A Literary Gathering
Word By Word
October 29 - November 1
Port Townsend, Washington
Three days of reading, reflection, and meaningful conversation in one of the Pacific Northwest's most beautiful waterfront towns.
Base price $850 (before room selection)
Featured Book
We All Want Impossible Things
by Catherine Newman
At first glance, you might think "Nope...too sad! Not for me", but trust me, this book provides as many laughs as it does tears. In the words of Julie Klam in her New York Times book review, "There is a type of book that I like to refer to as really too sad for my taste, but so good I couldn't put it down, and now I have to tell everyone I know they have to read it.'"
Ash and Edi have been best friends for forty years. When Edi's ovarian cancer leaves no more treatment options, she moves into hospice near Ash's home in Massachusetts. Ash stays by Edi's side, navigating hospice, friendship, family, love, and loss. This book is equal parts funny and sad, but above all, a beautiful celebration of friendship.
You'll laugh. You'll cry-often at the same time.
A copy of the book will be provided—no advance reading required. Come ready to discover it with us, word by word.
Everything Taken Care Of
What's Included
Three Nights
Three nights of lodging (Thursday, Friday & Saturday).
Meals Included
Thursday: Welcome hors d'oeuvres
Friday: Breakfast & dinner
Saturday: Breakfast & lunch
Sunday: Breakfast
Remaining meals are yours to enjoy in Port Townsend or with fellow attendees.
Retreat Book
A thoughtfully selected book for the weekend.
Extras
Journal
Word by Word tote bag
Bookmark
Other surprise treats
Scheduled activities (yoga, etc.)
Everything Taken Care Of
Room Options
All rooms are at The Swan Hotel. Select your top three preferences when you register—availability is confirmed by the host after submission.
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A1 - Ground Floor Queen Guest Room
$226 / night
A cozy ground-floor retreat with a comfortable queen bed, easy garden access, and all the comforts of home.
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A2 - Ground Floor Queen Guest Room
$226 / night
A cozy ground-floor retreat with a comfortable queen bed, easy garden access, and all the comforts of home.
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A3 - Ground Floor Queen Guest Room $226 / night
$226 / night
A cozy ground-floor retreat with a comfortable queen bed, easy garden access, and all the comforts of home.
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A4 - Ground Floor King
$236 / night
A spacious ground-floor room with a king bed, perfect for those who love a little extra space and easy access.
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A5 - Second Floor Queen
$236 / night
Elevated views and morning light make this second-floor queen room a quiet, elevated retreat.
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A6 - Second Floor Queen
$236 / night
Elevated views and morning light make this second-floor queen room a quiet, elevated retreat.
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A7 - Second Floor King
$266 / night
The most sought-after standard room—king bed, second floor marina views, and a sense of serene elevation.
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A8 - Second Floor King
$266 / night
The most sought-after standard room—king bed, second floor marina views, and a sense of serene elevation.
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A9 - The Cottage
$266 / night
A private standalone cottage with fireplace, jetted tub, and patio—the ultimate in cozy retreat luxury.
In Every Room
Room Amenities
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Complimentary WiFi
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Satellite TV
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Coffee & Tea
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Microwave
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Refrigerator
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Hair Dryer
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Iron
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Parking
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Work Desk
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Shared Deck
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Dog Friendly†
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Fireplace†
Complete Registration
Fill in your details and select your room preferences.
We Review Your Registration
We check room availability based on your preferred choices.
Pay Your Deposit
If a room is available, we'll email you a Stripe invoice for your $500 non-refundable deposit.
Room Confirmed
Once your deposit is received, your room is officially reserved. We look forward to seeing you in Port Townsend!
Simple & Clear
How Registration Works
No payment is collected on this page. Here's the full process from registration to confirmed room.
Secure Your Spot
Register Now
No payment today. Fill in your details and preferences—we'll
be in touch to confirm your room and send your deposit invoice.
No payment is collected during registration · A deposit invoice will be sent after review
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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No payment is collected when you submit this form. After your host reviews availability and confirms your room, you'll receive a Stripe invoice for your $500 non-refundable deposit. The remainder of your balance will be due closer to the retreat date.
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Your room is officially reserved once your $500 deposit has been received via the Stripe invoice sent by your host. Submitting the registration form alone does not hold a room.
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Yes—the registration form lets you select your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd room preferences. Your host will do their best to honor your first choice based on the order registrations are received.
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Your host will contact you and offer your second or third preference. If none of your preferences are available, you'll be notified and given the opportunity to choose an alternate or withdraw your registration.
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The deposit is non-refundable.