Elevate Your Voice
Smoky Mountain Writing Retreat 2026
Fulfill your desire for the abundance of time to focus on your writing, the expansive solitude to discern your deepest wisdom, and the creativity boost to manifest your muse-on-call
Tuesday, MAy 26- Saturday, May 30, 2026
with Dr. Cindy Childress, The Expert’s Ghostwriter®
Early bird pricing—register before March 31 and save up to $500
Answer the call of your Inner writer
You know you’ve got a book—or five—to write.
But your ideas are overwhelming and all over the place.
When you sit down to write, you’re not sure where to start or how to tie your thoughts together.
A classic case of writer’s block.
And let’s be real—you rarely have enough time to focus on your book, anyway.
That’s why you keep putting it off and doing easier things instead.
I totally get it.
Even as a ghostwriter, I can let a day get away from me. Or a week.
Then I start feeling guilty that I’m letting people down and letting myself down.
That’s a slippery slope that can lead to abandoning the project altogether.
Well, that’s not an option for me. And I won’t let it be for you either.
You need to get out of the day-to-day and immerse yourself in your book.
The Smoky Mountain Writing Retreat is designed so you have the luxury of time—and the stillness to hear your own thoughts—to do just that.
In a creativity-charged environment, I’ll share a few simple tools to give you clarity of your ideas and confidence to let your writing flow.
Whether you haven’t written a word, started writing and then stopped, are writing at a snail’s pace, or finished your draft and are avoiding editing it… this event is for you.
(And yes! These pictures are of the actual venue 😉)
Welcome to your Curated Experience
Step into this 6,000 sq chalet featured in Southern Living Magazine and be enveloped in elegance and beauty.
Start your day with a stroll down a mountain path (don’t miss the waterfall) or take a dip in the jacuzzi.
Explore the gorgeous writing spaces on all three levels, both inside and outside, to find your perfect spot.
Overlooking the Smoky Mountains, blanketed in green and bejeweled with wildflowers, you’ll see your project through fresh eyes.
You start writing, and it flows like a current of water is pouring your thoughts onto the page.
Take a break in a sun lounger to rejuvenate your mind, or play a game of pool or air hockey to stimulate your critical thinking.
End your day sharing stories around the fire pit, perhaps with a glass of wine, or enjoy a film in our private movie theater. You just might catch a wave of inspiration and write a bit more.
Any time writing feels hard, I’ll be standing by to wave my fairy godmother wand and make it easy.
With a book writing expert gently holding you accountable—and a community of writers cheering you on—you’ll soar.
At the end of your retreat, you’ll have a #shit-ton of writing done and more confidence in yourself as a writer than you thought possible.
Your Registration includes
VIP Welcome Dinner Tuesday, May 26
Accommodations for four nights in a private room
All Meals: Healthy, delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day—plus snacks to keep you well-hydrated and fueled (and dietary restrictions-conscious, of course)
Designated quiet areas for deep focus on your writing
Group Coaching for accountability to your writing goals
Creativity Boost exercises to unlock into your authentic expression
Productivity Boost tips to write more, faster, without burning out
1-1 Check-Ins with Dr. Cindy to keep your writing flowing
Amenities, including an outdoor jacuzzi, movie theater, and game room with air hockey, pool table, and more
Optional excursions, depending upon interest
Plus
1-1 one-hour session with Dr. Cindy pre-retreat to define your action plan
1-1 one-hour session with Dr. Cindy post-retreat to define your way forward
Check in after 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, and check out by 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 30
Your choices of accommodation
Early Bird Pricing (save up to $500)
King Room with Private Bathroom $3,600 $3,100 paid-in-full or 3 monthly payments of $1,100 (3 2 available)
King Room with Jack and Jill Shared Bathroom $3,300 $2,850 paid-in-full or 3 monthly payments of $1,025 (4 3 available)
Queen Room with Private Bathroom $3,300 $2,850 paid-in-full or 3 monthly payments of $1,025 (Sold Out)
Every guest room has a stunning view, closet, drawers, ceiling fan, and seating
All bathrooms have soaking tubs and showers
King Room with Private Bathroom (3 2 available)
King Room with Shared Jack-and-Jill Bathroom (4 3 available)
Queen Room with Private Bathroom (1 Availalbe Sold Out)
Meet YOur Host
Hi! You’ll experience Southern hospitality at its finest in my home state of Tennessee.
I’m Cindy Childress, Ph.D., an award-winning ghostwriter and author mentor, completing 50+ published books in 9 years (Many of them award-winners and bestsellers).
Throughout my career, both ghostwriting clients and A-List Author Studio members have consistently said two things:
They’re overwhelmed and struggle to focus on their book (aka, ‘writer’s block’).
They don’t have enough time to write.
That’s why I created the Smoky Mountain Writing Retreat to eliminate both writing obstacles.
You can accomplish an extraordinary amount of writing in three focused days.
Especially with my creativity and productivity boosts each day.
I’m thrilled to share my cadre of writer’s block hacks and strategies for boosting expression so you can get out of your head and write what’s in your heart and on your mind.
You get a total package: My tools are a mixture of creative writing techniques (with a doctorate in English), marketing and copywriting savvy (I was an email marketing manager for a nationwide company), and working with energy and vibrations (I co-wrote a book on the Law of Attraction).
I’m also a volunteer foster mom for cats and kittens, a total foodie, and a world traveler.
Can’t wait to support your writing goals and learn more about you!
FAQs
FOOD
I’m pretty picky and on a special diet. Will you take care of me?
Yes. Your welcome email contains a link to fill out the Dietary Needs and Preferences form.
Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or don’t like cooked tomatoes—at all—just say so, and you’ll be all set.
TRAVEL
What travel plans do you recommend?
Check-in begins Tuesday, May 26 at 3:00 p.m., and Check-out ends at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 30
By Plane
(TSY) Knoxville McGee Tyson Airport
The venue is 45 min from TSY. You may rent a car or get a ride from Uber or Lyft
By Car
The venue is near Pigeon Forge off US 321 N (Exact location will be provided)
GETTING AROUND
Can I bring my car? Is it easy to find an Uber?
There is parking available at the event venue if you drive or rent a car.
If you need to run into town for that one thing you forgot, my Retreat Assistant will be there to help you sort it out.
Uber and Lyft are plentiful from TSY. From the event venue, there can be a bit of a wait, so booking ahead is suggested.