About

The Seedling Began to Sprout

When I began writing in 2009, I didn’t know where to start. All I knew was that I had a story to tell. Writing for endless hours, reading and studying books about writing, working one­-on-one with editors, book coaches and writing groups, I finally published my memoir, Love at the Last Minute: A Mother’s Journey to Courage, Acceptance and Wisdom.

With all that I learned about writing and my desire to help those who, like me, wanted to tell a story but didn’t know where or how to start, I created a writing class, “Write Your Own Story.”  In 2014, I began teaching this 5-week course at the Escondido Adult School. My students ranging in age, from early 20’s into their late 80’s, had a desire to write their stories. Some hadn’t written for decades because at some point they were told their writing wasn’t good enough. Some kept repeating the course over and over again. Some published their stories, but more importantly all of them wrote cherished stories for their families to be handed down through the generations.

Through my student’s enthusiasm and feedback, I discovered that I have a gift for helping people write by creating a safe space for them to learn and support each other. Because, even though, on the outside it looks like writing is a solo practice, it really is a collaborative process. Writers need each other. Have you ever read the acknowledgements in books? No good writer does it alone. We think our writing sucks and that’s why so many of us stop writing. Most, if not all, writers suck with the first draft. Yes, even Stephen King and Anne LaMott admit it. Trust me, everyone can improve their writing by pushing forward with revising and communing with the right supporters.

I believe the adversities I’ve faced in life have created my passionate belief in how important writing from the heart is. Not only did my own writing save me, but so did the written words of my cherished loved ones who are no longer here on earth. Writing matters.

In 2017, I began offering a One-Day Writing Retreat in my Pauma Valley home. This peaceful, inspiring Valley is a perfect place to write. My students loved having a different environment where they could put their feet up, write and share. The writers wrote some of their best works during these retreats. At the end of the day, they didn’t want to leave. It was magical and exhilarating–– I didn’t want them to leave either. Thus, the seedling began to sprout. Why should they have to leave this beautiful Valley so quickly?

For today, my hope is that you will have an amazing, maybe even life changing, experience at the Writing Retreat at Pauma Valley Country Club. Years from now, I hope you will be up at midnight or at sunrise–writing. Writing about the things you’ve been thinking about. Writing about the things you are passionate about. Writing about the simple joys of your life. Writing from your heart.  

Now my dream has come to fruition. Welcome to the Writing Retreat at Pauma Valley Country Club.

Always in Gratitude,

Rhonda Hayes Curtis