Craft Your Best Travel Tale on a DIY Writing Retreat

I had the absolute pleasure of attending a writing retreat in Morocco hosted by the incredible travel blogger behind Southern Girl Gone Global, Cindy McCain, and I truly can’t say enough about how life-changing it was for both me and my aunt Carolyn who accompanied me. From the moment we arrived, it was clear this was going to be something special. Not only did we sharpen our writing and editing skills in nurturing and inspiring daily workshops, but we also got to experience Morocco in such an authentic and unforgettable way. Because she had lived and taught there, she knew exactly where to take us. We visited hidden gems, local hangouts, and the kind of breathtaking boutique hotels you dream about, like Jnane Tamsna. She even introduced us to her local friends, which made everything feel so welcoming and real. One of my personal highlights was staying in Essaouira, where we each had our own private oceanfront suite. It was pure magic. The moment that really shifted things for me was our visit to Riad Elisa & Spa. Experiencing the traditional Hammam opened something up in me, and that experience actually sparked the idea behind what is now my unique wellness offerings in my business. That trip was a catalyst. It wasn’t just a retreat. It was a portal into the next version of myself. I would recommend her writing retreats over and over again. If you're looking for more than just a trip, and craving connection, creativity, culture, and transformation, this is it. She gets a 10 out of 10 in my book.

Cindy's three courses helped me think about structure, story arc, and character development. I especially appreciate the structure and organization that Cindy brought to each class. More importantly, I was inspired personally as well as intellectually. In my first class with Cindy, she had us do a free write in which we described a time when we felt perfectly comfortable with ourselves and where we were. I described a time when I’d been in Haiti over twenty years ago. In the process of writing it, I realized that the joy of traveling and exploring was a core part of who I was, and was a part that I’d neglected for too long. Her courses turned out to be life-changing for me as I reconnected to my lifelong passion for travel as a means to self-discovery which led to a walking pilgrimage in Italy and several extended stays there. I completed a MFA program (Creative Non-Fiction, Vermont College of Fine Arts) and learned to speak and read Italian. There were many factors that enabled me to move ahead with my writing and foreign language exploration, but Cindy was a key one with her encouragement, excellent teaching and kindness. Cindy obviously enjoys teaching and creates a supportive atmosphere for learning. I highly recommend her as a writer and teacher.

Cindy McCain is an enthralling writer and excellent teacher. She has extensive knowledge of literature and is able to pull threads from various masters providing a framework for writing intriguing prose. She is able to help develop your voice as a writer by providing various pathways to inspire and elevate your own story. A class with Cindy is a colorful adventure worth taking.

Cindy McCain's writing workshop in Morocco was an incredibly impactful learning experience. She thoughtfully planned and executed every detail, from the travel writing modules to the sightseeing itinerary, all of which inspired the kind of creativity I thought I had lost. Cindy is a bright light in this world who imparts her vast knowledge with clarity kindness, and passion. I can't wait to participate in another one of her workshops!

Cindy McCain is a fantastic writer of prose, a devoted literature teacher, an inspiring writing coach, and an intrepid world traveler. Even though I am the author of an adventure-driven travel memoir, Where the Wind Wills, I found out I had so much more to learn when I attended Cindy’s Writers Retreat in Morocco. Cindy introduced us to the ‘hero’s journey’ and provided a chance to become the hero in our own stories. With her in-depth program, she was able to bring out the best writing in all of us in attendance.