What we’re about
Healing waters, gentle yoga, writing in community. For all genders, identities, and orientations. Anti-racist, trauma-informed, inclusive.
This community is for creative misfits, for anyone who’s ever struggled to feel at home in traditional writing spaces or academic settings.
I’m Polly Superstar, your host here at Writing With Mermaids**, and a passionate advocate for gender and sexual diversity. I’m the author of Polly: Sex Culture Revolutionary and the founder of two influential underground sex culture institutions: Mission Control and Kinky Salon.
# Online Writing Sessions
***
My friendly online writing sessions focus on community building and overcoming writing anxiety. We meet, invoke the spirit of storytelling, and ground ourselves in our bodies and our breath. With guided visualization, we find the story that wants to be told. We write together, and then we share. Prioritize your creative process and experience amazing breakthroughs when you take just two hours and dedicate it to your writing practice.
# In-Person Retreats
***
If you want to dissolve creative blocks and immerse yourself in writing, then my in-person retreats are for you. With more time dedicated to writing, we can flush out creative channels and find inspiration swimming in the fluidity of our aquatic nature. Together, we use our imaginations to dissolve our worries and watch as creativity bubbles to the surface. These retreats take place in hot spring retreats or homes with hot tubs and use soaking in water as an essential part of the writing process.
# Writing Doula
***
Do you have a book (or creative writing project) that you’re working on but don’t know how to take it from private scribblings to published masterpiece? Or are you writing aimlessly and looking for direction? I am here to help. I can guide you through the process, helping you every step of the way. As your writing doula, I will be there for practical advice and to help you breathe, hold your hand, and make the emotional process of birthing your creativity a little easier.
# Private Half-Day Mini Retreats
***
Indulge yourself in a private mini-retreat. One blissful afternoon designed for individuals or small groups who want focused time to reconnect with their creative voice. Through writing, intuitive art-making, breathwork, and gentle movement, you'll explore your ideas in a supportive, judgment-free space. No prompts, no critique, no pressure to share, just quiet, personalized guidance to help you work through blocks and find clarity. Sessions take place at my home in Las Vegas, which features access to a hot tub, pool, cozy nooks for creativity, and a small yoga studio.
Featured event
Death Valley Hot Spring Weekend Writers' Retreat for Misfits
My retreats are featured on BookRetreats.com, a trusted third-party site that helps ensure your booking is secure. https://bookretreats.com/r/3-day-weekend-writing-with-mermaids-retreat-in-death-valley-us
Writing With Mermaids retreats are a sanctuary for writers of all genders and orientations. These gentle weekends are a no-pressure, intentionally crafted space to help you connect with your creativity and write from your most authentic self. Through breathwork, guided visualizations, gentle yoga, and time in healing waters, you'll dissolve mental clutter and let your words flow freely.
No prompts. No pressure. No critique.
Just time, space, and a non-judgmental community where your truth is welcome.
### 💦 The Offering
We’ll gather at a hot spring resort near Death Valley, just 90 minutes from Las Vegas. This lightly structured retreat includes daily writing rituals, home-cooked meals, nature walks, and optional gentle yoga (I’m a certified RYT 200 yoga teacher). Most of your time is yours to write, soak, or simply rest. If you need support, I’ll be there to guide you. Expect an intimate group of around 10 people. Write what calls to you—fiction, memoir, poetry, essays, erotica, ritual, lyrics—anything is welcome.
Saturday-only day passes are available for those who can't spend the night.
Please note: Travel and lodging are not included in the retreat fee.
### 💦 What To Expect
You’ll write in the shade, in the tub, in silence, and maybe even in tears. You’ll write the things you didn’t know were inside you. I help you unleash memory and imagination to tune into your authentic story.
- Break Through Blocks: Dive into practical methods for overcoming writing anxiety and firing your imagination.
- Soaking Process: Learn how a good soak can do wonders for those blocks.
- Community Connection: Meet like-minded souls who’ll support you every step of the way.
- Guided Visualizations: Experience exercises designed to bring out your authentic, embodied voice.
- Breathwork: Master techniques to banish distractions and truly tune into your story.
- Unshackled Writing: Explore your writing, free from the stuffy confines of academia.
- Artistic Exploration: Use various artistic modalities to gain fresh perspectives on your writing.
- Nature Immersion: Lose yourself in an environment that brings you back to nature.
- Your Own Schedule: Write at your own pace, with no pressure or deadlines.
