Tales of The Weller House: A Fantastical Enchanted Retreat

Come away, O human child! To the waters and the wild! Slip into the woods with us for a magical weekend retreat with Tales of The Weller House: A Fantastical Enchanted Retreat. Come write in an enchanted Victorian mansion perched beside redwoods above the foggy Mendocino, California coastline. Masters in enchanted storytelling, Sherri L Smith and Kate Maruyama, will be your guides through this liminal space as you start to weave your own tales utilizing myths, fairy tales, legends, the magic that lurks in reality, and whatever else emerges from the woods and the waters this November. All of this takes pace in the Weller House, the oldest house in Fort Bragg, and its top-rated boutique hotel.

(Quote courtesy of W. B. Yeats, “The Stolen Child”

Come for the craft, stay for the atmosphere!

What’s Included:

• 3 Nights Luxury Lodging.
• Breakfast and dinner (3 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners).
• Exclusive access to the Library, Ballroom, or water tower for writing.
• 3 Guided Workshops
• 3 Craft seminars
• Group activities such as ghost tours and walks through the redwoods and haunted moors!

Prices include tuition and range based upon lodging, which is issued in order of acceptance:

• The Writers' Garret (Shared, Twin) – $1,250
  Includes: The twin bed in one of our two luxurious shared rooms
• The Writers' Garret (Shared, Queen or King) – $1,450
  Includes: The queen or king bed in one of our two luxurious shared rooms
• The Shadowed Study (Standard) – $1,600
  Includes: A queen or king bed, plus shower
• The Haunted Stateroom (Premium) – $1,700
  Includes: King room plus clawfoot or jetted tub
• The Suite of Decadence (Premium) – $1,825
  Includes: Premier King suite, plus double jetted tub.

Tales of the Weller House is a premier series of writing retreats designed to bridge the gap between the wild beauty of the Mendocino Coast and the intimate craft of storytelling.

Nestled in the heart of historic Fort Bragg, California, these retreats offer a sanctuary for writers of all stripes to step out of their daily lives and into a space where the atmosphere is as rich as the narratives they create.

The Weller House, a storied Victorian landmark built in 1886, serves as more than just a venue—it is a silent collaborator. From the intricate redwood millwork of the ballroom to the panoramic views from the iconic water tower, the house provides a backdrop of elegance and mystery. Here, the salt air of the Pacific and the characteristic Mendocino fog create a natural liminal space, perfect for breaking through creative blocks.

Each retreat in the series is curated to balance intensive "deep work" sessions with structured craft workshops and communal gatherings. Whether you are polishing a final draft or planting the seeds of a new idea, you will find:

• Atmospheric Writing Nooks: Dedicated spaces throughout the house and gardens designed for focus.
• Expert Guidance: Led by seasoned authors and industry professionals who understand the nuances of the creative process.
• Collaborative Evenings: Candelight readings and shared meals where the "Tales of the Weller House" truly come to life through the voices of the attendees.

Info: Learn how to use setting as a character — in a Gothic mansion that is itself a character! After our session, follow us on a candlelight tour of the mansion’s history, ending with a climb to the Water Tower to look at the night sky and fog.

Info: with Sherri L. Smith
Has your writing grown stale? Do you crave magic, but crank out dry out pages instead? Then it’s time to replenish your creative well! In this fairy-tale-powered generative workshop, let’s walk to the seashore, dip our pens in the ocean, and return to our wildest selves. Taking inspiration from “The Selkie Wife”—a traditional Scottish fairytale of a wild creature tricked into domesticity by a man who steals her skin— we’ll work the story as a metaphor for your creativity, to trace the places where the page has lost its magic and then conjure ways to reclaim it. There are treasures in these depths, if you’ll only swim down to meet them! We’ll turn what we uncover into writing prompts to take down to the water’s edge where your imagination can mingle with the waves. Whether you are seeking mythic resonance in your story, or new energy for your creative life, we’ll find it together in this place where the water

Info: Find inspiration as you explore the city of Fort Bragg and the wild North Coast.

Info: Explore the magic and history of your own city, town, dwelling, family or friend group with Kate Maruyama as she helps you unearth the layers of stories that already exist right under your feet. With generative writing exercises, Maruyama will help you unpack the stories that linger just beneath the surface of your life, and conjure the magic that lies within to craft wildly creative and personal stories that resonate on an emotional and metaphorical level. In the tradition of Shirley Jackson, Aimee Bender, and Sheree Renee Thomas, you will explore the world of realism through a supernatural lens and find that the best stories come from your own magical sources.

Info: Learn strategies and techniques for submitting your work, from finding publications that might
be a good fit for your work, to writing cover letters, to handling rejection and becoming a
relentless submitter!

Event venue & nearby stays

524 Stewart St, 524 Stewart Street, Fort Bragg, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

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