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Second Story Retreats

where creativity and community thrive

Second Story Retreats

where creativity and community thrive

Welcome to Second Story Retreats. These intimate retreats offer you an awe-inspiring ocean-view great room to work in community with other creative people. The retreats are all-inclusive, with lodging in one of the literary-themed rooms, tasty meals cooked with local ingredients and shared around an expansive dining table, and cozy fireside chats in the evenings.

Choose a Retreat

While time-to-create retreats offer wide-open schedules, other retreats mix free time with instruction and inspiration to challenge you to raise your work to the next level.
Elizabeth Rusch author photo 2016

About the Host

The award-winning author of more than 20 books and 100 magazine articles, Elizabeth Rusch loves hosting and mentoring other creative people.

About the House

Located on a low bluff overlooking the ocean in South Beach, Oregon, just south of Newport, Second Story sleeps up to 12 people in literary-themed bedrooms.

What
Students
Say...

“Elizabeth is personable and relevant to writers at many stages in their craft. She also is very enthusiastic—you can tell she really has a passion for writing.”
– Melissa Craighead
“I wanted to say how much I appreciated and enjoyed your presentations. You were so generous in sharing your expertise, resources, and suggestions. Your enthusiasm was apparent and infectious.”
– Laya Steinberg
“Liz Rusch's approach is what I love in a class—organized, handouts, practice time, an enthusiastic teacher and great feedback. Exceptional.”
– Sue Strater
“Elizabeth Rusch is genuinely generous in sharing her experiences so that you can move your writing forward.”
– Linda McHenry
“This class was spectacular, going above and beyond what I hoped for. I no longer feel overwhelmed by all the pieces that stressed me out before and I feel confident in my ability to write a strong proposal.”
– Chloe Ackerman
“The class has been incredibly valuable, and the group has been wonderful. Thank you for your understanding and for your wisdom and guidance. I know if I am one day able to bring my book to fruition, I will have you to thank for giving me the structure and pathway to do so.”
– Eileen Bobeck
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Food & Drink

The retreat is all-inclusive, with fresh-cooked food at every meal and ample snacks and drinks all day. The price includes up to two drinks (local beer and wine) per night. Alternate beverages are always available.

Custom Retreats

Many creative people gather regularly with a book group, critique group, illustrators group, crafts group or band. If you would like to explore a custom retreat for your group, please contact Liz at author@elizabethrusch.com.

Location

Second Story is on the Oregon Coast, in South Beach, which is just a few miles south of Newport, Oregon. The nearest major airport is Portland International, which is 99 miles away. If you are flying in for a retreat, Liz may be able to arrange transport to and from the house.