Aspiring Gen X women authors:

There's been a shift in the publishing landscape they don't want you to know...

In previous eras, women authors only constituted 10% of published books in the marketplace.

There was a dark cloud over women authors--especially Gen X women like you--who wanted to share their story.

Either their books wouldn't be taken seriously, or they didn't have the same level of access to the technology and means to publish their book as men.

With the exception of a few iconic authors...many women authors were forced to use a pen name for their book to see the light of day...

But in 2020, things drastically shifted...

According to Zippia, authors aged 40+ now make up 52% of total authors. And now, over half of all authors within the US are women.

**That means things are now in your favor.**

If you've started on a book or are thinking about writing one,

get it done at the Spring Forward Writer's Retreat!

This retreat will take you from staring at a blank page to holding a completed manuscript in your hands, ready for the world.

Imagine a weekend where you’re guided every step of the way by a writing coach with over 10 years of experience as well as other successfully published Gen X authors.

EXPERT ADVICE

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ACCOUNTABILITY

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AUTHOR COACHING

YOUR RETREAT COACHES

Mellissa Thomas - Copyeditor & Author Consultant | Retreat Host

The Jamaica-born, five-year U.S. Navy veteran has been editing books and guiding authors for over a decade. She's also a podcaster, speaker, author of eight books, and a poet. Mellissa served as media personality, Chief Editor, and Managing Director for nine years for the FNN News Network, the fastest-growing black-owned digital broadcast news network in Florida, growing the network from a single website and team of three to five websites and a team of 33.

She's bringing her storytelling and eight-time publishing experience to the Spring Forward Writer's Retreat to walk you through the easier-than-you-think process to writing your book.

Stephanie Jessica Holley - Author & Founder, Everybody Can't Go | Retreat Co-Host

Known for her innovative approach to change management in the corporate world, Jessica has earned the nickname “The Real Life Resolution” through her exceptional skill in identifying innovative and effective solutions to challenging problems.

She developed a deep passion for coaching individuals and teams through the emotional challenges of self-improvement, team communication, and the guilt and grief associated with growth.

Not only will Jessica help you with any author and writing questions during the Retreat, she's bringing the hype and humor all weekend long!

Aiyana Victoria Mathews - Founder, Gardner-Mathews Global Management

Aiyana Victoria Mathews is a business development and global travel consultant. Her frequent exploration of the road less traveled has nurtured her natural affinity for intercultural exchange, foreign languages and business acumen.

She knows everybody, and on Thursday, she’s going to teach you how to create game-changing relationships to market your book, too.

Simply put, if you, your organization, corporation, or business has a need, she’ll get you results in record time.

Candace Johnson Mackey - Founder, Strong Futures Services

Candace is an articulate leader, transformative emotional intelligence coach, and masterful customer experience (CX) architect.

As a certified Extreme Execution emotional intelligence coach, Candace will give you the tools to ignite your self-awareness on Friday, which will help you:

- learn yourself more intimately

- say the right words to be heard, connect more deeply with others, and get what you want in any situation

- learn others around you more quickly to provide the best response in any situation

- Use this game-changing tool in your writing as you build your characters, tell your story more vividly,

and make your book a page-turner

L. David Harris - Publisher & Author Consultant

L. David Harris is an executive coach and seasoned author, editor, and publishing strategist with decades of experience in the literary world. He has authored, commissioned, and published numerous books on spiritual growth, business development, and personal transformation. His works have reached diverse audiences across various platforms, including print, digital, and broadcast media.

As a publishing company owner and consultant, LD has helped aspiring and established authors refine their messages, structure compelling narratives, and bring impactful books to market.

On Sunday, he'll walk you through the publication process step by step and show you how to turn your book into income.

HOW IS THIS RETREAT DIFFERENT?

With my proven process, you'll go from aspiring author to author in so little time, you'll wonder why you waited so long to write your book.

With me guiding you, you won’t just leave with new friendships, a fun experience, and a book full of notes. You’ll leave with a finished book.

Hi, I'm Mellissa Thomas, a.k.a. Mellissa T., The Procrastination Bully. I'm a 10-year editor and eight-time published author privileged to work with bestselling authors.

I know the process and will navigate you through it, from ideation to publication.

No more stalled drafts. No more question marks over your head. Just a clear path to publication.

This is YOUR time. Come to the retreat with your book idea, leave as an author.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

Dr. Eric Thomas, a.k.a.

E.T. The Hip Hop Preacher, New York Times Best Selling Author

On the editing process for his bestselling book, the You Owe You 365 Devotional:

"[My team said] 'Mellissa needs to take it and take us home.' ...I brought you in. I didn’t have to guess if this process is going to be beneficial."

Mignon François

Bestselling Author, Made From Scratch: Finding Success Without a Recipe

"Mellissa was very beneficial. For my current project, Mellissa took the personal lessons I shared in my bestselling book, Made From Scratch, and not only unlocked an abundance of new content from what I wrote, but unlocked my mind to the creative possibilities for any future books I create. Her work enables me to impact thousands of women."

