Writing Excuses Retreats
WXR is a ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ of networking, support, education, and critique opportunities.
– 2023 Retreat Attendee
If you’ve been searching for a chance to meet your fellow writers in person, get words on the page, and take classes directly from the Writing Excuses hosts—now is your chance.
Since 2013, Writing Excuses has offered retreats and workshops designed to help writers connect, grow, and dig deeper into their craft. Our aim is to create safe and inviting spaces for generating ideas and honing skills. Beyond dedicated time at the keyboard, there are opportunities for instruction and connection, critique and brainstorming.
Writing Excuses Workshop & Retreat 2027
Writing Excuses: Indianapolis
June 10th-16th, 2027
Writing Excuses is thrilled to announce that, in partnership with Maurice Broaddus and the Ray Bradbury Center, that we will be hosting a week long Writing Workshop & Retreat in Indianapolis in June of 2027. Our theme of the retreat will be “Do What You Love, and Love What You Do”, inspired by Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury.
Your current confirmed instructors for this retreat will be Maurice Broaddus, Mary Robinette Kowal, and Jason Aukerman with more instructors to be announced soon. With five full days of classes, workshops, breakout sessions, and chances for one on one time with instructors we can’t wait to see you in Indianapolis next summer.
Plan to join us from June 10th-16th and subscribe to the Writing Excuses Newsletter to get updated when retreat tickets become available.
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Scholarship Opportunities
We have two different scholarship types available for Writing Excuses retreats—one for a writer in financial need, and one to a writer of color.
We fund these scholarships through one of our Patreon tiers and donations directly to us. If you’d like to donate please click here to do so. Each donation makes it possible for us to offer more scholarships and both us and the recipients appreciate it!
Applications for 2027 scholarships will open this fall.
Click here to read more about the scholarships.
Testimonials
“Regardless of where you are in your writing, the WXR event provides you with a wealth of opportunity to take the next steps. You will also join a community of other authors who bring their own knowledge and experience to help you continue in your writing journey.” – 2023 Retreat Attendee
“The obvious gain is everything I’ve learned in the classes, which are amazing! The less obvious is what I’ve gained through dinner conversations. Everyone at that table is a writer (or family) that has been where I am in my career and the things we talk about have blown my mind! WXR: Come for the learning, stay for the friends.” – 2023 Retreat Attendee
“WXR is a ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ of networking, support, education, and critique opportunities. I found the lectures to contain practical and applicable advice in a small group setting with ample interaction with instructors and like-minded attendees.” – 2023 Retreat Attendee
“The Writing Excuses Retreat was a wonderful experience! The instructors were very knowledgeable and were excited to discuss the craft of writing in classes, at office hours, and around the dinner table. I left with valuable insight into my own project, and made many new friends. Everyone was warm, welcoming, and supportive. The cruise amenities and destinations were just the cherry on top!” – 2024 Retreat Attendee
Retreat Programming
While each retreat will be unique with its own focus and intent, there are some things that always are part of the program. For specifics, check out the current retreat offerings but if you want to get a sense of what a retreat will look like scroll down for videos and explanations.
We are also currently releasing full class videos from our 2024 retreats on our Patreon. Join at the ad-free tier to watch them or buy them individually in our Patreon Store.
We also have some longer classes available for free on our Youtube Page.
Workshops & Masterclasses
Expanding on the content taught in the podcast, the workshops classes allow you time to dig deep with the hosts of Writing Excuses and our guest instructors. See below for some snippets and one half-hour class from our 2024 retreats.
Office Hours
Dig deeper into current blocks, ask for clarity over a class topic, or explore a new idea through a 1:1 session with instructors. These drop-in appointments are available throughout the retreat.
Breakout Sessions
Connect with one instructor and a small group of peers for more personalized feedback. Breakout sessions include:
- Critique Session: Members will submit a selection for group critique. This may be a novel excerpt, short story, or query letter.
- Unlocking Session: Unsure how to find time to write? Looking to hammer out your magic system? Unlocking sessions are formal brainstorming sessions where you get to “unlock” something that you’ve been stuck on.