Writing Cruise – 7 Day Western Caribbean Cruise – February 22-March 1, 2025

Speakers

Mark Leslie Lefebvre

Author and Former Director at Rakuten Kobo and Draft2Digital

Mark Leslie Lefebvre is a writer, editor, publisher, and bookseller. If you asked him to leverage a single title, he’d likely default to “book nerd.”

There are very few people in the world who understand, in detail, so many different aspects of bookselling, of traditional publishing, and of the self-publishing realms. Mark Leslie Lefebvre has been writing since the mid 1980s and had his first work published in 1992, the same year he started working in the book industry. In that time he has been at the forefront of major changes and evolutions within the book industry on numerous fronts and technologies, including early adoption of eBooks, print on demand, and indie publishing.

Mark—who has managed indie, academic, mall, big box, and chain bookstores—has been a long-time pioneer and explorer within the book world. He self-published his first book in 2004, almost a decade before it became more mainstream. He first started podcasting his fiction back in 2006. In 2009 his bookstore was the 2nd in Canada and the 9th in the world to leverage Print on Demand technology right in the store using an Espresso Book Machine, and in 2012, he was the driving force behind the creation of Kobo Writing Life, Rakuten Kobo’s answer to Kindle Direct Publishing. He was a founding director of the board of directors for BookNet Canada, a champion on the Professional Advisory Committee for self-publishing in the establishment of Sheridan College’s Honors Degree in Creative Writing and Publishing, and is a founding member of Wide For the Win. He left full-time corporate bookselling work in 2018 to write and continue to operate Stark Publishing, his publishing and consulting business. Among his clients are authors who have earned five and six figure incomes, signed half-million dollar publishing deals, and the world’s largest author-centric self-publishing platform, Draft2Digital.

Topics

An Insider’s Overview of The Publishing Industry

An exploration of both sides of the publishing industry from a 30+ year veteran with decades of experience in bookselling, traditional publishing, and self-publishing. Authors will learn where they fit, how to navigate their place, and determine their own goals.

Collaboration Strategies for Success

While authors are often solo-preneurs in charge of their own destiny, the business of writing and publishing involves a significant amount of collaboration. Collaboration with editors, designers, and other industry professionals. Collaboration with other writers. And, of course, collaborations with online and brick and mortar booksellers, bookstores, libraries, and librarians. We’ll address strategies and techniques to collaborate for mutual long-term success!

Author Branding for Success

With emerging technology, AI, and the rapid-release world we live in, it’s more important than ever for an author to double-down on their humanity and have a clear and well-defined author persona. Get practical strategies for exploring you as a writer, your books, and for crafting, cultivating, and managing a brand that enticing the right readers.

Long Term & Wide Publishing Author Success

For long-term success, you must be able to navigate the various and fast-changing trends that often consume a writer’s life. This means first having a foundation you can rely on in order to survive the winds of change. Sometimes it requires standing on solid ground and not allowing those shifts to knock you over; other times it means hoisting a sail and riding along the prevailing and shifting winds. This workshop is designed to help ensure your own mental and emotional well-being so you can continue on in the marathon of the author life.

Erin Wright

Author and Founder/President of Wide for the Win

USA Today Bestselling author Erin Wright has worked every job under the sun, including library director, barista, teacher, website designer, and ranch hand helping brand cattle, before settling into the career she’s always dreamed about: Author.

She still loves coffee, doesn’t love the smell of cow flesh burning, and is currently living out her own love story in a tiny town in rural Idaho.

Erin helped to launch Wide for the Win, a community dedicated to helping authors self-publish across many platforms.

Topics

Why Wide (and How to Go Wide Without Going Crazy!)

Join Erin as she talks about the benefits of being Wide with your ebooks and helps you map out a strategy for going Wide that will leave you with (most of) your hair. Learn about how the Wide platforms work on a foundational and algorithmic level and how they differ dramatically from how Amazon functions. Use this info to craft a personalized plan to go Wide that will set you up for success in the indie publishing world.

Destinations

Galveston, Texas

The island of Galveston was first settled by the Karankawa and Akokisa tribes, who named the island "Auia." If you get the chance, do a quick search on these tribes that founded Galveston before you arrive. The Spanish shipwrecked on Galveston in the mid-1500's, renaming the island the Island of Doom. It wasn't until the late 1700's that Galveston was renamed the Bay of Galveston. Today, Galveston features Pleasure Pier, a great place to spend the day, as well as quaint bed and breakfasts, antique shopping, and walks along the beach. Galveston is home to six historic districts with well over 60 structures listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Roatan, Honduras

Roatán Island is the largest and most developed of the three Bay Islands of Honduras and lies not far off the northern coast. The majority of the population of Roatán originated from the Cayman Islands. The growth of tourism and travel awards has put Honduras squarely on the map. Today, the beautiful Caribbean island is a mecca for divers and snorkelers. Commercial fishing is one of the main economic drivers in Roatán and is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the Western Caribbean.

Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico

Past meets present in Costa Maya. Cruise to Costa Maya and find ancient Maya ruins and mysterious jungles just begging to be explored, as well as private beach clubs and trendy restaurants— all in one place. It’s 250 square miles of paradise packed with entertainment and history, all just 30 miles south of Cancun. The Great Maya Reef just off the coast is the second largest in the world— it’s a must-snorkel spot. Or you can kick back at the port village of Mahahual with an ice-cold michelada— a spicy beer cocktail— in hand. For a culture fix, head to the Kohunlick ruins to see the famous Temple of the Masks.

Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel, Mexico is one of the top diving destinations in the world. Known for its bright coral reefs and abundant sea life, you won't want to miss a snorkeling adventure off the coast of Cozumel. A little history and some flint for your imagination... Cozumel means "Land of the Swallow" and is named after the seafaring bird. Settled by the Ancient Mayans over 2,000 years ago, Cozumel was a mecca for Mayan women to worship Ix Chel, the Goddess of Fertility. The remains of Ix Chel's alter and sacrificial site can be found at the San Gervasio ruins site near the center of the island.

Itinerary

Saturday, 02/22/2025

Sunday, 02/23/2025

Monday, 02/24/2025

Tuesday, 02/25/2025

Wednesday, 02/26/2025

Thursday, 02/27/2025

Friday, 02/28/2025

Saturday, 03/01/2025

Details

Your retreat fee includes all events associated with the retreat, including one-on-one sessions, all workshops, and general writing fun! If you’ve purchased your stateroom through us, please see below for what the stateroom ticket includes.

From Carnival (please refer to Carnival’s website for the most updated information)

The price of your cruise includes:

• A well deserved vacation!
• Your stateroom, featuring the Carnival Home™ Bedding Collection… additional stateroom features include a flat-screen TV, in-stateroom safe, individual climate control, full bathroom and ample storage space.
• Spectacular production shows and entertainment, including hysterical comedians
• Numerous lounges featuring live music and entertainment
• Fitness center
• Pools, hot tub spas and waterslides
• Year round youth programs for kids 2-17 years of age
• A variety of dining options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and late night in the Main Dining Room and/or Lido Restaurant.
• A variety of dining options for breakfast, lunch and snacking at specialty food spots (featured on select ships), such as but not limited to: Guy’s Burger Joint, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Street Eats, Big Chicken, Mongolian Wok and Ol’ Fashioned BBQ.
• Pizzeria (9:00am-4:00am)
• Soft serve ice cream and frozen yogurt
• The following beverages served in the Main Dining Room and 24/7 in the Lido Restaurant: non-bottled water, lemonade, iced tea, hot chocolate and non-specialty coffee and tea

The following services are not included in the cruise price:

• Dining in specialty restaurants and snacking at cafes and lounges (featured on select ships), such as but not limited to: The Steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi, Bonsai Teppanyaki, Ji Ji Asian Kitchen, Seafood Shack, Cucina del Capitano, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse|Brewhouse, The Chef’s Table, Emeril’s Bistro 1396, Emeril’s Bistro 1397, Rudi’s Seagrill, Shake Spot, Javablue Cafe, Promenade Cafe, Lido Coffee Bar, Ocean Plaza Cafe, Havana Bar (on Carnival Sunshine), RedFrog Pub and other lounges that may serve light bites.
• ‘Steakhouse Selections’ served in the Main Dining Room
• “Pizza Anywhere” delivery
• Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast
• 24-hour room service (charges apply; Continental breakfast is complimentary)
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic bar beverages (excluding beverages served in the Main Dining Room and Lido Restaurant such as non-bottled water, lemonade, iced tea, select juices, hot chocolate and non-specialty coffee and tea)
• Gift Shop purchases
• Purchases at Cherry on Top and Special Occasions (featured on select ships)
• IMAX® and Thrill Theater (featured on Carnival Horizon and Carnival Vista)
• Spa treatments, Salon services and select fitness classes
• Gambling in the casino
• Playing Bingo and Deal or No Deal™
• Video Arcade games
• Sky Zone Trampoline Park at Sea (featured on Carnival Panorama)
• BOLT Ultimate Sea Coaster (featured on Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee and Mardi Gras)
• Loft 19 rental for guests not occupyng a Carnival Excel-level suite (featured on Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee and Mardi Gras)
• Art Auction Program (featured on select ships)
• Carnival Adventures Shore Excursions
• Photos
• Internet access and ‘chat’ option on the HUB app
• Use of your smartphone
• Ship-to-Shore telephone calls
• Medical services
• Laundry services (valet or self-service)
• Service gratuities and tips

When purchasing your cruise vacation, the following are optional:

• Ground transportation (transfers) to/and or from the airport to the cruise terminal
• Fly2Fun air transportation
• Hotel packages (on select itineraries)
• Carnival Vacation Protection

Travel Tips

Carnival Galveston, Texas Port

Port of Galveston
Cruise Terminal 1
2502 Harborside Drive
Galveston, TX

Parking Information

Port shuttle buses will transport guest between parking lot and terminal.

Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard

(Guests can pre-pay for parking by going to the port web site.)

At the Pier

Please expect delays related to security procedures when arriving at the port to board the ship. These procedures have been designed for your safety and all attempts will be made to expedite you through the process as quickly as possible. Please do not arrive before 11AM as space is limited in the terminal.