Writing Away Refuge Zoom Pitch Schedule for
September 19-20th, 2026

"I wanted to take a moment and offer you my most sincere thanks. I signed with Katie Reed today. Your support made all the difference. This organization has been such a blessing in my life."  --Cherisa Jerez, Writing Away Member who pitched Katie Reed at our Writing Away Weekend Virtual Retreat in January 2023.

​

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

​

 

Friday, September 18th, 2026

 

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

​

 

Saturday, September 19th, 2026 Schedule (Central Time)

 

8:55 AM (CST)- Sign-in

 

9:00 AM-10:15 AM—Why POV is Important—Lee Ann Ward

 

10:15 AM-10:30 AM (Break)

 

10:30 AM-11:30 AM—Identifying the Right Genre & Tropes for Your Book—Najla Mamou

 

11:30 AM—11:35 AM–Wrap-up

 

​

11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CST)—Individual pitch sessions with Kristina Lennon Sutton

11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CST)—Individual pitch sessions with Alicia Brooks

​

4:00 PM—8:00 PM (CST)—Individual Pitch sessions with Najla Mamou

​​​

8:15 PM—9:15 PM (CST)—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. September 20th, Schedule (Central Standard Time)

 

8:55 AM—Sign-in (CST)

 

9:00 AM-10:15 AM—Showing Vs. Telling the Shirley Jackson Way—Joyce Scarbrough

 

10:15 AM—10:30 AM—(Break)

 

10:30 AM-11:30 AM—Why Identifying Your Target Audience Matters—Lee Ann Ward

 

11:30 AM—11:35 AM—Closing Remarks

​​

 

11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CST)—Individual Pitch sessions with Jackie Kruzie

11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CST)—Individual Pitch sessions with Stuti Shah

​

4:00 PM—8:00 PM (CST)—Individual Pitch sessions with Hollie Michaels

4:00 PM—8:00 PM (CST)—Individual Pitch sessions with Brianna Aideen

​