There’s nothing quite like a writing workshop, conference, or retreat to get writing inspiration flowing and help overcome writer’s block. They provide a change of pace, a chance to relax and unwind, and space to focus on your craft. These events can also offer opportunities to connect with other writers and build community and a network of support. If you’re thinking about going to a writing retreat or conference this year, here are some options that involve traveling to new places which will certainly allow you to step out of the everyday norm and into a new creative headspace.   The Writing by Writers Tomales Bay Workshop When: October 26-30, 2022 ​Where: The Marconi Conference Center is located along the east shore of Tomales Bay near the quaint community of Marshall, California. The location provides dramatic views of the bay and lush inland hills of the Point Reyes Peninsula. This writing workshop in California brings emerging writers into close community with nationally known poets and writers. Classes are limited to 12 participants for manuscript critique workshops and 15 for generative workshops to ensure an intimate setting. Workshops are held each morning for four consecutive days. The workshops allow participants to work closely with a nationally known writer, to receive constructive feedback from their peers, and to spend four intensive days dedicated to creativity. Afternoons are reserved for panels by our faculty on craft, student readings, and time to write. Evenings feature readings by faculty and special guests. Find additional information regarding pricing,…

As gift-giving season draws closer, publishers look to retailers to stock up for the holidays, but this season, one of the largest retailers, Amazon, decided to drastically cut book orders to publishers. The cuts are due to space issues in Amazon’s warehouses as they make room for “bigger-ticket items for Black Friday and Cyber Monday,” Publisher’s Weekly suggests. This choice to cut orders has a significant impact on publishers, resulting in lower sales during a season when publishers count on high buy-ins. Amazon’s decision is especially hurtful to indie publishers who rely heavily or completely on Amazon for sales. The decision “will affect publishers’ bottom lines for months to come,” Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) states. Despite the fact that Amazon began as an online bookstore in 1994, its ever-increasing dominance and power creates a dependency that ultimately hurts the book industry. Amazon has no devotion or concern for the book industry, and its decision to cut book orders demonstrates just how important it is for book lovers to avoid Amazon for book purchases. The head of one company suggested moving more sales to retailers like Walmart and Barnes & Noble, but the best thing book buyers can do to support the industry is to make purchases from local independent bookstores. Purchasing from indie bookstores supports jobs, authors, and the local economy in a way that large retailers like Amazon simply cannot. Despite its convenience, Amazon is ultimately a harm to the book industry. This season, support your local community…

Sometimes you need a change of scenery to spark your creativity, and events like writing retreats, conferences, workshops often provide a change of pace, a chance to relax and unwind, and space to focus on your craft. These events can also offer opportunities to connect with other writers and build community and a network of support. Some even double as opportunities to travel to faraway destinations. If you’re thinking about attending one this year, here are some destination writing retreats and conferences to help fuel your inspiration.   San Francisco Writer’s Conference When: February 6-9, 2025 About: The 21st annual San Francisco Writers Conference will take place at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco. Attendees will join 100+ presenters and fellow writers from across the country and around the world at this year’s event. The SFWC events are consistently rated among the top writers’ conferences anywhere. Our goal is to help writers become published authors as we help them become better at the craft of writing and the business of publishing. The event spans four days and offers optional Pre- and Post-Event 3-hour Master Classes. There is copious networking with the very people who can advance your writing career, a glorious gala, keynotes, and continental breakfasts, lots of social interaction with other writers, our Pub Quiz, and an invaluable ‘practice your pitch’ session. Want feedback? Attendees can have a free one-on-one session with an independent editor, book coach, and marketing expert. There will be exhibitors with services and tools for writers,…