Page 3 - SD Woman feature article Rhonda Hayes Curtis

Women of Distinction

life, love, loss, and the renewal of An ideal spot to get your writing
happiness. juices flowing.
The creation of her beautifully There was one word that res-
written memoir was a great source onated throughout the days of the
of pride, but what came out of this seminar by everyone in attendance.
process was a deep desire to help This word was EPIC. As one of the
other people get their stories out instructors at this inaugural event,
of them so they could get the help I can honestly say that it was the
that she got. “The message that I best writer’s workshop that I have
want to get across is that if I can do ever attended, and the instructors
this, anyone can do it. I don't have commented on the enthusiasm of
a degree in journalism or English; all the participants. There was a
I'm not formally educated. I'm range of first-time writers as well as
self-educated. I did the work. But seasoned professionals, but we all
that's the thing. You don't have to came to the same conclusion. Tell-
be a New York Times bestseller. ing your story is empowering, and
First and foremost, just do it for everyone who has gone through a
yourself.” life-changing event or simply has
Rhonda went on to teach her a story to share needs to put their
‘Write Your Story’ class at Escon- thoughts to paper.
dido Adult School, and when With the success of her Three-
COVID-19 hit, she had to find ways Day Writer’s Retreat, Rhonda felt
to continue to spread her message. the need to stay connected with
When things began to get back to those who had attended, so she
‘normal,’ Rhonda invited her stu- decided to add some one-day
dents to do a one-day writer’s retreat writing retreats to provide support
in her home in the beautiful Pauma to these burgeoning writers. Her
Valley Country Club. “Students next one-day retreat is just around
showed up, I made food for them, the corner on June 21st from 9:30-
we shared our stories, and I helped 2:30. It is entitled Gather, Share, and
them find the path to getting these Elevate. For more information, go
stories out of their heads and onto to (https://www.pvwritingretreat.
paper. When the day ended, no one com/workshops)
wanted to leave.” Out of pain and sorrow came
These seminars were the the heart of this woman who has
impetus for the Pauma Valley experienced some of the most
three-day Writer’s Retreat (https:// devastating life circumstances, but
www.pvwritingretreat.com/ ). “Last while talking to her, you would
October was our first retreat, and it never know the road she has trav-
was met with such enthusiasm that eled. She is committed to sharing
we vowed to make it a yearly event. her knowledge and experience in
Our next one is October 10th -12th, writing a beautiful story that can
2024.” The setting for this retreat change the lives of her readers.
was ideal. Pauma Valley Country Currently, Rhonda is revisiting
Club is a beautiful setting nestled in her earliest and most unsettling
the tranquil and picturesque Pauma memories in her second book, with
Valley. This historic country club the working title ‘The Truth about a way to reconcile with the image Rhonda Hayes Curtis is not just
provides all its amenities to attend- My Father.’ Triggered by a deep dive that haunted her for six decades. a remarkable writer and teacher; she
ees of the writing retreat. Purposely into genealogy undertaken by her "This deeper investigation into is also a profound friend and guide
held during the overseeding of the oldest sister, Rhonda confronted his life, paired with the act of writ- to many. With her upcoming book,
golf course, attendees have the full dozens of newspaper articles that ing about it, has brought me peace she continues to share the lessons
attention of their excellent staff as cast her father in an unflattering and resolution," Rhonda explains. gleaned from her life’s challenges.
well as full access to the other ame- light, far from the redemption she Her ability to transform pain into Her work, from her personal stories
nities the Club has to offer—state of might have hoped for. However, it narrative, to find healing through to the writing retreats she hosts, is
the art gym, heated swimming pool, was through this process of uncov- the alchemy of words, is a powerful designed not just to teach but to
bicycles, bocce ball, tennis, pickle ering her father’s troubled past and testament to her skill as a writer transform, offering an EPIC experi-
ball, and quiet roads for walking. documenting it that Rhonda found and her resilience as a person. ence that promises to change lives.

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