New York Writing Retreat

April 13-18 | A Muse Writing Retreat in New York’s Sleepy Hollow and Times Square

With special Friday guest, Literary Agent Suzie Townsend!

Literary Agent Suzie Townsend at The Writer's Sanctuary New York 2026 Writing Retreat
The Writer's Paycheck sponsored Writing Retreat
New Leaf Literary Agency

Only 16 Spots in total

(Sorry, no day passes this time!)

You’re invited to a two-part retreat designed to nurture your heart and empower your next author steps.

Spend the first four days in restorative rest and creative bliss at the historic Tarrytown House Estate, just outside the legendary village of Sleepy Hollow. Then, on Friday morning, step into a private car for our pre-arranged transfer to the heart of Times Square, where you’ll spend an afternoon connecting with famed literary agents, followed by an overnight stay at the iconic New Yorker Hotel.

Just three miles from the epic literary village of Sleepy Hollow lies the Tarrytown House Estate—a historic haven set on 26 serene acres. The Estate offers manicured gardens, rolling lawns, and sweeping overlooks that capture both the river below and the Manhattan skyline in the distance. Here, modern comforts blend with old-world charm, where lanterns glow along the walkways at dusk and the Estate feels like a secluded world all its own.

Pause, play, and refill your creative well with us during four restorative days, with space to write, wander, and rest, as well as opportunities to join in painting, crocheting, a DIY aromatherapy station, and more. PLUS get supportive assistance each morning on writing, marketing, and your website, while afternoons invite you to enjoy a round of tennis, visit the pool, get a massage, craft in the retreat space, or simply curl up in a quiet corner with your laptop. In the evenings, join us for a cozy book club night, card games, and casual chats in our room.

For meals: each day will begin with a continental breakfast, followed by afternoon snacks in the retreat suite to keep your creativity fueled. In the evenings, dinner is yours to explore: you might indulge at the Estate’s acclaimed Goosefeather restaurant, led by Top Chef alum and James Beard Award–nominated chef Dale Talde—renowned for his modern Cantonese–inspired cuisine and featured on Top Chef (multiple seasons), Chopped, Knife Fight, and Beat Bobby Flay. Or, you can venture into Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow for their collection of charming local spots, from cozy cafés to elegant dining rooms. We’ll provide recommendations so you can savor the best the Hudson Valley has to offer.

On Friday morning, private shuttles will carry you from the tranquility of the estate into the dazzling heart of Times Square. Your afternoon unfolds at the iconic New Yorker Hotel, where you’ll enjoy private conversation with esteemed literary agents, including New Leaf’s Suzie Townsend, and gain insider perspective on the world of publishing. Afterwards, relax into the overnight stay we’ve booked for you at the New Yorker—just steps from Broadway lights, beloved bookstores, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the endless energy of the city that never sleeps.

Finally, the retreat concludes on Saturday morning, when you’ll have the choice to head home refreshed, join the excitement of BookCon at the Javits Center, or extend your weekend and explore New York City!

Whatever you decide, we hope you’ll join us. 

Come for the peace. Leave with a sense of deeper purpose.

Meet Literary Agent Suzie Townsend

Meet Suzie Townsend!

New Leaf Vice President and Literary Agent

Prior to joining New Leaf, Suzie graduated film school, earned her Masters of Education, taught high school English, and coached a swim team. In her spare time, she read everything she could, which prompted her move to publishing. She got her start as an intern at FinePrint Literary Management where she was hired as an assistant before making the move to literary agent. She’s been part of the team at New Leaf Literary & Media since its inception in 2012.

Suzie represents all brands of children’s and adult fiction. She loves women’s fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir, and debut fiction. On the children’s side, she is interested in select YA and MG. Suzie loves strong characters and voice-driven stories that break out of the typical tropes of their genres, and she’s always looking for unique new voices in stories.

For more info on her clients, recent sales and forthcoming projects, please go here.

