Working Draft Writing Retreat
May 31 - June 1, 2025
🌈 It's TIME! 🌈
Join us for the second annual online "Working Draft Writing Retreat" on May 31 – June 1, 2025! 📚✍️
🌟 Kick off the retreat with a Welcome Session & Meet-and-Greet on the evening of May 30, where you can connect with fellow writers and our amazing guest instructors before diving into two full days of immersive writing activities.
At the Working Draft Writing Retreat, you can expect:
✨ Dedicated time to focus on your writing.
✨ Opportunities to recharge and reset in a supportive environment.
✨ Techniques for crafting fiction, with workshops taught by Z.A. Maxfield, Meg Perry, C.S. Poe, and DK Sutton.
✨ Time to interact with fellow writers, share ideas, and build your writing community.
This retreat is designed to support and inspire writers at all levels. Don’t miss out!
📅 Save the dates: May 30 (Welcome Session) & May 31 – June 1, 2025
📍 Location: Online (Google Meet)
🔗 Space is limited—register now to secure your spot! https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/hodgkinblount/working-draft-writing-retreat-2025
FAQ
1. What is the Working Draft Writing Retreat?
The Working Draft Writing Retreat is a weekend-long opportunity designed for writers to learn, recharge, and dedicate focused time to their writing. This immersive retreat allows participants to step away from their daily routines and connect with other writers in a supportive and inspiring environment. Whether you're working on a novel, short story, flash piece, or other form of prose fiction, our retreat provides the perfect setting to enhance your skills and gain new insights. Please note that this retreat is not the appropriate forum for nonfiction writing, screenplays, poetry, etc.
2. Who can join the retreat?
Anyone with an interest in writing can join! Our retreat is open to writers of all genres and experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out, you’ll find a welcoming community here.
3. How do I join the retreat?
To join the retreat, simply sign up here: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/hodgkinblount/working-draft-writing-retreat-2025. Availability is limited, so register today to secure your spot.
4. Why isn't the retreat free this year?
Unfortunately, last year we had a significant number of people register for the retreat and then not attend, which meant that people on the waitlist missed out on a valuable opportunity. To avoid "ghost registrations," we're asking everyone to pay a nominal fee. That money will be used to pay the guest instructors a small honorarium.
5. What should I bring to the retreat?
Nothing except a willingness to participate, listen to others, and engage in discussions.
6. Where will the retreat be held?
The retreat will be held online via Google Meet. Details on how to join the online sessions will be provided closer to the retreat.
7. What is the structure of the retreat?
Here is the provisional schedule. Please note that this is subject to change. (All times are CDT.)
Friday, May 30
7pm-7:30pm - Opening session
7:30pm-8:30pm - Meet and Greet
Saturday, May 31
9:00am-10:00am - Class/workshop 1: DK Sutton, The Butterflies Effect: Going Beyond the Words to Craft Irresistible Stories Readers Can't Put Down.
10:00am-10:05am - Break
10:05am-10:35am - Goal setting
10:35am-11:35am - Writing Block 1
11:35am-11:40am - Break
11:40am-12:00pm - Debrief 1
12:00pm-1:00pm - Lunch
1:00pm-2:00pm - Class/workshop 2: C.S. Poe, Cinematic Storytelling: Film Techniques Applied to Fiction Writing
2:00pm-2:05pm - Break
2:05pm-2:35pm - Goal setting
2:35pm-3:35pm - Writing Block 2
3:35pm-3:40pm - Break
3:40pm-4:00pm - Debrief 2
4:00pm-5:00pm - Mix and Mingle
5:00pm-7:00pm - Dinner
7:00pm-8:30pm - Readings
Sunday, June 1
9:00am-10:00am - Class/workshop 3: Meg Perry, Sustaining Characters for the Long Haul
10:00am-10:05am - Break
10:05am-10:35am - Goal setting
10:35am-11:35am - Writing Block 3
11:35am-11:40am - Break
11:40am-12:00pm - Debrief 3
12:00pm-1:00pm - Lunch
1:00pm-2:00pm - Class/workshop 4: ZAM Maxfield, Writing in Hard Times
2:00pm-2:05pm - Break
2:05pm-2:35pm - Goal setting
2:35pm-3:35pm - Writing Block 4
3:35pm-3:40pm - Break
3:40pm-4:00pm - Debrief 4
4:00pm-5:00pm - Mix and Mingle
5:00pm-7:00pm - Dinner
7:00pm-8:00pm - Readings
8:00pm-8:30pm - Closing remarks
8. What if I can't attend part of the retreat?
Some people may not be able to attend every session for a variety of reasons. Recordings of DK Sutton's, C.S. Poe's, and Meg Perry's workshops will be available for a short time during and after the retreat (please note: these will not be available permanently).
9. How can I provide effective feedback?
At the Working Draft Writing Retreat, we focus on a judgment-free sharing experience. While critiques and feedback are not part of our structure, we encourage participants to offer words of encouragement and appreciation for the shared works.
10. What if I’m nervous about sharing my work?
It’s normal to feel nervous about sharing your work. Remember that everyone in the retreat is here to learn and grow as writers. Our community is supportive and encouraging. Sharing your work in a judgment-free environment can be a valuable experience, and you’ll gain confidence in your writing.
11. How can I stay updated on retreat events and announcements?
Registered attendees will receive updates and announcements via email.
12. How can I help?
We need moderators! If you're willing to help moderate the goal-setting, debrief, and mix-and-mingle breakout rooms, please indicate this on your registration, or contact Gregory Ashe directly.
13. Who can I contact for more information?
For more information, please contact Gregory Ashe: gregory@gregoryashe.com.