Ja'Taun Moore

Author & Speaker

"Mellissa was clutch. She edited my e-book in a week, helping me substantially increase leads for my business and cement my authority as a Conflict Resolution expert."

Chris Nunez

Entrepreneur & Author, Trifecta Mindset

"You made sure that I understood the process. You've pushed me as a writer, and most importantly, as a person. Anyone who's going to work with you, you're not just going to provide a service, you're going to be intentional about the service...and give them any information they need to win. "

Stephanie Jessica Holley

Author, Speaker & Coach

"Mellissa edited my debut non-fiction book, Everybody Can't Go. She walked me through the process of what steps I needed to follow for a smooth editing experience, and her expertise was top-notch. She gave me plenty of pointers to ensure my writing and editing process was worry-free and I received my edited manuscript back on time. I will definitely work with her again!"

I KNOW WHAT YOU'RE THINKING...

I don't have time.

I hear you. That's why I'll be walking you through the process step by step with pre-work leading up to the Retreat. These bite-sized steps take no more than an hour a day.

Nobody wants to hear my story!

Imposter syndrome is real, but that belief is untrue. You have decades of experience within you worth millions of dollars in value.

The world needs what you know.

Your experience, systems, humor, imagination, testimony, or cautionary tales can lead thousands of readers to their breakthrough...

And it can only come through you.

My family and friends might get mad at me for telling their business.

They just might. Change names to protect the innocent, of course, but in any case, you're sharing the stories as you experienced them. The way you experience someone is very different from what they may have intended. Your experience contains a valuable lesson for others. If your story can help someone else, you've got to tell it!

And, if anything, the person(s) described in your stories may learn something new about the situation--and you--by seeing it from your perspective.

Telling my story is triggering for me.

I totally understand how difficult and uncomfortable that can be. If this is true for you, I assure you, writing the book will be therapeutic for you. The body needs words to heal, and you getting the words out of you and onto the page will help your body release bound up emotions it's been holding on to for years. Writing the book will actually free you...and your readers.

Where do I even start? It's so much!

I know, sis. That's why I'm here. Not only will I break down the process for you step by step leading up to the Retreat, you'll learn the cheat codes you need to simplify the process and get it done in far less time.

In 2021, the journal Psychology and Aging reported that creativity often peaks in midlife.

There's no better time than now to get your book done.

Your story matters. Your insights are powerful. Your experience can comfort, heal, inspire, equip, or entertain thousands of people...

...Or an intimate few family members you want to leave it behind for as your legacy.

Don't delay any longer. Grab your spot now.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Bonus Day: Relationship Roundtable -- Who Every Author Needs to Know - $4,997 value

On Thursday evening, sit in on an intimate conversation on maximizing the currency even more powerful than money: relationships.

Top global business consultant Aiyana Victoria Mathews will show you the key connections you'll need to make the most of your book launch.

Clear Your Mind, Focus & Set Your Writing Purpose - $1,997 value

Self-Awareness: Candace Johnson Mackey will give you the tools to amplify your voice in the world.

Writing Tactics with Mell T.: Learn strategies to keep you writing, not stalling.

Start Your Manuscript: Blast through writer’s block with expert guidance.

Writing It Out – No More Procrastination! - $3,997 value

Meditation and Quiet Spaces: Relax, focus, and create the perfect environment for your writing.

Continue Your Manuscript: Finish writing your book.

Writing Support: Ongoing advice and help as you write.

Your Roadmap to Publishing - $29,997 value

Book Publishing: Now that your book's complete, L. David Harris will show you what's next.

Effective Book Marketing: Learn how to package and sell your book like a pro.

Landing the Bestseller Lists: Learn how you can become a bestselling author.

Total Value: $40,988

For You: Only $4,997 (full pay)

(Payment plan available.)

SPRING FORWARD WRITER'S RETREAT FAQs

What is the Spring Forward Writer's Retreat?

This retreat is a luxurious three-day writing experience for aspiring women authors who are 40+ and ready to (finally!) get their books done.

When is the Spring Forward Writer's Retreat Happening?

Thursday, March 13 - Sunday, March 16, 2025

Where is the Spring Forward Writer's Retreat Happening?

Orlando, Florida

What will I get from the Spring Forward Writer's Retreat?

Clarity on your book topic, outline and layout
A faster first draft
Guidance from published authors
A full toolkit to publish, market, and sell your book

Are children or pets allowed at the Spring Forward Writer's Retreat?

Unfortunately, no. The time you invest during the Spring Forward Writer's Retreat is dedicated to you being fully focused on writing your book, so we strongly recommend clearing your mind and your calendar for those three days for best results.

Will special dietary needs be met during the Spring Forward Writer's Retreat?

Yes. Vegan options are available, and food allergies will be considered. That said, if you're considering bringing any food items to the property at any point during the weekend to share with other attendees, please refrain from buying items with nuts as some attendees have nut allergies.

The Spring Forward Writer’s Retreat is your chance to write the book you’ve been dreaming of—

in just one weekend. Sign up today!