What’s Included in the Price:

  • 4 nights at the historic Tarrytown House Estate (Each room has two individual beds—feel free to request a specific roommate on the registration form or leave it blank and we’ll choose a good fit for you. If you need a private room, please indicate that on the form, and we’ll do our best to check on accommodations and fees and then let you know.)

  • Daily continental breakfast and afternoon snacks in the retreat suite

  • Morning sessions that invite you to choose what serves you best:

    • Get supportive assistance with writing, marketing, and websites in the retreat suite with Mary and C.J.

    • Wander the grounds, get a massage at a local spa, or explore nearby Sleepy Hollow for inspiration

    • Write (in the retreat suite, your room, or the estate grounds)

  • Afternoon crafting stations in the retreat suite (painting, crochet, DIY aromatherapy, beading, and more) or choose to explore the estate, rest, or write

  • Evening community gatherings in our retreat room

  • Full access to the Estate’s amenities: tennis courts, pool, walking trails, and gardens

  • Private shuttle transfer from Tarrytown to Times Square on Friday morning

  • Afternoon conversation with literary agents at the New Yorker Hotel

  • Friday evening to explore New York City (See a show, walk Times Square, try a restaurant, and more!)

  • Friday overnight stay at the New Yorker Hotel in Times Square (Each room has two individual beds—feel free to request a specific roommate on the registration form or leave it blank and we’ll choose a good fit for you. If you need a private room, please indicate that on the form, and we’ll do our best to check on accommodations and fees and then let you know.)

Helpful Info:

Airports closest to Tarrytown House Estate:

  • Westchester County Airport (HPN): ~13 miles

    • by Uber from HPN to Estate: ~$37 (or $49 total for a group of up to 6 people)

    • by buses + walking: $6

  • LaGuardia Airport (LGA): ~26 miles

    • by Uber to Estate: $120 total for a group of up to 6 people

    • by buses + walking: $20

Our Recommendation:

  • Book a “multi-city” round-trip flight (fly into HPN and fly out from Newark, JFK, or LaGuardia)

    • Cost to do this from major airports: ~$300

    • Cost from small airports: ~$500

Travel from New Yorker hotel to LaGuardia, JFK, or Newark airports: Subway + bus ~$8 (LaGuardia) -$27 (Newark), Taxi ~$52 (LaGuardia) -$80 (Newark), Uber Shuttle ~$20 (LaGuardia) -$84 (Newark)

Not Included in Retreat Fee:

  • Airfare, plus transportation to and from airports

  • Lunches (we’ll have afternoon snacks in the retreat room) & Dinners

  • Preferred extras such as souvenirs, spa treatments, room mini-bar charges, NY parking fees (if driving), admission to Broadway shows, etc.

Scroll down for the FULL EVENT SCHEDULE!

  • What Past Attendees Say:

    It was great to expand my network not just with Mary and CJ, the attendees, but also the guest speakers. There were plenty of times that were delightful and fun. The information I learned from the guest speakers was invaluable. I can't wait until I can attend my next one!

  • What Past Attendees Say:

    This retreat was truly outstanding! Not only did I learn more than at any writer's conference I've attended before, but I instantly felt at home in the joyful, welcoming space Mary and CJ created for authors to grow together. Next time I get a chance to attend a Writer's Sanctuary retreat, I'll be back!

  • What Past Attendees Say:

    If you have an opportunity to attend any of the The Writer's Sanctuary retreats, the only thing I can say is DO IT. You will not regret your decision for a single moment. The amount of encouragement, comradery, and education will far exceed any of your expectations.

  • What Past Attendees Say:

    This was exactly what I needed in my writing journey. Mary and CJ created such a comfortable environment for me to learn and connect with them and my fellow attendees. I left with pages of notes from the sessions, new writing friends, and more excitement to pursue my dreams.

