Best In-Person Writing Workshops and Retreats by Stephanie Bearce

Rejections, critiques, revisions, more rejections. Let’s face it writing is a tough business and staying motivated can be difficult. I have found that one of the best ways to renew my writing spirit is to attend in-person writing workshops and retreats. Don’t get me wrong – I love the technology that allows me to attend writing seminars and classes in my jammies. But there is nothing that replaces the camaraderie and inspiration of fellow writers.

Sitting down with other writers and sharing questions, brainstorming, and problem solving can re-light that writing fire. Plus, meeting other writers give you the opportunity to develop long-term writing friendships. We all need writing friends in this journey. They are the ones who will cheer us past the rejections and get us back to the computer.

I’ve assembled a list of some of the best writing retreats. Some I have personally had the pleasure of attending, and others are highly recommended by writing friends.

Take a look at these great offerings and find the retreat that will renew your writing spirit!
 
Advanced Nonfiction Craft Retreat - KS/MO SCBWI - September 13-15 2019
Spend time working on your nonfiction projects and learn from James Solheim, author of It’s Disgusting and We Ate It.
 
Writing for the Educational Market - Highlights – June 23-27, 2019
Time for writing, and learning from nonfiction gurus like Jan Fields, Paula Morrow, and Karl Jones.
 
Master Class in Writing Nonfiction for Children and Young Adults - Highlights July 13-17
Learn about the many angles of nonfiction writing from editorial to story structure. And enjoy time to revise and brainstorm.
 
Adventures in Nonfiction - Iowa SCBWI September 7
Network with other nonfiction authors and learn from Carolyn Yoder, Miranda Paul, and Jaqueline Briggs Martin.
 
Autumn Frost Retreat - Indiana SCBWI - November 8-11, 2019
Time for learning, networking, and writing in a lovely lodge.
 
Fall Focus on Craft Retreat - Maryland SCBWI November 1-3
Three tracks including PB, MG and Illustrators.
 
Squam Lake Writing Retreat – September 6-8, 2019
Speakers from Charlesbridge, and Candlewick with time for writing and renewal.
 
Big Sur Writer’s Workshop - December 6-8, 2019
Run by the Andrea Brown Literacy Agency, offers workshops by editors and agents with time for networking and writing.
 
Whispering Pines Writers Retreat October 2-4 and October 22-24, 2020
Rustic retreat in Rhode Island with one-on-one mentorship opportunities.