We’ve been hitting summer reading pretty hard for the last few months, but readers and writers go hand in hand. And writers need to refresh their spirits too. From a Georgia mountain retreat to a week of workshops by the South Carolina sea, we’ve rounded up four retreats that are accessible for everyone and promise to provide inspiration, instruction and transform your writing.
The Writer’s High Retreat
September 9-11
Brasstown Valley Resort
Young Harris, Georgia
Launched last year in North Carolina by former PR writer Mari Ann Stefanelli, The Writer’s High Retreat is relocating to the North Georgia Mountains this year. This retreat is supported by the Atlanta Writer’s Club, hence guest author Joshilyn Jackson, along with Michael Morris, Jessica Handler and Clifford Brooks. Stefanelli says her goal with this retreat, which includes workshops, presentations and time for writing, is to keep it small enough for her fellow introverts while also making sure attendees leave feeling transformed. Registration closes August 11 and is $779 for a single room and $586 per person for a double.
Tinderbox Writers Retreat
September 25-29
The Blue Terrazz Beach House
Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina
This brand-new retreat organized by The River Witch author Kimberly Brock will encourage writing by the sea from a beachhouse on Sullivan’s Island. Special guests include Dr. Ann Garvin, founder of Tall Poppy Writers, and author Kristy Woodson Harvey, who will help kick things off at a welcome dinner. Morning workshops and evening readings will make up most days, with afternoons kept silent for writing, and beach walks and naps encouraged. Attendees will be challenged to explore the deeper questions about what they want to say in their writing and have the opportunity to meet with Brock one on one to discuss manuscripts in progress. As of August 4, eight spaces were still open. Cost is $750 for those staying on-site and $375 for off-site; deposits are due by September 9.
Ossabaw Island Writers’ Retreat
October 28-30
Ossabaw Island, Georgia
For more than 50 years, creatives have traveled to Ossabaw Island, outside of Savannah, to seek inspiration. Past participants of this retreat include Ralph Ellison, Annie Dillard, Margaret Atwood, T.C. Boyle and Alice Walker. This year’s event will be a Halloween Writer’s Bash and feature workshops and seminars led by nationally recognized faculty (Lenore Hart and Harrison Scott Key) and evening readings with a special emphasis on ghost stories. Tuition is $1,095, and the application deadline is August 15.
Key West Writers’ Workshop Program
January 16-20, 2017
Key West, Florida
Immediately following Key West Literary Seminar, which has already filled up its registration slots, the 2017 Writers’ Workshop will include faculty Jennine Capó Crucet, Billy Collins, Marie Myung-Ok Lee, Kristen-Paige Madonia, Michael Maren, Daniel Menaker, Kate Moses, Rowan Ricardo Phillips and Dani Shapiro. This program provides writers at all stages of development with opportunities to explore the craft of writing, and enrollment in each workshop is limited to 12 participants to ensure individual attention. Evening activities will offer opportunities for networking through lectures and presentations, open readings and a sailing trip. All workshops meet for three hours a day and are priced at $550.
Featured photo from Ossabaw Island Writers’ Retreat Facebook page.
George Weinstein / August 17, 2016
If I could please add a fifth writers conference to this list:
Atlanta Writers Conference
November 4-5, 2016
Westin Atlanta Airport Hotel
On Nov. 4-5, the Atlanta Writers Club will host its 15th Atlanta Writers Conference. Twice each year, this conference brings to Atlanta well-respected acquisition editors from the large publishers and highly recommended literary agents, along with other industry experts, to give participants two days of education about the craft and business of writing as well as opportunities to advance their writing careers. Nearly two dozen past participants have received publishing deals and/or agent representation contracts following these conferences. The Nov. 4-5 conference will feature six acquisition editors, six literary agents, a marketing workshop taught by an expert from HarperCollins, query letter critiques, manuscript critiques, pitches, editor and agent Q&A panels, and free educational and social activities open to all participants.
Full details and registration instructions are at http://www.AtlantaWritersConference.com.