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Lewis and Willis Book Labs

  • Do You Know Enough to 
    ​Write a Book?

    For Years, You've Wondered If Your Idea Was Book Worthy.
    It's Time to Find Out.

    Join the Authors Retreat

Stop thinking about that book you've been chewing on for years. Stop wondering whether you have enough to write a book.

Stop wrestling with the fear that maybe your idea isn't good enough for a whole book.

Find out once and for all.

Come to Atlanta October 2nd and 3rd. Be part of our intimate book workshop of only 12 would-be authors as we find out the answer to your big question.

Join the Authors Retreat

Lewis & Willis Book Labs

Atlanta Botanical Gardens

October 2–3, 2025

It seems like everyone has a book these days.

Everyone except you.

I get it. Over the last 16 years, I have worked with dozens of authors and spoken to hundreds more.

"I just don't know if I've really got enough to write a whole book."

"I don't know where to start."

"I think I know enough to write a book, but when I sit down at my computer, my mind goes as blank as the screen."

"I've been thinking about writing a book for...gosh, I guess going on 10 years now. I'm just not sure what to do with all this."

"I feel like I want to write a book, but I don't know what it would look like. I can't 'see it,' if you know what I mean."

I have heard it all.

John Willis Throws Down the Gauntlet: 

"Get Off Your &$@ and Find Out!"

Tech entrepreneur John Willis has written a dozen books, including the best-seller The DevOps Handbook. We began working in 2022 on an idea John had for over 10 years, the book that became Deming's Journey to Profound Knowledge (IT Revolution, 2024).

Then we collaborated on his memoir, Digital Confidential. (A few people have to die before John publishes it.)

This year, we finished collaborating on Rebels of Reason (now available on Amazon).

When it came out in June, we were already working on our next project.

He says, "I can't tell you how many people have come up to me and said they have a book idea. I've been talking to people sitting on a book idea for years. I'm like, 'Why don't you do something about it?!'"

Consider this John's personal challenge to you:

Stop wondering and find out.

Here's Why You're Still Waffling on Your Book

I don't mean to sound mean. By nature, I am a kind, compassionate soul. I love helping people create and craft their books. The reason people stay stuck for years
is not for the reasons we tell ourselves. When I get to the heart of it, these are the real reasons would-be authors don't take action:

They don't want look like a fool in front of their peers, family, and friends. They're worried people won't take them
 or their book seriously.

They're afraid the book will look like it was done by an amateur.

They don't know how to effectively communicate what they know. They're worried about what people will say
about their idea. They don't know if they've really got a whole book or just a long blog post.

They don't write well. Nothing they write ever sounds good enough.

They've started and stopped a handful of times and can't quite get it nailed down.

(A recent development: People think AI can write a book better than they could. That's patently false...but there is a right way to use AI as an
incredible tool to help along the way. And yes, we're going to talk about how to do exactly that during these two days.)

Either You Do or You Don't.

...but either way, you need to know.

If you do have a book-worthy idea, you'll leave with a vision for how to bring it together and the tools you need to really get started. 
If you don't, then you don't have to spend another year (or 10) with that question gnawing at the back of your mind.
You can put that monster to rest. You've got your answer and you can move on with your life.

Either way, you'll finally know.

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Who Is This Workshop For?

Non-fiction authors.

You do not need to be a good writer.

You do not need a book outline.

You do not need to have a "platform," an "audience," or anything else some people say you do before you write a book.

You do not need to flesh out your idea "a little more."

All you need to have is a gut feeling that maybe—just maybe—you think you have a book in you.

All you need to be is someone who wants to share their experiences, insights, and expertise with the world.

Maybe you're a recognized industry expert. Maybe you want to share your personal and professional struggles with the world. Maybe you have some great advice people need to hear. Maybe you don't even know what your book is about.

That's fine.

This workshop is where we'll figure it out together.

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Why Atlanta Botanical Gardens?

Because writing a book is a creative endeavor. 

The lion's share of the books I've collaborated on (whether as a ghostwriter, editor, coach, or consultant) have been business books or authored by entrepreneurs. More specifically, subject matter experts.

(Which is what you are, by the way. Talk to me for 5 minutes and I'll help you see where that expertise lies.) For some reason, people don't approach business books they way they would a novel. In fact, one of the biggest problems people have in writing a subject matter expert book is that they treat it like a high school essay.

Sure, you need a little creativity to come up with a topic, but once you've got that, it's just a matter of writing your thesis statement, doing the research, creating an outline, and then filling in the blanks. You can do that with a high school essay. You can do that with a blog post or an industry journal article or a client report. 

You can do that with short-form writing when all you're trying to do is convey information. 
(You shouldn't, but that's a soap box for another day.) A report, an article, or a blog post is short enough that you can wrap your mind around the entire idea. It's small enough to hold up in your mind's eye and look at it from all angles.

