Retreat

WRITERCON RETREAT IN WAGONER, OK

July 17-21, 2024

Join us 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!

The instructional portion of the retreat is $599, and you will leave inspired to move forward in your writing journey! The hotel & food pricing will range based on your choice of single, double or triple occupancy and hotel room vs. cottage. Let us know who you plan to room with when you register.

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

“Family can be a double-edged sword. I finally let my daughter read some of my work. I’ve been reluctant, as she’s been very critical. As she read, she kept saying, ‘this is really good. The retreats are paying off big time.’ I’ve learned more about what I don’t know and it’s been a help. Having fun and kind instructors isn’t a hardship either.”

Katrina Stephenson

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click on a question below for the answer.

Will you cover writing craft, or marketing, or publishing?

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.

What hours will we be in class?

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.

Why don't you publish the topics you will cover?

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.

Will you edit our manuscript?

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.

I’ve heard about the famous WriterCon conference swag bag. Will we get one at the retreat?

You better believe it. Our ace team has already started putting them together. They will knock your socks off!

SCHEDULE

We will meet for five days, Wednesday through Sunday, at least four hours a day. We will fill those sessions with critique, interactive discussions of various writing and publishing topics, editing, and much more. You will submit a partial manuscript before the retreat begins so your instructors, William and Lara Bernhardt, will be familiar with your work and ready to offer useful feedback when you arrive. We will also have free time for optional activities, meals and other fun surprises. Best of all, you will meet your new writing family, people with whom you can consult, commiserate, or collaborate long after the retreat ends. Many retreat groups we’ve taught have remained in touch and become close-knit writer families.

VENUE

We will meet at the beautiful Canebrake Resort in Wagoner, OK. We are excited to bring the WriterCon Retreat to the Canebrake! A vintage Oklahoma venue that has been modernized under its new ownership. Situated on 300+ acreas, there is plenty of space for you to relax and stimulate your creativity. Available activities include swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, golf simulator*, spa*, yoga, pickleball, game room – and more!

Spa and golf simulator are additional fees.