Your Story Deserves to Be Written. Your Legacy Deserves to Be Built.
Whether you're dreaming of writing your first book, working to complete a manuscript, or already a published author, BOOKED! is a space designed for you.
Join us for an intimate two-day retreat where writing, publishing, marketing, and meaningful connections come together.
You'll receive practical instruction, motivation, resources, and opportunities to connect with women who understand your author journey.
Two Days to Move Your Author Journey Forward
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Writing and manuscript development
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Publishing preparation and next steps
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Author marketing and visibility
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Fireside conversations with authors
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Guided writing activities
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Networking and meaningful connections
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Practical resources and action planning
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Encouragement and accountability
Meet Your Host & Featured Presenters
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Gwen Finley, Retreat Host
Featured Speaker
Writing, Publishing &
Building With Purpose
Gwen Finley is a Visionary Writing & Book Coach, author, speaker, and founder of Vision In Progress Coaching & Consulting. She helps aspiring authors—especially women with a story to tell—find their voice, develop their message, and move from idea to published author.
Combining faith, practical guidance, and accountability, Gwen encourages women to recognize the value of their experiences and begin writing with purpose. Through coaching, workshops, speaking, and collaborative book projects, she creates supportive spaces where women gain the clarity and confidence to write, publish, and build a lasting legacy.
Gwen believes the stories women carry deserve to be shared. What they have lived, learned, and overcome can inform and inspire others while preserving wisdom for generations to come.
Sharvette Mitchell
Featured Speaker
Marketing, Visibility & Positioning
Sharvette Mitchell is the CEO of Mitchell Productions - a marketing and professional development firm that helps entrepreneurs grow their brand, visibility, and revenue. Known as THE PLATFORM BUILDER®, she is leading conversations in marketing and business development.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Sharvette was named one of the African American Marketing Association’s 2025 ‘50 Black Marketers to Watch’ for Content and Creative Excellence.
She is the host of The Sharvette Mitchell Radio Show, an internet talk show with over 795+ episodes.
Sharvette is the visionary author and compiler behind nine book collaborations.
She has been featured on CBS 6, Virginia This Morning, and in national publications such as Yahoo Finance, Huffington Post, and AARP.
Tara Culton
Fireside Conversationalist
Beyond the Pages - Producing & Protecting
Elder Tara L. Culton is a transformational speaker, author, clergywoman, mother, "Gammy Girl" to two granddaughters, and suicide attempt survivor who advocates for mental health wellness through her mantra: “Mental health illness. It's a disease...NOT a shame.”
As a Registered Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, ASIST Caregiver (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), Emotional CPR Educator, Mental Health Virginia Warmline Operator, and NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) State Trainer, she leverages her lived experience to help others rebuild their mindsets and create fulfilling lives."
Through her platform, Talks with T, Elder Culton creates safe and supportive environments that allow individuals living with mental health conditions or are affected by them to come together and have healing conversations to break free from silence and shame.
Guest Author
Fireside Conversationalist
Beyond the Pages - Producing & Protecting
Elder Tara L. Culton is a transformational speaker, author, clergywoman, mother, "Gammy Girl" to two granddaughters, and suicide attempt survivor who advocates for mental health wellness through her mantra: “Mental health illness. It's a disease...NOT a shame.”
As a Registered Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, ASIST Caregiver (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), Emotional CPR Educator, Mental Health Virginia Warmline Operator, and NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) State Trainer, she leverages her lived experience to help others rebuild their mindsets and create fulfilling lives."
Through her platform, Talks with T, Elder Culton creates safe and supportive environments that allow individuals living with mental health conditions or are affected by them to come together and have healing conversations to break free from silence and shame.
To Be Announced
Friday
March 19, 2027
Writing, Clarity & Connection
Welcome and introductions
Writing and manuscript development
Fireside conversation
Guided writing session #1
Networking
Light dinner included
Saturday
March 20, 2027
Publishing, Marketing & More
Guided Sessions #2 - Formatting, Editing
Publishing preparation
Marketing Your Manuscript
Building Legacy
Closing and next steps
Lunch and refreshments included
Register Here
Your Seat Is Waiting!
$227
Per Person | Two-Day Retreat
Includes access to all retreat sessions, Friday light dinner, Saturday lunch and refreshments.
Secure payment processing through MoonClerk.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Hanover-Ashland, VA
11600 Lakeridge Parkway Ashland, VA 23005
The retreat will take place in a comfortable meeting space conveniently located near a variety of local establishments.
**Guests requiring overnight accommodations may reserve their rooms separately using the hotel reservation link below.
Room rate information:
Standard Kings - $125*
Standard Double Queen - $135*
Suite - King - $155*
Suite - Double Queen - $175*
*nightly rate plus applicable taxes and fees
Hotel accommodations are not included in the $227 retreat registration fee. Room reservations are made separately.
It's Time to Get BOOKED!
Your story matters. Your voice matters. And your next chapter is waiting to be written.