UNFORGETTABLE CHARACTERS & INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
A Virtual Writing Retreat for Fiction Writers
Friday March 1st - Sunday March 3rd
Join a small group of other committed writers for a weekend long intensive retreat where you will take a deep dive into your characters and plot through a series of interactive exercises, individual writing and group conversations. This 48 hour immersion is designed to help writers at all experience levels advance their works in progress in an intimate and trusting online setting.
This retreat is designed for fiction writers working on a novel. It is open to writers of all genres and experience levels, but will be especially helpful for folks in the early stages of a new novel, or working on a major revision.
Due to the nature of this retreat the group is limited to 20 participants. While not all of the time will be spent online (you have to sleep sometime) participants are asked to commit to the full experience to the extent their personal situation allows in order to get the most out of the retreat, both for you and everyone else involved.
The retreat runs from 7:00pm Friday March 1st to 4:00pm Sunday March 3rd. Due to the virtual nature of the retreat there is the opportunity to balance family / life requirements (walk the dog, feed the kids etc) during the retreat, but it is highly recommended that you set aside as much time as possible during that period to participate and stay focused with the group for best results.
The general retreat schedule is as follows:
- Friday evening - Introductions, Goal Setting, Tell us about YOUR book.
- Saturday morning - Main Characters
- Saturday afternoon - Villains, Lovers, Adversaries and Sidekicks
- Saturday evening - Group Challenges & Creativity Games
- Sunday morning - Incredible Journeys - Plotting experiences
- Sunday afternoon - Reversals, Setbacks and Plot Twists & Final Wrap up
Each session consists of a large group presentation & facilitated discussion followed by small group exercises where you will work on pieces of YOUR BOOK with 3-4 other writers. The individual and group work is an opportunity to test out ideas and fill in gaps in your own work, and to help others do the same for theirs.
*Please note all times published will be EST. If you are in another time zone please advise on your application below.
There will be some time between sessions for individual writing, one on one or small group conversations and other shenanigans.
After you are accepted you will be asked to submit a series of preparatory assignments including:
- retreat goals worksheet
- 1 page pitching document about your project
- A sample 10 pages from your novel
These tasks will be due by Friday January 26th. You will also be given regular (weekly) writing prompts which are optional, but intended as warm ups leading to the retreat.
The cost for the retreat is $248*. This cost includes hosting fees, retreat materials (both electronic and physical), a retreat SWAG BOX and a few other surprises along the way. If you are accepted into the retreat you will be asked to make payment in full by January 15th to secure your spot or it may be offered to another writer. There will also be two spots set aside for writers in need of financial assistance. There is a place in the application form below for anyone who wants to participate but needs financial assistance.
* Please note, shipping costs outside of the USA are not included. If accepted shipping options will be reviewed and approved with the individual prior to sending packages.
DO NOT LET COST KEEP YOU FROM APPLYING. If cost is the only thing holding you back from attending please be sure to check the box requesting financial aid and/or reach out.
if you are interested in participating please fill out the application form below and submit as soon as possible. Applications will close December 20th, 2023, but we reserve the right to close applications early based on the volume of responses. Invited participants will be notified by January 5th, 2024.
Application Form Below
