Writing Away Refuge Zoom Pitch Retreat Schedule for January 10-11th, 2026

(Please note that all times are Central Standard Time--CT)

Friday, January 9th

Practice Pitches Over Zoom—7:30 PM—9:30 PM (Central Time)

Saturday, January 10th Schedule (Central Time)

8:50 AM (CT)—Sign-in

9:00 AM-10:45 AM—Verbalize—Damon Suede

10:45 AM-11:00 AM (Break)

11:00 AM-11:30 AM—Industry Q&A with Lee Ann Ward

11:30 AM—11:35 AM–Workshop Wrap-up

Agent Pitch Blocks

11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CT)—Individual pitch sessions with Gracie Freeman Lifschutz

11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CT)—Individual pitch sessions with Katrina Lemaire

11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CT)—Individual pitch sessions with Laurie Dennison

4:00 PM—8:00 PM (CT)—Individual pitch sessions with Alexandra Grana

4:00 PM—8:00 PM (CT)—Individual pitch sessions with Nikki Carrero

4:00 PM—8:00 PM (CT)—Individual pitch sessions with Lindsey Aduskevich

8:15 PM—9:15 PM (CT)—ZOOM After Party for attendees—We're here to answer all your questions about agents, traditional publishing, giveaway some cool prizes, and have a little fun!

Sunday. January 11th Schedule (Central Time)

8:50 AM—Sign-in (CT)

9:00 AM-10:15 AM—Critique Groups and Beta Readers—Joyce Scarbrough

10:15 AM—10:30 AM—(Break)

10:30 AM-11:30 AM—Sensory Writing and Why It's Important—Lee Ann Ward

11:30 AM—11:35 AM—Closing Remarks after Workshops & prize drawings

Agent Pitch Blocks

11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CT)—Individual Pitch sessions with Eva Oakes

11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CT)—Individual pitch sessions with Claire Elliot

11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CT)—Individual pitch sessions with Ritu Anand

4:00 PM—8:00 PM (CT)—Individual Pitch sessions with Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong

4:00 PM—8:00 PM (CT)—Individual Pitch sessions with Kristen Bertoloni

4:00 PM—8:00 PM (CT)—Individual Pitch sessions with Lydia Caudill