Behind the Scenes of The Round Table: The Story Behind My Writing Retreat Business

When I first started thinking about The Round Table, I had a vision—almost like a dream. I imagined a space where writers could escape the distractions of everyday life, surrounded by the peace of nature, with nothing but books and mugs to keep them company as they focused on their work. It was more than just a business idea—it was something I felt deeply passionate about, a way to create a space that nurtures creativity, productivity, and community.

Starting The Round Table wasn’t just about creating a business—it was about offering a space where writers can come together, support each other, and make progress on their projects.

A dream realized: The Round Table is a space where writers come together, creativity flows, and connections are made.

Inspiration: The Power of a Supportive Writing Environment

During my own PhD journey, I found myself struggling with isolation and self-doubt, especially when it came to writing. Writing a thesis can be an incredibly lonely process, and I often felt stuck in my own thoughts and ideas. However, when I attended writing retreats during my final years, everything changed. Surrounded by fellow writers—poets, novelists, and academics—there was this palpable sense of shared experience and mutual encouragement. The energy was contagious, and I was able to break through mental blocks and make significant progress in ways I hadn’t imagined. This experience inspired me to create The Round Table: a place where writers from all walks of life could come together, face the challenges of their projects with solidarity, and get the support they need to move forward.

The Journey: Balancing Business, Motherhood, and Writing

Launching a writing retreat business wasn’t an easy decision. As a mother, I was already juggling a variety of responsibilities, including work and family commitments. On top of that, starting a business meant that I had to navigate the challenges of setting up everything from scratch—creating a website, marketing my idea, and organizing logistics for the retreats. There were moments of doubt, especially as I worked on my PhD and launched my business at the same time. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was something I needed to do—not just for myself but for others who might be feeling the same way I did during my academic journey.

One of the most difficult parts was managing time. I had to be strategic about how I spent my days, especially since I was working part-time, raising a young child, and focusing on the thesis. But every step I took, even the small ones, felt like progress. The support I received from Hestia and my own personal network helped me push through the harder days, and now The Round Table has become a reality that I’m incredibly proud of.

Building the Retreats: Planning, Organizing, and Defining Our Values

When it came time to organize my first retreat, I knew that I wanted it to be more than just a writing session. I wanted The Round Table to be a space where participants felt seen and supported, no matter their background or writing project. I carefully planned every detail—from selecting a welcoming and inspiring location to creating a structured yet flexible schedule that would allow for focused writing time and meaningful breaks for connection and reflection.

At the heart of The Round Table are the values of community, support, and progress. I wanted to cultivate an atmosphere where writers could share their struggles, celebrate their victories, and push through the inevitable challenges that come with any writing process. The goal was not just productivity but also creating a nurturing environment that would empower each participant to keep moving forward with confidence.

Conclusion: Looking Toward the Future of The Round Table

Reflecting on how far I’ve come, it’s hard to believe that this dream is now a reality. From my early days of self-doubt and balancing multiple responsibilities to now hosting writing retreats, I’ve learned so much along the way. The feedback and support I’ve received from participants has been truly heartwarming, and it only motivates me to keep growing The Round Table and expanding its reach.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about the future—hosting more retreats, reaching writers from all backgrounds, and continuing to build a community of support that will help writers thrive. This journey has been challenging but incredibly rewarding, and I’m so grateful to be able to offer something that I believe can make a real difference in the lives of writers.