinks and a great meal, and spend your first night.  Next morning, after a traditional Guatemalan breakfast and great coffee, a stroll over cobblestone streets, and a little shopping, you’ll continue on the lake, where Joyce will be waiting on the dock to greet you with a pitcher of fresh margaritas and the best guacamole ever.  

This is your time, to spend in whatever way nourishes you best—swimming, participating in daily yoga with a terrific teacher, massage by the water, healthy meals shared in great company-- while our incomparable team of helpers tends to the details. 


❋ A Place Made with Care

Casa Paloma is Joyce Maynard’s home and retreat center on Lake Atitlán, lovingly built by a team of workers from the Mayan community over twenty-five years. Each room and casita is unique, decorated with the work of local artisans.  Whichever space you choose, you’ll see the lake and volcano views out your window, and when you throw the windows open, you’ll hear a chorus of birds.


❋ Conversation and Connection

One of the great gifts of participating in a retreat at Casa Paloma comes from the diverse community of strong women you’ll meet. Over Rosa’s meals, in yoga, and in the writing circle, and at evening readings around the fire, you’re likely to form friendships that will endure long after the retreat is over.


❋ Culture, Curiosity, and Discovery

Your all-inclusive tuition includes a wide range of excursions, hand-picked by Joyce, into the rich Mayan culture of the region — from  an early morning hike to see the sun rise over five volcanoes to visits with local artisans, weaving collectives, a Mayan Shamanic ceremony.  


❋ The Writing Part

Unlike Joyce’s Write by the Lake retreat, where participants may have been working for months or years on a manuscript, this experience is designed for a woman who may not have written anything for a long time, or ever.  It’s for anyone who ever said, “I wish I could write.  I just don’t know where to start.  Or how.”  Daily conversations with Joyce and craft talks in the writing circle will open the door to a whole new world of expression. 


Group of women dressed in colorful striped robes standing together on wooden floor in front of lush tropical plants.
Multiple plates of tacos with meat, shredded cheese, onions, and jalapeños on a table.
Colorful waterfront homes with wooden decks and lush greenery along a clear blue lake. Some homes have terraces overlooking the water, surrounded by trees and flowering bushes, with mountains in the background.

Days 1–2

The Journey Begins

The retreat begins with an easy landing and a gradual transition into the week ahead. From the moment you arrive, details are handled so you can slow down, get oriented, and begin connecting with the group.

Arrival in Guatemala City

Your journey begins in Guatemala City, where a car will be waiting to bring you to the small, beautiful, historic city of Antigua.

Evening in Antigua

There, you’ll meet your fellow travelers over drinks and a celebratory dinner, and settle into a boutique hotel for the night. A member of the Casa Paloma team will be there to greet you, answer questions, and help you ease into the rhythm of the week ahead.

Exploration Time

The following morning is yours. Antigua is easy, walkable, and inviting—perfect for wandering cobblestone streets, visiting markets, or simply resting.

Journey to Lake Atitlán

Shortly after noon, the group travels together by shuttle, winding over the mountains toward Lake Atitlán. When you arrive at the water, a boat will be waiting to carry you across the lake to Joyce’s dock.

Welcome at Casa Paloma

Joyce will be there to welcome you—margaritas in hand (with or without alcohol)—as you step onto Casa Paloma and begin the retreat.


Days 3–7

The Week at Casa Paloma

Life at Casa Paloma unfolds slowly and with intention. Each day balances structure and spaciousness, supporting cultural adventures alongside rest, reflection, and connection—always with room to follow your own pace.

Morning Rituals

Mornings begin quietly. The sauna is warm, the lake calm—offering time for swimming, kayaking, or simply sitting with coffee as the light moves across the water and volcanoes.

The Writing Part

Unlike Joyce’s Write by the Lake retreat, where participants may have been working for months or years on a manuscript, this experience is designed for a woman who may not have written anything for a long time, or ever.  It’s for anyone who ever said, “I wish I could write.  I just don’t know where to start.  Or how.”  Daily conversations with Joyce and craft talks in the writing circle will open the door to a whole new world of expression. 

Shared Meals

Meals anchor the day. Breakfasts in the garden begin with delicious farm-to-table food and friendly conversation, followed by relaxed lunches and memorable dinners that bring everyone together around the table.

Optional Excursions

For those who wish, the week includes optional explorations of the region: sunrise hikes overlooking five volcanoes, visits to local markets and weaving collectives, cooking lessons with our chef Rosa, ceremonies, artist studios, and time in the surrounding cloud forest.

Evening Gatherings

As the day winds down, evenings invite ease and connection—shared stories, laughter, and quiet moments together, often around the fire, before resting into the night.

What’s Included

Six nights of accommodations, all meals, transport, excursions, massage, yoga, and opening and closing night drinks. Basically, you just need to tip our incredible staff and bring yourself.

When you're ready to venture beyond your hammock — and you will be — we've got a lineup that reads like a bucket list:

  • 🦜 Hike the cloud forest hunting for the elusive, resplendent quetzal (we almost always find one)

  • 🌋 Watch the sun rise over all five volcanoes (yes, five)

  • ☕ Tour a coffee roastery and understand why Guatemalan coffee hits different

  • 🎨 Browse local markets and artisan workshops, including a weaving collective

  • 🍫 A cacao ceremony, because chocolate deserves reverence

  • 🔥 A profoundly moving fire-healing ceremony with the remarkable Shaman Tomas

Back at base: the sauna is fired up every morning, yoga awaits, kayaks and paddleboards are yours for the taking, and the lake swimming is — we're just going to say it — some of the best you'll ever do.

And then there's the karaoke machine. The microphones are ready. The only question is: are you?‍ ‍

Accommodations

Rooms are reserved on a first come, first served basis.

Before making your final decision, please carefully read the room description and click through the gallery of pictures. You want to be aware of each room's unique features.

A detailed illustrated map of Casa Paloma Atitlán, showing different buildings, a garden, docks, a lake with boats, paths, trees, and various amenities such as a yoga platform, outdoor kitchen, sauna, and herb garden.

Ready?

Reach out to Gina Alligood, our U.S.-based Write by the Lake manager, to learn more. Sign up early and you get first pick of accommodations at Casa Paloma.

Though honestly? Every single one of them is beautiful.

See you at the dock. 🌊

Apply for the Retreat

Questions? Email Gina Alligood — writewithjoycemaynard@gmail.com

What People Are Saying

  • “Those days with Joyce in Guatemala to dig into my story and to explore the structure of a memoir changed me as a person and a writer. The knowledge I gained equals an MFA (or two) in creative writing.”

    Mary B, Texas

  • “Each unique feature of this workshop, taken alone, is worth going back for: the creative boost to your writing, the truly divine food, and Joyce Maynard, who you really must see in action to believe.”

    Elizabeth H, Florida

  • “Great Writers who are great teachers are rare. Joyce possesses the talent to do both.”

    Priscilla B, New Hampshire

  • “When you think you’re not ready is the best time to attend a workshop offered by Joyce Maynard. Our time together was transformative to finding my voice and story.”

    — Jude S, Maine

  • “Write by the Lake gave me the clarity and confidence I needed to write my memoir. The setting alone is magical and transformative - but when combined with the teaching and support from other writers, the experience is truly life-changing.”

    — Gina B, Pennsylvania

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