Hi friends!
I just got back from my writer’s retreat. I lead two a year, but this year, it will be three. I thought as writers and readers both, you might enjoy seeing behind the scenes.
The retreat was hosted in Hedgesville, WV. It’s a beautiful neighborhood of lovely cabins spread out over the entire landscape. Trees fill the space, providing privacy and places for the wildlife to climb or nestle under.
Here’s a picture of the sunrise one morning while the woodlands were waking up.
We had a lovely group of five ladies plus two helpers and me, bringing us to a quaint total of eight. I LOVE running smaller groups, so we all get to know each other on a personal basis.
This year I had a writer who’d finished her first manuscript through published authors. A big range, but the classes really seemed to hit home on different levels—based on attendee feedback.
So, what do we do at a retreat? We have workshops I give on craft topics, author friends who Zoom in to lead workshops, writing time, one-on-one meetings with each attendee, and my favorite time—fellowship time. Friendships were bonded, and I look forward to us all staying in touch.
We watched movies for story structure application and just for fun, and we laughed a lot. My favorite part is always the unstructured fireside chats. I was very proud of the fire I made.
I also loved seeing wildlife. My favorite was this woodpecker right off our porch.
If you have any questions about writer retreats, be sure to comment below. I’ll be sharing on reader retreats soon, but there are two things I want to share before I wrap up.
First, I’m headed on a book tour to Arizona, Texas, and Iowa. You can check out the majority of my book tour schedule here: https://danipettrey.com/tour-dates/
Would love to see you there!
Last but not least, I’m kicking off a pre-order giveaway. Simply pre-order a copy of Two Seconds Too Late and fill out this Rafflecopter by April 15th. I’ll announce the winner on April 17th. I wish you the best with it!
Forge Your Own Adventure Giveaway!
A Journal
A Photo Album
A Flashlight Pen
A Reading Spoon Bookmark With Quote
*Items may differ in size, color, and verbiage
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4605e8019/
Thanks so much for dropping by. I’d love to know if you’ve ever been to a writer or reader retreat before, or if you have any coming up this year? Would love to meet up with you if we’re at the same event.
Blessings,
Dani
Latest posts by Dani Pettrey (see all)
- A Sneak Peek into a Retreat & Giveaway - March 26, 2025
- Favorite Reads - March 12, 2025
- Dani’s Favorites - March 2, 2025
What a wonderful location and event the writers retreat looks like. I’ve participated in one with Realm Makers and absolutely love the smaller group atmosphere. Then, much to my surprise, I looked at your picture and know some of the participants. What fun. It’s a precious gift you give when sharing your knowledge and talent.
Aww. Thanks so much. Thrilled you’ve enjoyed the smaller group atmosphere.
I can attest to the fact that your retreats are wonderful! (Even if you weren’t actually there!) I am so sad that my schedule won’t allow me to participate this year, but I know each one will be unique and just what each author or potential author needs. Good job, Dani!
Aww. Thanks so much! I’m so bummed I won’t get tot see you this year.
I’ve been to a couple of writer retreats.
I loved having you there!
I have not been to a reader or writing retreat but I’m hoping I can come to one of your writing retreats this year, if it’s in the fall there is a strong possibility that I can come this year.
Would love if you can make it.
Do you know when/where they are yet for this year?
I attended this amazing event and have to count it as the most beneficial and fun retreat I’ve ever experienced. The ladies were welcoming and friendly (I was the oldest–the “Boomer”) and everyone was patient and kind. The food was delicious (thanks to Kelly and Jacinta, and Dani’s mom’s recipes). Dani was everything you could ask for in a leader. I especially loved the sessions on Tension & Anticipation and Subtext. I filled pages and pages in my notebook and will review them with each chapter I write (though not in the first draft, right, Dani?) I’m so grateful for the one-on-one time I was able to spend with Dani. She told me what I’m doing right and the one thing that would “fix” my issue with too much inner dialogue in chapter one. Thank you!
I wholeheartedly and sincerely recommend attending Dani’s retreats. You will come away full and enriched and oh so blessed.