Writing Away Refuge Virtual Pitch Retreat over Zoom. Schedule for July 19th-18th, 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, July 18th

 

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

​

 

Saturday, July 19th Schedule (Central Standard Time)

 

8:50 AM (CST)- Sign-in

 

9:00 AM-10:15 AM—Plotting the Conflict & What's the Difference?—Lee Ann Ward

 

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

 

10:30 AM-11:30 AM—Beta Readers: Who They Are and Why They Matter—Allison Hong Merrill

 

11:30 AM—11:40 AM–Workshop Wrap-up and Prize Drawings

 

​

 

 11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CST)—Individual pitch sessions with Kristen Terrette

 

11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CST)—Individual pitch sessions with Liv Ivanov

​

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

​

4:00 PM—8:00 PM (CST)—Individual pitch sessions with Shannon Snow

 

​​

​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. July 20th, Schedule (Central Standard Time)

 

8:50 AM—Sign-in (CST)

 

9:00 AM-10:15 AM—Show, Don't Tell—Lee Ann Ward

 

10:15 AM—10:30 AM—(Break)

 

10:30 AM-11:30 AM—Story Structure & Pacing for Commercial Success—Mark Gottlieb

 

11:30 AM—11:40 AM—Closing Remarks after Workshops

​​

 

11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CST)—Individual Pitch sessions with Maggie Sadler

​

11:50 AM—3:50 PM (CST)—Individual pitch sessions with Caitlin Blasdell

​​

4:00 PM—8:00 PM (CST)—Individual Pitch sessions with Mark Gottlieb

​​

4:00 PM—8:00 PM (CST)—Individual Pitch sessions with Jordan Hill

​

​