Jess here! We all rise together, which is why I’m devoted to supporting you in making your dream come true, whether it's starting or completing your novel, memoir or self-help; publishing your project; or finding balance and joy with a group of creative women. Read on to find out more about me and the wonderful colleagues who assist me on my retreats. 

Jess Lourey

I'm the Amazon Charts bestselling author of over 25 books, a Psychology Today blogger, a recipient of the Loft’s Excellence in Teaching fellowship, a TEDx presenter, and a leader of international writing workshops. Also, for the 22 years before I became a full-time writer, I was a tenured writing and sociology professor.

I'm an extroverted introvert, someone who prefers to listen rather than speak, and a woman who’s been drawn to stories since she was a child. The Monster at the End of This Book was the first story to rock my world. I graduated from there to Nancy Drew mysteries, then Stephen King, and once I discovered Greek mythology, there was no stopping me.

I’m passionate about teaching because it allows me to share as well as to hear stories, which I believe are the binding force of humanity. They heal, inspire, guide, and entertain. And now, my love of story has led me to create retreats for other seekers like me.

I bring 20+ years of teaching experience, two Masters' degrees, extensive writing experience across genres (from women’s fiction to young adult to crime fiction to nonfiction), mad planning skills as a result of raising two kids on my own while working full-time and writing two books a year, a fantastic sense of humor (I might be the only one who thinks this ), an internal drive to evolve and to laugh, and a general sense of gratitude for this imperfect, beautiful life. You can find more about me on my author website, by viewing my TEDx Talk, and by checking out my self-help/memoir, Rewrite Your Life, from your library or local bookstore.

I hope you're able to join us on this amazing adventure. I'd love to help you to write and—if you want—publish your story. I really would.

Allison Quaid is passionate about the power of story and community to transform one's inner and outer worlds into more compassionate, happy places. She knows stories are vehicles for dreams to take shape and for wise lessons to be shared. She has led workshops around the world, inspired by her love of empowering women writers and helping them to discover the heart of their stories. People feel comfortable around Allison's gentle approach to coaching.

She’s also a writer of healing fairy tales, and in her day job runs Magnifires, a sustainability strategy company. In addition, she is a Reiki and Qigong healer as well as a spiritual intuitive who brings her unique support and insight to the retreats she helps to lead.

Lastly, Allison has been living in Europe the last five years, and one of her very favorite places to travel to is Italy - so she’ll be sharing her favorite foods and wines with you too!