Writing Away Refuge Virtual Pitch Retreat over Zoom. Schedule for September 27-28th, 2025

"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 Standard Time--CST)

Friday, Sept. 26th

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

Saturday, Sept. 27th Schedule (Central Standard Time)

8:50 AM (CST)- Sign-in

9:00 AM-10:15 AM—Writing the Perfect Book Villain—Lee Ann Ward

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

10:30 AM-11:30 AM—Writing A Nonfiction Book Proposal—Allison Hong Merrill

11:30 AM—11:40 AM–Workshop Wrap-up

11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CST)—Individual pitch sessions with Vicky Weber

11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CST)—Individual pitch sessions with Zeynep Sen

4:00 PM—8:00 PM (CST)—Individual pitch sessions with Terrie Wolf

4:00 PM—8:00 PM (CST)—Individual pitch sessions with Haley Warrington

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. Sept. 28th, Schedule (Central Standard Time)

8:50 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—Goals, Motivation, and Conflict in Your Writing—Shannon Snow

11:30 AM—11:40 AM—Closing Remarks after Workshops & Prize Drawings

11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CST)—Individual Pitch sessions with Haley Casey

11:44 AM—3:55 PM (CST)—Individual Pitch sessions with Anna Clark

4:00 PM—8:05 PM (CST)—Individual Pitch sessions with Keyanna Davis

4:00 PM—8:00 PM (CST)—Individual Pitch sessions with Lissa Woodson