To SAVE YOUR SPOT:

1.Pay the Deposit using the “Buy Now” button —>

2.Fill out the Retreat Form —>

Retreat Form 
*all sales non-refundable

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Retreat Schedule (April 13–18, 2026)

Monday, April 13 — Arrival Day (Tarrytown House Estate)

  • 4:00–6:00 pm Check-in & Welcome Table (keys, swag, schedules)

  • 5:30–6:30 pm Light refreshments + meet & greet (optional)

  • 6:30–8:00 pm Unpack / stroll the grounds / quiet writing

  • 8:00–9:00 pm Candlelight wind-down (journaling prompts)

  • Quiet hours after 10:00 pm

Tuesday, April 14 — Restore + Create

  • 9:00–10:00 am Gentle opening circle + intentions (Continental breakfast served)

  • 10:00 am–12:00 pm Deep Focus Morning Session (choose to stay in the retreat suite to write or get website, marketing, or writing assistance from Mary & C.J.. or write elsewhere, explore the estate, visit the spa etc.)

  • 12:00–2:00 pm Lunch break (explore nearby restaurants or order delivery)

  • 2:00–4:00 pm Craft Studio open (painting, crochet, DIY aromatherapy)

  • 4:00–7:00 pm Dinner (on your own / small groups)

  • 7:30–8:30 pm Cozy Book Club Night

  • Quiet hours after 10:00 pm

Wednesday, April 15 — Momentum Day

  • 9:00–10:00 am Gentle opening circle + Q&A (Continental breakfast served)

  • 10:00 am–12:00 pm Deep Focus Morning Session (choose to stay in the retreat suite to write or get website, marketing, or writing assistance from Mary & C.J.. or write elsewhere, explore the estate, visit the spa etc.)

  • 12:00–2:00 pm Lunch break (explore nearby restaurants or order delivery)

  • 2:00–4:00 pm Craft Studio open (painting, crochet, DIY aromatherapy)

  • 4:00–7:00 pm Dinner (on your own / small groups)

  • 7:30–9:30 pm Card Game Night

  • Quiet hours after 10:00 pm

Thursday, April 16 — Integration + Prep for NYC

  • 8:00 am Opening Circle & Prep for NYC (Continental breakfast served)

  • 8:30-10:30 am Deep Focus Morning Session (choose to stay in the retreat suite to write or get website, marketing, or writing assistance from Mary & C.J.. or write elsewhere, explore the estate, visit the spa etc.)

  • 10:30 am-10 pm Free Day! Write, explore the town, enjoy your favorite restorative activities.

Friday, April 17 — Transfer to Times Square + Agents (The New Yorker Hotel)

  • 7:00–7:45 am Check out of the Estate

  • 8:00 am Private shuttle pickup (Tarrytown → The New Yorker Hotel)

  • 9:30–10:00 am Arrive & bag drop in the retreat suite at The New Yorker (481 8th Ave)

  • 10:00 am–1:00 pm Brunch

  • 1:00 pm-3:00 pm Afternoon with Literary Agents (conversation + Q&A)

  • 3:00–4:00 pm Decompress / notes & follow-ups

  • 4:00 pm onward Free time: Times Square, bookstores, dinner, Broadway show, One Vanderbilt NYC, etc

  • Overnight The New Yorker Hotel

Saturday, April 18 — Gentle Close

  • Morning Sleep in / café time / optional mini-writing prompt

  • 11:00 am Hotel checkout

Optional Extend your NYC stay (BookCon at Javits, museums, Broadway show, Eiffel Tower, and more)

“TWS events are amazing, and I always learn something new. I love that they teach things many conferences do not and that the presenters are open and honest in their teachings and discussions. There’s plenty of humor and everyone is accepting and friendly. Ten out of ten. Will attend events again!”

~Joan Stradling, writer of magical things

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Code of Conduct

The Writer’s Sanctuary is dedicated to an experience that is free from discrimination and harassment for every person. We have a zero-tolerance policy regarding discrimination and harassment in any form toward any of our participants, at our retreats and in the online and in-person forums. This includes unwelcome and inappropriate sexual, racist, bigoted, or threatening comments or attention, touching, stalking, photographs, intimidation, or coercion – or discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, political affiliation, sex, gender, sexual orientation, nation of origin, disability, or age. Any retreat participants who violate this code may be sanctioned or expelled immediately without refund. If you are the victim of harassment or should a complaint arise at this event, please contact our staff here .