Why I Started the Writer’s Retreat Box
Hi, I’m Brenda.
I published my first book in 2018. Now, I’m a ten-time published author and counting and the CEO of two businesses that support writers on their journeys! Here's how it all started:
In 2003, I felt called to write. In 2006, I took two manuscripts to traditional publishers. They told me they loved my work and titles but that I was a “nobody” and to come back when I was a “somebody”. Ouch! In 2016, inspired by my grandmother to follow through with my projects, I found a writing coach. In 2018, I published my first book, Save the Butter Tubs! Discover Your Worth in a Disposable World.
After releasing that book, the company that helped me, hired me as a coach. I went on to become the president of that company in 2020. At the end of 2021, the CEO wanted to take the company in a new direction, and I wanted to continue serving authors.
That’s when I co-founded Joy of Pursuit to help authors find joy in their pursuit to write, publish, market, and build author businesses. I created the Author Business Network—a monthly coaching membership—and love helping authors through the process.
In August 2023, I hosted a beach writing retreat. This intimate affair solidified the idea that had been brewing in my mind since 2017 when struggled through writing my first book. A writing retreat-in-a-box! When I curated the goodie bags for that retreat and wrote the devotional, I knew there was something bigger going on. God orchestrated all the details and continues to awe me through the process.
I decided to give myself a four-month lead time until the first box would launch. There were so many details to work out from writing and printing the devotionals to curating the contents and packaging for each box. I desire to provide items that spur you in your call to write and remind you of Whose you are and who you are! I know the struggle that comes with sharing our stories. I want each box to be a great big hug to you as you press on toward your goal of sharing what God has placed on your heart. As women, we are busy wearing so many hats we tend to slide the hard tasks to the back burner. Writing can be difficult, especially when we are being vulnerable and sharing our stories with the world. This box is designed to help you “own” the writer's role and encourage you each step of the way. It’s to remind you monthly to take the time with God to work on what He has called and gifted you to do.
In my last blog, I mentioned God’s new timeline. I had planned to release the first box in May. Then, He handed me the idea and devotion for April. I must have been too comfortable with the idea because then He bumped it up to March!
I’m holding on tight as God walks me through this. As I unpacked the idea, studied the “how-to”, and prayed, I found myself weeping when God gave me this vision:
Imagine if all my faith-filled daughters started to write and share their testimonies. Oh, how faith would expand and the world would change. Raise, dry bones!
So here I am folding boxes to deliver a writing retreat to your door so you can share your story of God’s goodness!
Want to see an example of what’s in the Writer’s Retreat Box? Catch the February Box Reveal here.
Ready to start “retreating” yourself? You’ll receive an email as soon as the cart opens for the next box. Remember, you are enough because He is enough. Join the waitlist so you don’t miss the opportunity. Boxes are limited each month.
