What type of programming is offered?
The 2022 retreat was specifically created for the editors of Black Editors Network, who were wanting a group getaway to somebody’s beach with piña coladas in fresh coconuts. Several members of Black Writers Collective wanted to join them since the 2020 and 2021 writers retreats, with their workshop and coaching programs, were both postponed and then ultimately canceled.
Thus, we designed the 2022 retreat to give both groups the opportunity to choose to do whatever they want to do:
What is described on the home page is exactly what this retreat is—a retreat getaway offering relaxation in a tropical environment and bonding activities for members of both networks, and we opened it up to the public. Many writers attending are simply looking for an inspiring environment to get away and write. This year, there is no program and no registration fee.
If you’re looking for workshops on the craft of writing, editing, or publishing, this particular Writeful Retreat is not the one for you. (You might check out the Black Girls Who Write retreat in downtown L.A.) If you’re looking to connect with fellow writers, meet editors and book coaches, talk writing and get questions answered, potentially find a critique partner or group, enjoy a luxurious stay at a beachfront all-inclusive resort, enjoy excursions with a fun group of literary creatives, put in blocks of undisturbed time on a writing project while gazing out over a turquoise horizon and sipping rum punch, or simply get away for a slice of paradise and do absolutely nothing, then here it is.
Catch us in 2023 for retreats that bring back our workshops.
What kind of group activities are planned?
Group excursions (catamaran cruise to Isla Mujeres, ferry to Cozumel, outing on Fifth Avenue, etc.) are planned, and being on time to those if you want to go is the only structure required. Dinner gatherings with roundtable discussions on novel writing, editing, book coaching, publishing, and other topics are also included, but these are informal discussions with no panels, no keynotes, no presentations—just subject matter experts sharing during dinner.