October 15th-18th, 2026
You’ve got a novel to write!
Let’s get started!
Join us in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains for an experience like no other.
Stay at Wildacres Retreat this Fall
Spend three nights in one of the most beautiful areas of the country at its more glorious time of year! This is a residential workshop where your all-inclusive fee covers a three-night stay, two full workshop days, all meals, and plenty of time to learn and write!
What Past Attendees Are Saying
“I drove 8 hours one way to attend the Novel Writing Workshop at Wildacres. I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again. The advice and encouragement I received from workshop teachers and fellow writers spurred me to finish my novel when I returned home. I think there’s magic on that mountain top!”
Beverly Turner
“I decided to attend the Wildacres Novel Writing Workshop right at the deadline. I’d hesitated due to an intensely hectic family travel schedule, but Fiction Faculty member Barbara Claypole White encouraged me to attend, knowing how much I would benefit. To make it happen, I scraped together frequent flyer miles to get from Lafayette, LA, to Charlotte. Once I made it to the mountain, I felt elevated and energized by the magic. The workshop community, the faculty themselves, and the high caliber of feedback and interaction were exponentially worth the extra travel arrangements, and I would do it again in a heartbeat!”
Sheryl Cornett
Author of NO SECRETS IN THIS HOUSE: A Novel of Ocracoke Island
“I have participated in numerous writing retreats, one-on-one critiques with agents and published authors, and peer writing groups, all of which have been helpful to some extent, but the Wildacres Writers Retreat was far and away the most incisive and to-the-point experience of them all. First, the structure was brilliantly laid out. The leaders were insightful, knowledgeable, and amazingly both supportive and direct in their critiques. And the help did not end when the retreat ended, but followed up with support for the next stage of the journey. The gorgeous mountain-top setting provided the perfect environment for inspiration and creativity.”
Ann Trousdale
✓ Instruction
✓ Encouragement
✓ Inspiration
What to Expect at this Workshop
Beginners and seasoned writers welcome. You do not need to have a completed novel to take this workshop!
It doesn’t matter if this is the first book you’ve written or the twentieth. Beginners and seasoned writers are all welcome.
Classes are kept small so that attendees receive time and attention to their work and so that discussions are focused and personal. This is a time for writers to get needed feedback, critique, instruction, and most importantly encouragement and inspiration for their novel in progress no matter what stage the writing is in.
What makes us even more special: There is no hierarchy at Wildacres Writers Workshop, so faculty and attendees all mingle together on the patio and at meals creating a community that lasts long after you leave. You will get to know each other and your faculty members in a small group setting that allows for a wonderful sense of connection.
How Does it Work Exactly?
When you register, you will choose a teaching team from our faculty with whom to take a class. Classes will be a combination of craft discussions and workshopping of the first 10 pages of your novel. In addition to class you will have the opportunity to:
- Attend a publishing Q & A with our faculty
- Participate in a student reading night
- Attend the faculty readings
Before the workshop begins you will be in touch with your team teachers and the other members of your class so that you can get acquainted and share manuscript pages. You will read and comment on the novel pages from the other members of your class (no more than 10 people per class) before you get to the workshop. Your workshop leaders will give you more instruction so don’t worry if you’ve never participated in a workshop before!
Note about Wi-fi and tech. This is a low-tech facility in a hi-tech world. You’ll find that you like that once you get there. You will want to either download materials so that you can access them on your computer without internet connection or print them out. Pen and Paper is King!
Fees and Schedule
$625.00
Your fee covers a double occupancy room for three nights, all meals, your workshop, and all programming activities. Is that really all it costs? Yep!
We partner with Wildacres Retreat which is a non-profit center that strives to bring people together for the betterment of human connection and creativity at a price that makes it possible for as many people to attend who can. In keeping with that spirit and goal, we keep our prices for you low as well!
Payment information:
A 50% deposit is due upon acceptance of your registration. Once your registration is received you will be sent information on how to submit payment via check, Venmo, or Zelle. (Other options are available if you do not prefer these.)
The balance of your fee will be due by September 1, 2026
See the policies page for information about cancellations and refunds.
Schedule
Thursday, October 15, 2026
3:00-4:00 p.m. Check-in and get settled into your room
5:30 p.m. Patio Mixer Meet & Greet
6:30 p.m. Dinner (all meals are family style in the dining hall)
8:00 p.m. Orientation and Meet the Faculty
Enjoy conversations on the porch or get to bed early
Friday and Saturday, Oct 16th & 17th/ Class and writing days
8:00 a.m. Breakfast
Morning class session
12:30 p.m. Lunch
Afternoon class session
5 p.m. Happy Hour on the Patio
6 p.m. Dinner
7 p.m. Evening Program
Patio gathering to chat and relax until bedtime
Sunday, Oct 18, 2026
8:00 a.m. Breakfast.
Head on home to work on your novel!
Friday and Saturday additional information:
When your class is not in session, you are welcome to use your free time to write, enjoy the grounds, or sit on the patio and porches to talk with fellow writers and enjoy the beautiful view.
Evening programs will include activities such as readings from the workshop leaders, a panel discussion about writing and publishing, and an opportunity for attendees to read from their work as well if they would like to.
There will also be a book sale where you’ll be able to purchase books by the workshop leaders and other curated selections featuring current novels and writing related books.
2026 Faculty Teaching Teams
When you register you will choose a teaching team to study with both of the class days. Your class will be your oasis! You will bond with your fellow writers and your workshop leaders. Our leaders are all acclaimed and published authors working today! Take some time to read about each author and choose the team with whom you’d most like to study.
Faculty
Downtime
You will have plenty of time to write, enjoy the grounds, and relax. Meals are included in your fee and are shared family-style in the beautiful Wildacres Retreat dining hall right on campus providing time to sit with different folks at each meal so that you can get to know all your fellow writers and teachers.
Lodging and Meals
There are two lodge-style buildings at Wildacres connected by a beautiful stone patio. The patio and the lodge porches boast comfortable rocking chairs overlooking the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains. Rooms are comfortable but rustic–that means there are no televisions (you won’t need them), microwaves or refrigerators (we have those in the canteen), and no daily maid service. Think mountain-top cabin style and you’ll have a good picture in your mind.
Rooms are booked at double occupancy (retreat facility rules) which means that you will have a roommate. You can get together with a writing buddy and share a room or we will pair you with a roommate. Don’t worry about this part–so many lifelong friendships have been forged at Wildacres.
This stand-alone campus is an escape from the real world. Classes, meals, and lodging are all within steps from each other. The kitchen is able to accommodate most dietary needs and that information will be collected from you when you register.
Other Policies and information
See the policies page for details about illness policies, code of conduct, and refunds.
Sound Good? What to do next!
It takes courage to call yourself a writer and to mean it. You are a writer and now is the time to take your work seriously. You have a story to tell and this is an opportunity like no other to immerse yourself in your work and your future.
Questions: Reach out to the director, Amy Willoughby-Burle, at wildacreswriters@gmail.com