Busy Bees Take The Beach

Writing Retreat 2025

In March 2021 four women embarked on what was the beginning of the Busy Bee Writing Retreat. After the weekend, we felt so accomplished and appreciated taking time out of our busy lives to do something strictly for ourselves and our writing endeavors. The first official Busy Bee Writing Retreat happened in September 2021 at a lake house in Shelby County with a total of seven women: the same four from before plus three more! This all-inclusive retreat debuted the first Busy Bee Writing Retreat t-shirt, sponsorships, giveaways and the signature Buzz Bags! By the next retreat in February 2022, we transitioned to a lake house in Cedar Bluff, Alabama and the goal was to have twenty women to participate. We reached our goal and since that time the retreat has continued to thrive! 

After spending a few retreats at the lake in Cedar Bluff we decided to give the beach a try, and I think I speak for the group when I say it was the best retreat yet! September 25th-28th, 2025 we traveled to Gulf Shores, Alabama and commenced the 2025 Busy Bee Writing Retreat! It was amazing and here’s why:

Location, location, location! The beach provided the perfect atmosphere for writing, relaxing and renewal! Who doesn’t want to wake up to a beach view every day or spend time on the beach?

Accommodation! The beach house was not only steps away from the beach, but it was also spacious! It easily accommodated twenty-two ladies and many of the rooms had private balconies! 

Marvelous Meals! Ms. Marvelous of Sequins & Seasonings blessed us with culinary delight for lunch and dinner each day! We had everything from smoked brisket to garlic and herb chicken to shrimp and crab etouffee! Suffice it to say that our meals were simply MARVELOUS! 

Empowering & Uplifting Sessions!

My favorite writerpreneur Javacia Harris Bowser, founder of See Jane Write, a writing and coaching business for women challenged us to journal and discussed the many benefits and the importance of the practice. She gave applicable tips and prompts. She is also the author of Find Your Way Back, a collection of essays that displays the superpower of writing while exploring self-love, faith and her journey of overcoming cancer.

Mindful Movement with Key allowed us to be active and connect with our bodies. Writing is a mostly sedentary activity, so intentional movement is essential. Kiara Potts is a fitness enthusiast and influencer who motivates and inspires us! Additionally, she provides career and writing services through Key Inspires!

There was also the engaging and exciting session from Cherith Glover Fluker, the author of Secret Birmingham and of the popular blog What Cherith Thinks! Cherith discussed her writing journey from blogs to book deals that left us inspired and with fascinating nuggets about Birmingham! You’ll want to get her book and explore the places discussed when you visit Birmingham!

Sisterhood! From the Book Buzz to the networking session to the bonding moments and everything in between camaraderie and support overflowed! The remarkable beach dinner that was a picture of elegance and radiance. 

Sponsors & Contributors help to elevate the retreat in ways that I am so grateful! The Buzz Bags have become a treasured part of the retreat and supportive businesses make it possible! I encourage you to check out each of our sponsors and give them some business and acknowledgement! 

Our top sponsors are Cahaba Nutrition and Magic City Nutrition of Birmingham, Alabama! I can’t thank you enough for your support and for the delicious tea! Other sponsors include Noire Kulture, Dr. Kre and Brownstone, Strive Counseling Services, DJS Beauty, Dr. Roberts Clinical Feminine Care and Selective Selections By She!

Busy Bees! Thank you to all the ladies who participated in the retreat and for trusting me with such a precious experience and with your time. I look forward to seeing what the 2026 retreat has in store! I already know that it is going to be amazing. 

Follow us on Instagram @busybeewritingretreat and on Facebook at Confessions of a Nurse Practitioner. Also be sure to visit the website to see updates, retreat information and to find out when the next retreat will happen in September 2026!