Hello there! I am thrilled to announce the inaugural A Writer’s Life Retreat happening April 22-25, 2020, at Hotel Viking in Newport, RI. If that’s not exciting enough, let me add that this is a Tall Poppy Writers’ Lab co-branded event. The Tall Poppies Writers’ Lab is part of an initiative to help writers be successful.

The theme for this Retreat is SPRING FORWARD. And I have three powerhouse, bestselling authors, and fellow Tall Poppy Writers —SONALI DEV, JESSICA STRAWSER, and HEATHER WEBB — joining me as presenters to help you move your writing forward — to the next level, to the next stage of revision, or even to the next word count goal. We will delve into key topics on craft and publishing, and share intel and wisdom drawn from our collective decades’ of experience to support you in moving your work forward. Plus, I have carved out that necessary, oh-so precious time you need to actually sit down and write.

GENERAL SCHEDULE:

Wednesday 04/22 — Arrival/Travel Day

Welcome Dinner 7 PM -10 PM

Thursday 04/23

Optional Yoga or Run/Walk at 6 AM

Breakfast 8 AM-9 AM

Morning Address; Presenter HEATHER WEBB at 1:30 PM

You Had Me at Hello:In this workshop, learn what makes an opening grabby—or trite—and how to win the agent or editor’s eye for which you're vying. We’ll look at first lines, clichés, and techniques for making opening pages both appealing and original, by examining samples of the greats. Attendees are invited to bring a copy of the first five pages of their opening to swap pages for peer edit.

Morning Snack 10 AM

FREE WRITE/GROUP WORK 10:30 AM

Lunch, Noon-1 PM

Presenter SONALI DEV at 1:30 PM

Finding Deep POV at the Intersection of Author Voice and Character Voice: Agents, editors, and readers repeatedly declare that the single most important and elusive thing they look for in writing is voice. The other ubiquitously acknowledged fact is that mastering deep POV is the way to make your writing not only more immersive but also more emotional, evocative, and fun. There is a sweet spot where a writer masters author voice and nails character voice, and that takes the book from being a good read to being unforgettable. Learn to identify, hone, and manipulate author voice and character voice to deepen POV and understand the connection between the two to make your stories distinctly your own and so memorable that they stick in readers' minds forever and ever.

FREE WRITE 3 PM - 4:30 PM

High Tea & “Fireside Chat” w/ Presenters (tentative; 4:30 PM)

DINNER ON YOUR OWN 6 PM

Friday 04/24

Optional Yoga or Run/Walk at 6 AM

Breakfast 8 AM-9 AM

Morning Address; Presenter JESSICA STRAWSER at 9 AM
Building Suspense (in Any Genre) by Acting Out of Character:
Once you’ve established who your characters are, you can thicken your plot by giving them reasons to act out of character. (Think of the meek heroine who suddenly lashes out, the reliable parent who runs off, or the villain who shows an unexpected kindness—they all make you want to know why.) This interactive fiction workshop will teach you how this underutilized technique can be used on a large scale (propelling an entire novel’s plot) or a small one (adding twists, turns and interest) to create page-turning stories sure to satisfy.  

Morning Snack 10 AM

FREE WRITE/GROUP WORK 10:30 AM

Lunch, Noon-1 PM 

Presenter NICOLE BLADES at 1 PM
How to Save Your Character From a Drowning Story:
As writers, we've all experienced that moment when it becomes painfully clear that the story we're working on just isn't. We've tried to twist and bend it this way and that, but we've come to the end of the rope on the manuscript and have to let go. But what if the character/protagonist won't let go of you? What if the character continues to haunt you and you simply cannot give up on them? Here's how to rescue a great protagonist from a less than great story and not end up throwing the baby out with the bathwater. This presentation will offer actionable tips for ways to salvage the "good" from a story before hitting DELETE.

Optional Group Outing to Newport Cliff Walk at 3 PM 

FREE WRITE 5 PM-7 PM

Farewell Dinner & Wrap-Up 7 PM-10 PM

Saturday 4/25

Breakfast 8 AM-9 AM; Goodbyes!
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The cost of the Retreat is $495 (USD), and it includes all meals outlined in the schedule above (except for Thursday’s dinner, noted as “On Your Own”); an exclusive swag bag; and admission fees for all group outings and activities — which are optional and will mostly take place during FREE WRITE time, should you need some fresh air or a change of scenery to get the creativity flowing! You will have complimentary Wi-Fi in your rooms and dedicated Wi-Fi in meeting spaces; a 50 percent discount on valet parking; a 10 percent discount at the Spa; and use of the indoor pool, jacuzzi, and fitness center at Hotel Viking.

BUY YOUR TICKET NOW! Space is limited; secure your spot today.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS:

Reserve your hotel room at the special block rate using this reservation link: Writers Retreat. This room block is available until MARCH 23, 2020.

Important Information:

• Closest airport is T.F. Green Airport (PVD) — (28 miles/40 mins away)

• Alternate airport is Boston Logan Airport (BOS) — (74 miles/90 mins away) 

• Hotel Viking is at One Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840 (driving directions)

Hotel Viking is a gorgeous, award-winning, luxury property situated atop Newport's Historic Hill neighborhood with breathtaking views of Bellevue Avenue. Hotel Viking, established in 1926, has reminded a revered destination for 90 years.

More details — including presenter session descriptions — coming soon! Stay tuned.