- Daily Rituals: Learn how to keep your creativity simmering even after you’ve left the retreat.
### 💦 What NOT To Expect
This is not an academic writing class or a traditional writing workshop. There are no critiques, no assigned topics, no formal instruction. There is no grammar lesson, no red pen, no classroom.
- No Preparation Needed: Come with an open heart and a blank page
- No Critique: There won’t be any critique, just gentle guidance to help you find your path.
- No Pressure to Share: You’re not obligated to share your work. This is your journey.
- No Academic Rigidity: Don’t expect structured writing classes or being told what to do.
- No Party Atmosphere: This isn’t a raucous affair; it’s a time for reflection and creation.
- No frills: Expect simple, modern accommodations. Think charm, not chandeliers.
- No Connectivity: Unplug and unwind. Turn off the noise. (Unless it’s an emergency or you need it for your writing, in which case, wifi is available)
### 💦 Who This Is For
This retreat is open to all genders and all levels of writing experience. If you’ve ever felt marginalized or out of place in creative spaces, know that you are welcome here. Queer, kinky, BIPoC, transgender, neurodivergent, sex workers, polyamorists, this is a space for you. If you are none of those identities, you are also welcome. Whether you’re grieving, healing, celebrating, or simply trying to find your way home, you’ll find a supportive community to help you focus and grow in your writing journey.
### 💦 The Venue
Our rustic writing cabin is remote and quiet, nestled in a surreal moonscape with unobstructed views of the Nopah Mountains. The resort itself is charming and newly renovated. Private accommodations are just a short walk from our cabin, and camping is available right next to the pools. The main pool is shared with other resort guests, and bathing suits are required. There are also four private, clothing-optional soaking tubs.
### 💦 Accommodation
A range of comfortable and affordable accommodation is available. Rooms can be shared or private. Details and additional payment information will be provided after you purchase your ticket.
- $40 per night for camping ($50 with hookups)
- $150 to $200 per night for a room in the shared house
- $195 to $220 per night for glamping and cabins
###
### 💦 Food
Simple, vegetarian, home-cooked meals, tea, coffee, and snacks are provided throughout the weekend. BYO fancy treats and snacks if you'd like to indulge.
### 💦 Getting there
The retreat is a 90-minute drive from Las Vegas. There may be opportunities to share a ride. If you want to be on your own schedule, car rentals are available at the Las Vegas airport.
### 💦 Why It’s So Affordable
The ticket price reflects my intention to keep this retreat grounded and within reach. The retreat fee doesn’t include accommodation. The food is simple and vegetarian. If cost is still a barrier, talk to me. Payment plans and scholarships are available.
### 💦 Why It Matters
Your voice matters. Your story matters. And the act of writing can be a form of liberation. In this retreat, you will be part of a community that gets you.
### 💦 Guarantee
If you arrive with an open heart and leave feeling stuck, unheard, or unseen, I will gladly refund you. Your satisfaction matters deeply to me.
### 💦 Still Have Questions?
Let’s talk. Reach out, and I’ll answer with transparency and care.
This retreat is an invitation to step into a slower rhythm, write from a deeper place, and reconnect with your own wild voice. The mermaids are waiting. Come write with us.
Upcoming events
1
Death Valley Hot Spring Weekend Writers' Retreat for Misfits
Death Valley Hot Springs, 368 Tecopa Hot Springs Rd, Tecopa, CA, USMy retreats are featured on BookRetreats.com, a trusted third-party site that helps ensure your booking is secure. https://bookretreats.com/r/3-day-weekend-writing-with-mermaids-retreat-in-death-valley-us
Writing With Mermaids retreats are a sanctuary for writers of all genders and orientations. These gentle weekends are a no-pressure, intentionally crafted space to help you connect with your creativity and write from your most authentic self. Through breathwork, guided visualizations, gentle yoga, and time in healing waters, you'll dissolve mental clutter and let your words flow freely.
No prompts. No pressure. No critique.
Just time, space, and a non-judgmental community where your truth is welcome.
### 💦 The Offering
We’ll gather at a hot spring resort near Death Valley, just 90 minutes from Las Vegas. This lightly structured retreat includes daily writing rituals, home-cooked meals, nature walks, and optional gentle yoga (I’m a certified RYT 200 yoga teacher). Most of your time is yours to write, soak, or simply rest. If you need support, I’ll be there to guide you. Expect an intimate group of around 10 people. Write what calls to you—fiction, memoir, poetry, essays, erotica, ritual, lyrics—anything is welcome.