But a book...books are special. They're too long and too involved and too big. I mean, you need the space a book provides to explain your idea precisely because it's too complex for a PDF or a magazine article. Writing a nonfiction book—even a business book—is a creative endeavor. To be creative, you must be in a creative mindset. And nothing puts you in a creative mind like beauty and wonder.

That's the reason John and I chose the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. The grounds are gorgeous. Our workshop space is light and airy. When it's time for a solo writing session, you can freely wander the grounds to find a spot that inspires you.

We wanted a space that was not corporate. No hotel ballrooms. No conference rooms. No borrowed offices. A different workspace to put you in a different headspace. If you want your book to come to life, what better place than to be surrounded by Mother Nature bringing life forth?

(Also, the staff at the Gardens is phenomenal to work with.)

Validate Your Book Idea in Just 2 Days

Before You Arrive...

You and I will have a private 1:1 call to discuss your book idea, your unique challenges, and what you specifically want to from this workshop. This allows us to tailor your workshop experience to your individual goals.

Day One, Morning Sessions...

After warming up with some icebreakers, we'll introduce you to the 5-step process I've used with every single author, something I've honed over 16 years of working with authors to get their books out of their heads and onto paper, the Frankendraft Method.

Then, we'll do a round robin of shared fears, challenges, questions, and goals even I as I walk you through 
the realities of—and differences between—writing and publishing a book.

The second half of the morning sessions is a crash course in creativity. Specifically, the tools and 
mindset you need to move forward with distilling your vague vision into a tangible book idea.

Before lunch, I'll walk you through the workbook that, among other things, shows you the questions 
you need to answer in detail to determine whether your idea is worthy of book.
Most of my authors are surprised to discover they have more than one book inside them. In that case, 
we have to figure out which one needs to be written first and what should be shelved until later.

We don't know where the Muse will take us until we start following her lead.

Day One, Afternoon Sessions...

After lunch, solo writing sessions. From the morning sessions, you will have what you need to start getting 
traction on what your book could look like. You are free to wander the gardens in search of the perfect writing 
spot for inspiration, even if your material is deeply technical.

Remember: No matter your topic, writing a book is a creative process. Once we come back together, 
we do a group check-in as we work through the provided workbook and begin creating, crafting, and 
collecting the building blocks of your book. Then come breakout sessions (3 people to a group) even 
while John and I do a short 1:1 coaching with each person to individually steer you in the right direction.

If we've done our job, you'll end Day One with excitement, greater clarity, and eager to return.

Join the Authors Retreat

Fest-of-Ale!

You're invited to Fest-of-Ale both nights after the workshop! The Gardens turn into a biergarten! Wander the gorgeous grounds sampling beers and ales from all 
over the world.

Search for scarecrows by flashlight or simply take in the illuminated fall festival-like ode to nature. 5–7 each night. Admission included as part of your workshop.

Day Two, Morning Sessions...

Maybe you had a good night's sleep.

Maybe you were too excited to catch any shut-eye. 

Regardless, you'll arrive that morning ready to get back on that bucking bronco that is your book-to-be. We start off by going back to basics. The method, the mindset, and the tools you need as you continue hammering out your idea, bringing it into the light of day for all (well, all 12 of us) to see.

Then we play my favorite game: Devil's Advocate.

In an encouraging yet thought-provoking way, we'll play the bad guys. Here, we get to see the limits of your book idea, what unplanned challenges you may face, and where your vision needs more clarity.

Day Two, Afternoon Sessions...

At this point, we're coming to your decision point.

Do you or do you not have a book inside you ready to come out? 

Right after lunch, you'll engage in a breakout session with a different pair than you worked with yesterday. 
As John and I go from table to table coaching each small group, you'll be thinking through the tough questions 
in your workbook and letting your group mates help you objectively consider your big idea.

The last half of the afternoon is lecture style. We're going to address the 5 different scenarios for moving 
forward (including the one where you decide your idea is a no-go) and determine on an individual level 
which category you belong to. Each scenario has a prescribed plan for what comes next for you. 
You'll leave confident with the certainty that your question is answered once and for all.

More importantly, you will leave the mindset and tools to allow you far greater creativity that you can 
apply in any area of your life, from personal communication and problem-solving to product innovation 
and vision setting.

John and I promise you: You will get your money's worth.

In Fact, We Guarantee It.

If, by the end of Day One, you don't believe the workshop is worth it, we will refund 100% of our fee.

No questions asked.

Not only will you get your money back, but you'll still have complete access to the gardens for all of Friday, including Fest-of-Ale that evening.
Spend the weekend exploring Atlanta. Go tour the Carter Library. Visit the largest aquarium in the Western hemisphere. Shop at Ikea. No harm, no foul.
And by "100%," we don't mean minus hidden fees or anything else. We will refund all $1,299.

That's Right. This Entire 2-Day Intensive Workshop Is Just $1,299.

