Box-R retreat for the Lightbox Method was a great time as we delved deeper into the mysteries of writing to discover amazing stories and meaning. I am convinced more than ever the value of this new Method. All along with other graduates of this program we want to encourage you to attend a "Lightbox" retreat, which many of us what to do again.

Here are just a few of the comments from the Box R Lightbox Retreat:

Wow!!! I am so excited about the Lightbox Method. My book has gone deeper then I ever imagined it could after applying this method to my writing. My scenes have become more descriptive, my characters more real and my story has a deeper shape and meaning to it then I could have accomplished without it. It has also started me writing again. I had stalled in my story and wasn't sure where it was going, but the Lightbox Method breathed new life into it and now I'm on my way again. After just the first day of the conference I was able to write five new scenes! Each day of our conference brought new depth to the scenes I wrote the first day. I am so excited to finish this story and I know it's going to be better by using this wonderful method of writing.

Kristen Parr

If you are looking to deepen your writing and find the meaning and truth behind your words then this workshop is for you. The tools John presents are designed to allow each individual to discover for themselves how to take their stories to a heart level and how to bring their readers along on the journey. I came to Lightbox expecting a miracle. I was not disappointed.

Eddie Janisch

With fingers poised above the keyboard and my mind frozen, my characters remained equally frozen. Two characters existed in a setting and one expressed meaningful inner thoughts, but both existed as cardboard cutouts, neither moving nor interacting. Then I attended a Lightbox Retreat and experienced three days of aha-moments. When I applied The Lightbox Method frame by frame (segments within a scene), both women came to life. I saw each frame clearly and applied meaning to what I saw. I highly recommend The Lightbox Method to any writer who desires to create plots with reader-grabbing clarity and intriguing characters with depth.

Lynn Leissler

The Lightbox Retreat was a mind stretcher, in a good way. This great tool helps me see strengths and weaknesses in my written manuscript, and I'm sure it will make my next project easier.
Beyond making the bones of my story clearer, the Lightbox method pulls my attention to the purpose buried in the frame (any story picture), and the truth that it is showing. When I consciously know my goal I can craft better. (As long as I don't start to tell instead of show.)
The Lightbox method does not take the place of correct grammar, story structure or storyline, but it shapes a story into a logical progression of small enough pieces to keep track of. This is an excellent tool to add to any writer's repertoire.
The first day of the Retreat I was unsure of John's first curveball. He said, "Do we create stories?" He let us think about it and said, "No."
I decided to suspend judgment until I knew more. I thought awhile and heard John's thoughts on the creation of story and where it comes from. Now I believe he's right.
I am happily learning to use the Lightbox Method. Presented in a friendly and spirit-stretching manner, this method provides much food for thought and shapes ourselves, our goals as writers, and our pursuit of true knowledge.
I look forward to the next Lightbox retreat or conference.

Azalea Dabill.

Lightbox enables me to plumb the depths of my life experiences, so I reach a more profound understanding of my characters--their thoughts, motivations and actions. The result: stronger, more meaningul writing.
Jinny S.