A Creative Writing Retreat

Tell Your Story, Your Way

Memoir & Personal Narrative · July 25–26, 2026

Two unhurried days to slow down, reflect, and shape the story only you can tell — guided by an award-winning author, in a calm Toronto studio with a small circle of fellow writers.

Re-Kindle & Bloom Studio
When
Sat & Sun, July 25–26, 2026
Time
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Where
Re-Kindle & Bloom Studio, North York
Capacity
Only 10 writers
What to expect

Honor your story, and cultivate a voice that is unmistakably yours.

01

Shape your story

Turn lived experience and memory into a narrative with shape, momentum, and meaning.

02

Write with confidence

Develop craft and practices that quiet the inner critic and sustain your writing beyond the weekend.

03

Connect & reflect

Deepen reflection and connection with a small, supportive circle of fellow writers.

Themes we explore
Memoir Personal narrative Intergenerational memory Finding your voice Vulnerability Writing from lived experience
Your facilitators

Guided by people who care about your story.

Ann Y.K. Choi

Ann Y.K. Choi

Toronto-based Author & Educator

Ann Y.K. Choi is a Toronto-based author and educator. Her essays, poems, and short fiction have appeared in anthologies across North America, often exploring cultural and social identity and the value of diverse literary voices. She teaches novel writing at the University of Toronto and serves on the advisory committee for gritLIT, Hamilton’s literary festival.

Selected publications
  • All Things Under the Moon (2025) — Indigo Top 100 in Canada & Top 10 in Ontario; translated into Italian and Czech.
  • Once Upon An Hour (2020) — picture book, illustrated by Soyeon Kim.
  • Kay’s Lucky Coin Variety (2016) — Toronto Book Award finalist.
See all books → annykchoi.com
David Ahn

David Ahn

Certified Life Coach & RMT

David Ahn is a Certified Life Coach, Registered Massage Therapist, and Certified Practitioner of 6 Phase Meditation. He holds a BSc in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo and has worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds for over 25 years. Drawing from both physical and emotional well-being, David integrates mindfulness and coaching to help clients cultivate clarity, resilience, and calm.

Angie Minah Park

Angie Minah Park, PhD

Founder & Host

Founder of Re-Kindle & Bloom and your host for the weekend. With a PhD in English Literature and 10+ years in adult education and storytelling, Angie opens and closes each day and leads the closing crafting workshop.

Wellness facilitator Susie Chen also joins us, leading guided meditation and breathwork throughout the weekend.

The weekend

A gentle, two-day rhythm.

A tentative flow — times may shift slightly to follow the energy of the room.

Saturday
July 25
8:00
Open studio hour & light breakfast
9:00
Welcome remarks & introductions
9:30
Ice breaker & participant introductions
9:45
Featured talk — narrative voice & where to begin
10:30
Break
10:45
Guided meditation
11:00
Independent writing from prompts
11:30
Large group reflection & sharing
12:00
Lunch
1:00
Outside walk & inner-child meditation
2:00
Featured talk — sustaining your practice & publishing
2:30
Independent writing
3:30
Small group discussions & sharing
4:00
Feedback & survey
4:30
Open studio hour & Q&A with Ann
5:00
Day one ends
Sunday
July 26
8:00
Optional meditation & stretches; light breakfast
9:00
–12:00
30-min 1-on-1 coaching with Ann & David
12:00
Lunch
1:00
Group walk & yoga
1:30
Guided breathwork & meditation
2:00
“Channel your inner creativity” crafting workshop
4:00
Open hour for feedback & Q&A
5:00
Retreat ends
Coaching slots on Sunday are booked online before the retreat (or on Saturday). Studio rooms are available in one-hour slots for individual creativity and wellness time.
Before you arrive

How to prepare

There's very little to do ahead of time — just come open and curious. Roughly one week before (by July 18), every registered writer receives a confirmation email with the schedule, what to expect, and optional pre-reading selected by Ann to spark your own writing.

What to bring
A laptop or tablet, or a notebook and pen — whatever you write best with
Any pre-reading materials Ann shares ahead of time
Comfortable clothing for gentle movement & meditation
An open heart and the story you've been meaning to tell
Pricing & registration

Reserve one of 10 seats.

Both days, catered lunches, all sessions, and 1-on-1 coaching are included. Spaces are limited and offered first come, first served.

Best value
Early-bird
$225 +HST
per person · registration June 15–30, 2026
Regular
$275 +HST
per person · registration July 1–15, 2026
Early-bird registration is open.
Reserve your seat online — spots are confirmed first come, first served. Questions? Email hello@rekindleandbloom.ca.
Reserve your spot →
Location

Getting there

Our calm, light-filled studio sits just off Yonge Street in North York — arched mirrors, floor cushions, plants, and a coffee bar.

Re-Kindle & Bloom Studio
3317 Yonge St, Unit 4 (2nd Floor), North York, ON M4N 2L9
Transit · A short walk from the Yonge subway line.
Note · The studio is on the 2nd floor.
Re-Kindle & Bloom Studio interior
Good to know

Frequently asked

Is this for beginners?

Yes. The retreat welcomes writers at every stage — the focus is on honoring your story and finding your voice, not credentials or experience.

What's included?

Both full days, all talks and writing sessions, guided meditation & movement, a 1-on-1 coaching slot, and catered lunches on both days.

How do I register?

Reserve your spot online using the button above — spots are first come, first served. Questions? Email hello@rekindleandbloom.ca.

Do you accommodate dietary needs?

Yes — lunches are catered and we'll ask for dietary restrictions after you register, with a confirmation deadline ahead of the retreat.

What's the refund policy?

Because seats are limited, we ask for as much notice as possible. Cancel 14+ days before the retreat (by July 11) for a full refund, less a 5% processing fee; cancel 7–13 days before for a 50% refund. Within 7 days of the retreat, tickets are non-refundable but fully transferable — just let us know who'll take your place. If we ever need to cancel, you'll receive a full refund.

Will my writing be shared?

Only if you choose to. Sharing in group reflections is always invitational — this is a safe, supportive, and confidential space.

Tell your story, your way

Two days that could change how you write — and how you remember.

Only 10 seats. Reserve yours before early-bird registration closes on June 30.

Reserve your spot
Re-Kindle & Bloom · 3317 Yonge St, Unit 4 (2nd Floor), North York, ON M4N 2L9 · hello@rekindleandbloom.ca