I've conducted 1:1 workshops like this across the world.

A chalet in the Swiss Alps, a villa on Mallorca, a flat in London. It's been a fun ride. John and I have done this 4 times ourselves.

But the whole goal of Lewis & Willis Book Labs is to scale the Frankendraft Method. It's a  fun, intuitive, and powerful tool that will help incredible people— people like you—share what they know with the world.

That's why we're going from one-on-one to one-to-many. This will be the first time I've conducted this type of workshop in a group setting.

So we're setting the price at about what you'd pay for a run-of-the-mill entire book writing course.

Join the Authors Retreat
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What's Included, You Ask?

A pre-workshop call to learn about you, your idea, your
challenges, and your goals
2 days of an intense, live, personally hosted and
personally coached workshop, from 8am–3pm (which
includes breaks and lunchtime) plus informal conversations 3-5
Personalized coaching throughout the workshop
A 1:1 aftercall to cement your vision and plan for moving
forward
Exclusive access to the Gardenhouse Gallery (our
primary workshop space)
A workbook to support the exercises and tools used,
including a detailed explanation of our proprietary
Frankendraft Method.
Writing journal and some cool swag
Admission to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens for both
days, including admission to Fest-of-Ale from 5pm–7pm
Join the Authors Retreat

Other Amenities and Opportunities

  • Literally steps away from our workshop space is the award-winning full-service Longleaf Restaurant as well as the Quick Café (which includes a coffee bar, grab-and go selections, and made-to-order goodies). Right around the corner is the Snack Shack for a quick to-go pick-me-up.
  • ~40 minutes from the Atlanta airport in Midtown. Parking can be validated for $10/day
  • Hotels recommended by the event staff include The Starling and Loews, both 3–4 minutes away by car or ~15 minutes on foot.
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Why Now Is the Time

This workshop is an experiment. If it's successful and if we decide to host another one...it won't be until Spring 2026.
If we host another group workshop, the price will go up. 
​We're not putting this workshop on to make money. We need to vet that my workshop works in a group setting. The price is low because we're all on a learning curve.
There are only 12 spots. The workshop is designed for a maximum of 12 authors. During the hotseat sessions, for example, you get a max of 5 minutes to present your working idea. 5 minutes x 12 authors = exactly 1 hour. And John and I both like things running on time. Please hear me when I type we will not take more than 12 authors.
To do this one-on-one, my workshops costs $7,500. (And if you're interested in your own author retreat, we'd love to explore that with you.) You're getting all the information as well as personalized coaching at a fraction of the price.
Because you owe it to yourself. How much longer are you going to sit around wondering whether you really have a book inside you? Haven't you tortured yourself enough? When will you put your money where you mouth is?
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Your Hosts

Derek Lewis has been a professional writer for 16 years, having worked with authors on 4 continents, including an IMF economist, a DMZ chopper pilot, a Texas oil tycoon, the founders of a secretive Swedish boutique consultancy, and a Marine provincial governor of Iraq.

On behalf of his clients, he has worked with HarperCollins, McGraw-Hill, BenBella, and other publishers. He is the author of The BusinessBook Bible (2014), the industry's first guide to writing subject matter expert books.

He holds an MA (in Latin American economic development, of all things) and lives with his family in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

John Willis is a tech entrepreneur, having cofounded 13 startups with 6 successful exits. His career of +40 years spans from ExxonMobil to Dell Computers to Red Hat.

John is the co-author of the bestselling The DevOps Handbook Handbook  (IT Revolution, 2016) and several IBM-sponsored books, as well as three in collaboration with Derek: Deming's Journey to Profound Knowledge (and its companion, Profound Stories), Digital Confidential (yet to be released), and Rebels of Reasons: The Long Road from Aristotle to ChatGPT and AI's Heroes Who Kept the Faith. 

He is one of the four godfathers of the DevOps movement and regularly presents to tech audiences on 5 continents.

"Are These Guys Legit?"

Don't take my word for it.

Seth Godin said,

"The book that will most change your life is the book you write."
So, what's it to be? Another year...or two...or three...sitting on the fence?
Or do you want to answer  the question once and for all? "Is there a book inside me?"
If you could answer that question on your own...well, you would have already. Right? Ergo, you need some outside help. 

This workshop is your chance to find out.

And again, there's no guarantee we'll do this again. We're going to help 12 people on October 2–3.

We'd love for you to be one of them.

Join the Authors Retreat

Being the Bad Guy

Not to be harsh, but so you know...

• This is first-come, first-served. We're not offering to reserve any spots for any reason.
We're looking for authors who are serious about thinking through their book idea.

• We're not offering payment plans. We need $1,299 in full, up front.

• There are no refunds offered.
The only refund available is if you decide to discontinue the workshop at the end of Day One.

• We're not offering a cancellation option.
If you do have to cancel, you have the option to put your payment towards any future workshops or services.

Ready? Let's Do It!