Becoming a Master Writer

Saturday, November 2, 2024 : 9 am – 4:30 pm

Take your writing to the next level in an intimate writing retreat at beautiful Ravens Crest, overlooking the Potomac River in Newburg, Maryland. This one-day retreat is designed to deconstruct and demystify the creative process for struggling and/or aspiring writers. We’ll look at the moving parts involved in how to write a novel or memoir, then drill deeper into the finer points of storytelling.  There will be writing exercises and opportunities to share your work and receive feedback. By the end of the day, you’ll have the skills, confidence, and strategies to take your writing to a professional level.

The day includes a box lunch crafted to your order as well as coffee, tea, water and snacks throughout the day. Feel free to bring a bottle of wine to enjoy the sunset after the retreat.

9:00 – 9:30 am – Arrival, coffee, tea and enjoy a walk on the historic property

9:30 am – 12:30 pm – Morning Session
– How to Write a Novel or Memoir (An Overview)
– Bringing a Scene to Life

12:30 – 1:30 pm – Enjoy lunch on one of the three porches with company or find a quiet space in the house or farm to write or reflect

1:30 pm – 4:30 pm Afternoon Session
– Characterization Through Dialogue
– Facing Your Writing Fears

About Your Instructor:
Award-winning novelist, writing coach, and manuscript editor John DeDakis is a former editor on CNN’s “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.” DeDakis is the author of six mystery- suspense-thriller novels. His most recent novel, Enemies Domestic, begins on pregnant protagonist Lark Chadwick’s first day as White House press secretary. The first question she’s asked comes from a reporter with an agenda: “Are you, or are you not, planning to abort your unborn child?” DeDakis, a former White House correspondent, regularly leads writing workshops at literary centers and writers’ conferences. He is also the host of the video podcast “One-to-One.”

11 maximum participants, 5 minimum. 6 spots currently available

Master Writer Retreat

All inclusive for one participant – workshop, lunch, snacks, drinks. Two weeks prior to event we will send out menu choices.

$295.00

All retreats and workshops are held at Raven’s Crest in Newburg, MD. Unless noted, they are held rain or shine. There are no refunds once purchased but you can transfer it to a friend. If the minimum participants is not reached, the workshop will be cancelled at least a week in advance and you will be refunded in full. Once the maximum is reached, then the event will be removed from the page for purchase. Within 24 hour after purchase, you will receive details including directions. Please let us know of any allergies or other concerns. We welcome any questions you may have before or after purchase.