aking time to work on your art and craft is important, but can be hard to do. Join master storyteller Laura Packer for a summer storytelling retreat at her home in Minnesota, from August 22-24, 2025. What can you expect?
Every participant will have one-on-one coaching time with Laura, so bring something you're working on. These coaching sessions will be held with the entire group, so everyone learns from everyone else's coaching session. Laura's coaching has been described as "transformational," and "the best way I know to work on a story."
A master-class workshop on a storytelling topic of the group's choosing. Everyone will have a chance to vote to select the class topic. Topics range from Deep Characterization to Difficult Stories to Performing for the Audience in Front of You and more.
Time to think and dream and hang out on the porch.
A community as committed to the work as you are.
Community-prepared vegetarian meals made from mostly locally grown ingredients (the garden in the backyard!) with possible meat options. Meals included are Friday dinner; Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks; Sunday breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
A signed copy of Laura's book From Audience To Zeal or the accompanying workbook or a deck of #storyseeds cards, for this paying a little more.
Potential opportunity for a fire-pit story circle, swimming, and other activities.
And more.
This event is limited to 6-8 people to ensure everyone has time to get what they need. As of this writing there are five spaces left.
There is limited housing available at Laura's on a first come first serve basis (three two private to semi-private spaces) . There are reasonably priced hotels within a 20-minute drive. Should you fly in, we will make every effort to meet you at the airport. Note that Laura's home does have steps. The ground-level workshop space has ten steps, and the upstairs guest room has another 16. We will do our best to accommodate you.