Retreat
WRITERCON RETREAT AT THE CANEBRAKE
July 16-20, 2025
Our 2024 retreat was the first one at The Canebrake Resort and it was epic! We are already excitedly looking forward to next year. Join us in July of 2025 for a five-day, small-group writing retreat at the 300-acre Canebrake Resort in Wagoner, OK, on Ft. Gibson lake. Our retreat group will have the resort to ourselves with paths to hike, a pool to enjoy, bikes to ride and much more!
This retreat will leave you inspired to move forward in your writing journey!
Attendance is limited!
TESTIMONIALS
“I’ve gained invaluable knowledge and found a community of like-minded individuals at WriterCon. This event has been a great source of inspiration and support for me. I attended my first WriterCon in 2022, followed by another in 2023. In addition, I’ve participated in two small-group WriterCon retreats and even went on a WriterCon cruise in 2023. Thanks to the amazing instructors and supportive community, I have become a two-time award-winning author and, more importantly, made lifelong friends.”
Jenny LaBranche
RETREAT LEADERS & MENTORS
William & Lara Bernhardt will be your hosts. 2025 mentors and agent will be announced at later dates.
William Bernhardt
Author & Publisher
Lara Bernhardt
Author & Publisher
MENTOR TO BE ANNOUNCED
MENTOR TO BE ANNOUNCED
MENTOR TO BE ANNOUNCED
SCHEDULE
Wed July 16th
- Check-in available at 2pm
- Charcuterie, Wine & Beer Welcome Reception
2pm-3pm - 3pm Session
- Dinner
Thu July 17th
- 8-9 Continental Breakfast
- 9-1pm Session
- 1:00pm Lunch
- 6pm Dinner
- Evening Event
Fri July 18th
- 8-9 Continental Breakfast
- 9-1pm Session
- 1:00pm Lunch
- 6pm Dinner
- Evening Event
Sat July 19th
- 8-9 Continental Breakfast
- 9-1pm Session
- 1:00pm Lunch
- 6pm Dinner
- Evening Event
Sun July 20st
- Continental Breakfast or Upgrade to their epic Sunday Brunch with Prime Rib
- 9am Session
- Check Out by 12
VENUE
We will meet at the beautiful Canebrake Resort in Wagoner, OK, just about an hour from Tulsa. The Canebrake is a vintage Oklahoma venue that has been modernized under its new ownership. Situated on 300+ acres, there is plenty of space for you to relax and stimulate your creativity.
Available activities include swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, golf simulator*, spa*, pickleball*, game room – and more!
*Spa, golf simulator, and pickelball are additional fees.
ALL INCLUSIVE INSTRUCTION, ROOM & MEAL PACKAGES
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Hotel Room
There are 8 hotel rooms with king beds. They can be split to two twins for double occupancy.
Single Occupancy $1,995
Double Occupancy $1,800
Queen Suite Cottage
There are 4 Queen suite, one-room cottages featuring one queen bed and one king bed. The king can be split into twins for triple occupancy. Private Deck w/ Seating, Gas Fireplace, 4 cozy chairs.
Single Occupancy $2,250
Double Occupancy $1,995
Triple Occupancy $1,800
King Suite Cottage
There are 4 King suite, one-room cottages featuring one king bed, 2 cozy chairs & fireplace, desk & chair. The king can be split into twins for triple occupancy. Private Deck w/ Seating,
Single Occupancy $2,250
Double Occupancy $1,995
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click on a question below for the answer.
All of the above. Happily, having been a bestselling author and publisher in this industry for more than 30 years, William Bernhardt can discuss all aspects of the business. People who are just starting may prefer craft classes, while people who have more polished manuscripts, or who have published in the past, may be interested in marketing, agents, and publishing houses. We will provide whatever will help you most. We can also make referrals to the many agents who have participated in WriterCon programs.
We let the participants determine the exact hours, but we’ll start in the morning, work for at least four hours, then break so that you can apply what you’ve learned. Talking is fine, but the goal is to get these ideas and improvements down on paper!
If you want. At some point during the retreat, we will ask those in your small group to exchange email chapters so you can get feedback from others. This is invaluable. You’re not only getting feedback, you’re being given beta readers you may keep for the rest of your writing life. You don’t have to accept all the opinions, but it never hurts to hear them hear them.
Because what we cover completely depends on who is there. We ask for your manuscripts in advance so we can plan accordingly, choosing topics that best serve your needs. When we break into smaller groups, you’ll be paired with people writing similar work, so again we can focus on your needs.
We will certainly read and advise. But most people bring manuscripts in their early stages, and actual line-editing is pointless when there’s still revision to do.
You better believe it. Our ace team has already started putting them together. They will knock your socks off!