Why Writing Away Refuge?
This is not your average writers conference. Hosted in the deluxe "Resting Beach Place" beach house in Gulf Shores, Alabama, Writing Away Refuge is a writers' paradise. No boring hotel rooms, cardboard food, or mundane activities. Writing Away Refuge is the retreat experience with workshops, first chapter consults, and agent pitches all included, but in a relaxing retreat setting. Three fresh, delicious meals prepared daily and all-inclusive, including dishes with fresh, local seafood. Beautiful single rooms with private bathrooms and shared bedrooms and bathrooms, balconies,
heated swimming pool, elevator, beach access with dune walkover crossing directly from the house to the beach.
Writing Away Refuge is a chance to get away with your muse in a luxurious setting on the gorgeous Gulf Coast.
You want workshops? You got it!
You want a quiet, beautiful location to finish your novel? It's all here!
We promise maximum feedback with minimal interruption.
Lodging space is limited to 21 writers, so register now! (Individuals and couples pricing available)
12 Non-lodging spaces available.
You can register here for your desired lodging or non-lodging option.
Our Mission
To give writers the boost they need in mind, body, career, and spirit through good advice, good food, valuable feedback, and solid industry connections.
Retreat Details:
Dates: October 2nd-6th, 2026
(4 nights)
Location: GULF SHORES, ALABAMA
Costs: $1000 person (Shared bedroom/bathroom option)
$1500 (Single room-King Bed & Private Bathroom/ask about couples pricing)
Total cost includes: Lodging for 4 nights and 5 days, three daily meals and snacks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages), first chapter manuscript consults & contest, master workshops from industry professionals, 10-minute private pitch sessions with NYC agents, afternoon Q & A sessions with agents and retreat staff, intimate atmosphere for writing and networking,
Writing Away Refuge gift bag with goodies.
(21 Lodging Spots available/ First come, first served)
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Daily Retreat for Non-lodgers:
Includes registration day and keynote dinner on Oct. 2nd;
& 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. daily for October 3rd-5th.
Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks provided):
$750 per person
Daily attendance includes: first chapter manuscript consults & contest, all master workshops, 10-minute agent private pitches, intimate atmosphere for writing and networking,
Writing Away Refuge gift bag with goodies and all house amenities.
(12 spots available for non-lodging attendees/ First come, first served)
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Non-lodging attendees may also attend for one or two days only for $250 daily.
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It pays to be an early bird! We book out the house and our non-lodging spaces quickly! You can register for our live retreat here.
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(MORE PHOTOS OF THE BEACH HOUSE HERE!)
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FIRST CHAPTER CONSULT CONTEST!
Top Ten will be announced and recognized.
2nd place winner receives $250 cash prize.
Winner receives $500 cash prize.
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Need a first chapter consult, but can't make it to Gulf Shores? For $29.95, a member of the Writing Away Refuge staff will critique your first chapter and give you valuable feedback on your hook sentence, structure, and content. The opening of your book is the first thing an editor and agent sees, and it needs to be phenomenal.
Get input from some of the best in the industry.
And, as an added bonus, all first chapters submitted (including retreat attendees' submissions) will be judged and the Top 10 will be recognized. The second place winner will receive $250, and the winner will receive $500.
See First Chapter Contest page to inquire & submit your first chapter for the 2026 contest!
For the 2026 contest, all first chapters must be emailed to: leeannward@writingawayrefuge.com no later than July 15, 2026.
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Deluxe accommodations
and amenities:
Luxurious 3-story "Resting Beach Place" beach house with elevator. 11 bedrooms
(Available for writers: 4 private bedrooms & bathrooms and 2 shared bedrooms with up to 5 beds each & 11 total bathrooms and 2 half baths. 7000 square feet. Easy beach access with crosswalk from house, heated swimming pool, Wi-Fi, televisions, indoor game room and media room.
Gorgeous patios and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.
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