Retreat Testimonials
“When I first decided to sign up for the retreat I was a little nervous because I didn't know anyone else there, and I had no idea what I even wanted to write. I only knew that I like moving my body, pasta, and writing. My fears very quickly disappeared. The combination of daily thoughtful writing exercises, yoga, and not having to worry about anything while on the retreat made me so relaxed and open to new ideas and experiences. Seriously, waking up to meals freshly made from the Italian land we were living on was a dream. Ali was there for everyone no matter where they were on their creative and yoga journey. I came to Italy with a vague idea of what I wanted to write about and left with clarity and a great start to a pilot I am now finishing a second draft of.
We had deep conversations about writing, story structure, and the industry, but we also had a very goofy time with lots of space for spontaneous adventures. I can honestly say I love everyone on that trip and am a better writer/yogi/creative because of it. I loved it so much that I signed up for the retreat in Greece! It's an experience I'll never forget and will cherish forever. <3”
— Sharilyn V., Italy 2022
"The Write and Flow Retreat was both sublime and door opening. Ali flawlessly created an ambiance that nourished both our souls and our voices as writers. What’s even more wonderful than the live experience is how I have been able to carry the tools forward into my everyday life. On a certain level, the retreat made me feel like I had come home to myself.“
— Mindy M., Costa Rica 2022
“I felt so incredibly cared for on this retreat! Everything was thoughtfully taken care of, so that we were free to focus on making connections, working on our writing, or going on spontaneous wanderings (for which Ali ALSO supported logistics and planning). The retreat location was amazing, the people were friendly, and the conversation about craft inspiring. 5/5.”
— Ann L., Greece 2023
"It was such an amazing thing to experience the beautiful and supportive container that Ali created, with the incredibly kind and talented community of writers she brought together for our retreat. Writing all week long, whether it was morning journaling time with all-too-resonant prompts, during workshops, or through helpful 1-on-1 feedback; unfolding into yoga in new and deeper and more playful ways; and experiencing the joys of Grecian island time was SO special. Not to mention the healing power of the salty and crystalline Mediterranean Sea via our own private beach steps away from the resort! I am still integrating the lessons and sparkling new ideas I took away from the week in Paros and I know I’ll be doing so for some time. Feeling so thankful for it all, and will be keeping these memories close to heart!"
— Kimia, Greece 2023
“This retreat was one of the most amazing adventures of my life! It was well-designed and organized, and I felt extremely safe in Ali’s hands from the moment I signed up on a whim to stepping onto the plane home. The yoga and sound bath meditation interweaved with selected excursions and tailored writing workshops allowed me to navigate the apprehension I was feeling about the next steps of my career and the limitations I was setting on myself, not just in my writing but also in my personal journey. I made lifelong connections with a lovely group of people through sharing our work and collective experience, and by default, we created the space to share ourselves. We laughed, we cried, and we became fearless in the process. Feels like a dream I’d want to have again and again! Thank you, Ali, for opening your heart to make ours feel fuller.”
— Ariel S., Costa Rica 2022
"Spending a week amidst nature’s sounds and the smells of an Italian countryside with a group of strangers who I would quickly recognize to be such grounded and beautiful souls, was everything and more. I cannot stress the immensity of joy, magic, and love that I was blessed to receive through my time at the Italy retreat. The best part? Months later, I still carry the spirit and energy of the retreat with me - and that is the power of the beautiful space that Ali was able to make for us.
A typical day for us would be somewhat as follows: Wake up in the morning to do yoga in the shala together. Reflect and do some guided journaling. Sit down at the table together as we squeal every time our wonderful villa staff serves us a delicious farm-to-table meal. Do some writing, or take a dip in the pool, or explore the town. Sit down again for a priceless mentoring session with Ali, where we’d talk about everything from story structure to writer’s block. More food. More writing. Perhaps, dancing around to ABBA in public, or going to a pork festival. Watch the stars. Knock out, as we dream about yet another day at the retreat.
Ali, thank you for being such a radiant source of inspiration, sunshine, and power. I’m grateful for the beautiful community and space I got to be a part of, held together by the warm and protective hug embraced us with. I know I’ll need my dose of Ali again, so expect me at one of your future retreats - I already can’t wait."
— Sow R., Italy 2022
“I am honored to have been a part of this beautiful retreat! Ali made us all feel safe and protected and modeled such a perfect balance of thoughtful planning and roll-with-the-punches malleability to create an ideal flow! She is such a great leader and teacher. I truly couldn’t believe this was her first retreat. She is the best!”
— Allison B., Costa Rica 2022
“Ali's write and flow retreat was a beautiful opportunity to step outside of ordinary life and reconnect with the idea of being an artist so that you could leave with a refreshed perspective on home, routine, writing, and the daily practices that make an artistic life feasible. She was so generous with her time, energy, and skill, helping everyone feel comfortable to share, and to develop their ideas in just over a week. The location was gorgeous, the yoga was approachable and fun, and the people attracted to the retreat were hilarious, kind, and talented. You will be in good hands at one of Ali's retreats.”
— Aimée L., Greece 2023
“This retreat opened my mind! I didn’t know that I was a good writer. The group included me with patience and love. I never felt like a stranger. The feedback from Ali was wonderful. I’m eternally grateful for having found this retreat, and this group that opened their heart to me. This experience showed me that I can change my life. Thank you, Ali!”
— Mariana G., Costa Rica 2022
“This retreat was everything I needed to feel confident as a writer and person again. And much of that had to do with Ali being a great leader! (Daily dips in the ocean didn't hurt either.) She started the retreat with a willingness to be vulnerable herself, which made it easier for the rest of us to be open with each other and in our writing. Also, I appreciate the importance placed on good food! I really hope I can attend the next one.”
— Neha T., Greece 2023
Testimonials From Zoom Classes
“Ali’s virtual retreat was such a great start to my year! The visualizations and intention-setting were so grounding, and the brainstorming exercises helped me get started on new ideas after a long lull in my writing. I highly recommend it!”
— Kristen
“I've recently been in a rut writing-wise while trying to finish edits on a pilot, so I decided to take Ali's writing & Yoga Zoom workshop. I was hesitant about the yoga portion since I haven't done yoga in over seven years, and frankly, yoga makes me anxious. All the breathing usually doesn't relax me, but the moves and how Ali taught the class made me appreciate yoga for the first time. I felt relaxed and excited to continue. The second half of the workshop was all writing, and I left with excellent notes and a possible young adult pilot idea for the future. We worked on character analysis and brainstorming. This workshop is the perfect reboot if you feel stuck in your creativity, not to mention you'll meet wonderful people.”
— Katy
“Ali’s class was amazing! Thanks to this class, I was finally able to complete my outline, which I had been “working on” for several years (i.e., doing anything and everything but actually writing it). Ali had so many amazing insights and experiences that she shared with us in class and, at every step of the way, provided us with constructive feedback on our individual projects. Highly recommended!”
— Diana T.
“Ali gave extremely thoughtful notes on every assignment I turned in. She had an incredible ability to point out flaws in my story structure and character work without making me feel bad. Rather, I left each class feeling excited and motivated to keep doing the work. I especially appreciated her lectures, where she used many examples to illustrate her points clearly, and was very open to questions and discussions. I will be taking Ali's next course, and I'm excited to continue working with her!”
— Katie M.