Saturday-only day passes are available for those who can't spend the night.
Please note: Travel and lodging are not included in the retreat fee.
### 💦 What To Expect
You’ll write in the shade, in the tub, in silence, and maybe even in tears. You’ll write the things you didn’t know were inside you. I help you unleash memory and imagination to tune into your authentic story.
- Break Through Blocks: Dive into practical methods for overcoming writing anxiety and firing your imagination.
- Soaking Process: Learn how a good soak can do wonders for those blocks.
- Community Connection: Meet like-minded souls who’ll support you every step of the way.
- Guided Visualizations: Experience exercises designed to bring out your authentic, embodied voice.
- Breathwork: Master techniques to banish distractions and truly tune into your story.
- Unshackled Writing: Explore your writing, free from the stuffy confines of academia.
- Artistic Exploration: Use various artistic modalities to gain fresh perspectives on your writing.
- Nature Immersion: Lose yourself in an environment that brings you back to nature.
- Your Own Schedule: Write at your own pace, with no pressure or deadlines.
- Daily Rituals: Learn how to keep your creativity simmering even after you’ve left the retreat.
### 💦 What NOT To Expect
This is not an academic writing class or a traditional writing workshop. There are no critiques, no assigned topics, no formal instruction. There is no grammar lesson, no red pen, no classroom.
- No Preparation Needed: Come with an open heart and a blank page
- No Critique: There won’t be any critique, just gentle guidance to help you find your path.
- No Pressure to Share: You’re not obligated to share your work. This is your journey.
- No Academic Rigidity: Don’t expect structured writing classes or being told what to do.
- No Party Atmosphere: This isn’t a raucous affair; it’s a time for reflection and creation.
- No frills: Expect simple, modern accommodations. Think charm, not chandeliers.
- No Connectivity: Unplug and unwind. Turn off the noise. (Unless it’s an emergency or you need it for your writing, in which case, wifi is available)
### 💦 Who This Is For
This retreat is open to all genders and all levels of writing experience. If you’ve ever felt marginalized or out of place in creative spaces, know that you are welcome here. Queer, kinky, BIPoC, transgender, neurodivergent, sex workers, polyamorists, this is a space for you. If you are none of those identities, you are also welcome. Whether you’re grieving, healing, celebrating, or simply trying to find your way home, you’ll find a supportive community to help you focus and grow in your writing journey.
### 💦 The Venue
Our rustic writing cabin is remote and quiet, nestled in a surreal moonscape with unobstructed views of the Nopah Mountains. The resort itself is charming and newly renovated. Private accommodations are just a short walk from our cabin, and camping is available right next to the pools. The main pool is shared with other resort guests, and bathing suits are required. There are also four private, clothing-optional soaking tubs.
### 💦 Accommodation
A range of comfortable and affordable accommodation is available. Rooms can be shared or private. Details and additional payment information will be provided after you purchase your ticket.
- $40 per night for camping ($50 with hookups)
- $150 to $200 per night for a room in the shared house
- $195 to $220 per night for glamping and cabins
###
### 💦 Food
Simple, vegetarian, home-cooked meals, tea, coffee, and snacks are provided throughout the weekend. BYO fancy treats and snacks if you'd like to indulge.
### 💦 Getting there
The retreat is a 90-minute drive from Las Vegas. There may be opportunities to share a ride. If you want to be on your own schedule, car rentals are available at the Las Vegas airport.
### 💦 Why It’s So Affordable
The ticket price reflects my intention to keep this retreat grounded and within reach. The retreat fee doesn’t include accommodation. The food is simple and vegetarian. If cost is still a barrier, talk to me. Payment plans and scholarships are available.
### 💦 Why It Matters
Your voice matters. Your story matters. And the act of writing can be a form of liberation. In this retreat, you will be part of a community that gets you.
### 💦 Guarantee
If you arrive with an open heart and leave feeling stuck, unheard, or unseen, I will gladly refund you. Your satisfaction matters deeply to me.
### 💦 Still Have Questions?
Let’s talk. Reach out, and I’ll answer with transparency and care.
This retreat is an invitation to step into a slower rhythm, write from a deeper place, and reconnect with your own wild voice. The mermaids are waiting. Come write with us.2 attendees
Past events
1
