Writing Away Refuge Zoom Pitch Schedule for February 7-8th, 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, Feb. 6th

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

Saturday, Feb. 7th Schedule (Central Time)

8:55 AM (CST)- Sign-in

9:00 AM-10:15 AM—Master Plotting—Lee Ann Ward

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

10:30 AM-11:30 AM—Scenes and Sequels—Matt Varga

11:30 AM—11:35 AM–Wrap-up

11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CST)—Individual pitch sessions with Jenniea Carter

11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CST)—Individual pitch sessions with Amy Giuffrida

11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CST)—Individual pitch sessions with Ann Leslie Tuttle

4:00 PM—8:00 PM (CST)—Individual pitch sessions with Rebecca Love

4:00 PM—8:00 PM (CST)—Individual pitch sessions with Emma Fulenwider

4:00 PM—8:00 PM (CST)—Individual pitch sessions with Ashley Lopez

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. Feb. 8th, Schedule (Central Standard Time)

8:55 AM—Sign-in (CST)

9:00 AM-10:15 AM—Writing Strong Female Characters—Joyce Scarbrough

10:15 AM—10:30 AM—(Break)

10:30 AM-11:30 AM—Conflict is Crucial—Lee Ann Ward

11:30 AM—11:35 AM—Closing Remarks

11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CST)—Individual Pitch sessions with Jessica Larios-Zarate

11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CST)—Individual Pitch sessions with Brandy Vallance

11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CST)—Individual Pitch sessions with Sobi-Dee Burbano

4:00 PM—8:00 PM (CST)—Individual Pitch sessions with Alisha West

4:00 PM—8:00 PM (CST)—Individual Pitch sessions with Kelly Thomas

4:00 PM—8:00 PM (CST)—Individual Pitch sessions with Connor Smith