Feb 21 2025 - Feb 23 2025

Build a Book Writing Retreat

Winter hibernation is a great time to write a book!

Long winter nights are the perfect time to start writing a book!  This weekend you will learn how to craft a bestseller from an award-winning editor.

This is an incredible opportunity to learn the tricks of the trade from an industry professional who has seen–and fixed–it all.  Often writers have a great idea for a story, but no idea of how to pull it all together. This weekend, you’ll start with that idea, then work through the steps you’ll need to take in order to
make your dream of becoming an author a reality.

You will learn the rhythm of storytelling—the story structure North American audiences expect—as well as tools to help you along the way,
such as storyboards and self-editing websites.

Writing a book can feel like a daunting task, but when you break it down, it not only seems clear–it becomes possible!

Your guide for this deep dive into writing is Brenda Chin, an award-winning editor.  She will teach you how to construct a page-turning story
that editors won’t be able to turn down.

We’ll mix in some yoga, meditation and movement to keep the creative juice flowing and keep your body happy.

 

Learn all Aspects of Writing a Book!

The Weekend will cover all crucial aspects of writing a book:

Friday evening – We’ll talk about the first steps… How do you start? Decide what kind of book do you want to write? Are you going to self-publish, or try for a traditional publisher? How to do your research, and ensure that what you’re writing is what publishers are looking for. How to target an agent or publisher. Tips for self-publishing.

Saturday – We’ll spend the day working with the 3-Act Structure. We’ll learn about beat sheets and how to construct a storyboard—basically, a road map for your story. We’ll discuss all the critical turning points for any novel, and find out how to avoid the notorious sagging middle. By the end of the day, you should have a solid framework for your story. All that’s left for you to do is to go home and start writing.

Sunday – You’ve written a book. Now what? We’ll discuss next steps, and spend
some time on self-editing.

During the retreat you will receive feedback from Brenda and benefit from the group
discussions of ideas and storytelling.

The Lesson Plan for the Weekend

Lesson 1—The first steps… How do you start? Decide what kind of book do you want to write? Are you going to self-publish, or try for a traditional  publisher? How to do your research, and ensure that what you’re writing is what publishers are looking for. How to target an agent or publisher. Tips for self-publishing.

Lesson 2 – Learning about the Beat Sheet, the rhythm of storytelling North American audiences expect. Understand the components that have to go into Act One.  Begin your storyboard and understand why it matters.

Lesson 3 – Learn what has to go into the first part of Act 2, as well as how to build tension and conflict (critical aspects of a good story). Find out how to avoid a sagging middle. Add this to your storyboard

Lesson 4 – Discuss the second part of Act 2, when things start to get difficult. Building up to the crescendo that is Act 3. Add to your  storyboard.

Lesson 5 – Act 3 – the big reveal. Learn how to give your story the ending it deserves, making sure you take care of any loose ends while bringing your reader to their knees with your incredible conclusion. Finish storyboard.

Lesson 6 – You’ve written a book. Now what? We’ll discuss next steps, and spend some time on self-editing.

RETREAT SCHEDULE

Friday, February 21
3 - 5 pm
Arrive and settle in to your cabin
5:00
Meet and greet in the studio, intro to the weekend agenda
6:00
Dinner
7:30
Dive into Lesson One of writing your book!
Saturday, february 22
7:30 am
Gentle yoga & meditation
9:00
Breakfast
10:00 - 12:30
Lessons Two and Three
12:30 pm
Lunch & free time - walk outside, book a massage, sit by the fire
2:30 - 5:00
Lesson Four and Five
5:30
Dinner
7:00
Restorative Yoga
Sunday, February 23
7:30
Morning movement
8:30
Breakfast and free time to pack up your cabin
10:00
Lesson Six - wrapping up the process with a clear map to go home and finsih your book!
12:00 pm
Lunch
Depart at your leisure or stay a while and enjoy the winter wonderland.

Meet Your Facilitator

Brenda Chin

Award-winning editor Brenda Chin has worked in the romance industry for more than 35 years. Throughout her many years as a Senior Editor with Harlequin, she had the opportunity to work with some of the best writers in the business, including such notables as Brenda Jackson, Jill Shalvis, and Vicki Lewis Thompson. During those years, Brenda also bought 74 new authors: Carly Phillips, Stephanie Bond, Julie Kenner, Leslie Kelly and Tawny Weber, to name but a few. Many of the authors she introduced to Harlequin have gone on to hit the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists. After leaving Harlequin, Brenda joined Belle Books as the Editorial Director of ImaJinn Books, where she learned a whole new side to the business and had the opportunity to work with some incredibly talented authors. Then she moved on to Entangled, joining the team as the Editorial Director of Entangled’s Brazen and Scorched lines. Currently, Brenda is a freelance editor, working with numerous Indie authors, as well as taking on projects for Belle Books, Tule, Dreamspinner Press, Zory.app, and DragonBlade Publishing.

Book Your Retreat

Friday February 21
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Sunday February 23
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Retreat Tuition

This retreat includes all meals, classes, and the accommodation you choose.  Rates are per person.

 

$575 + HST  shared accommodation – up to 4 people share a cabin

$650 + HST semi-private accommodation – 2 people share a room

$825 + HST private accommodation – private room all to yourself

* some cabins have 2 rooms

 

Have questions? Need help to register? We’d love to help you – please call 866-609-1793 or email [email protected]

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Shared - Cabin will be shared with up to 3 other guests of the same gender. If you are booking for just yourself, depending on the retreat, we will match you with other guests of the same gender.

Semi-private - Cabin will be shared with the 1 other person you are registering with. If booking alone, we will try to match you with someone of the same gender.

Private - Cabin for one person, not sharing with others.

Book now

The Centre

Welcome to Sugar Ridge! It is our mission to provide a space for you to be nourished in body, mind and soul. From completely silent to dip your toe, testing mindfulness, we have what you’re looking for!

21st February: Build a Book Writing Retreat