2025 Writers Retreat

The RMFW 2025 Writers Retreat is scheduled for Thursday, May 29 to Sunday, June 1 at the beautiful Franciscan Retreat Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Immersed in this tranquil environment, authors are encouraged to come and work, network with other authors, join a critique group, and gather valuable knowledge from others in the industry. Lodging and meals are included in the price of the retreat. Registration is open. Rooms sell out fast and reservations are first come, first accepted. Questions can be directed to Sunshine Knight, Retreat Chair, at retreat@rmfw.org. 

We are excited to have Angie Hodapp, October Santerelli, Kelley Lindberg, and Z.S. Diamanti presenting workshops this year. Kate Jonuska will return for morning yoga sessions.

Workshops:

Friday 9:00am – Genres, Tropes, and Word Counts: Knowing What You Write, Who It’s For, and How To Deliver the Goods presented by Angie Hodapp

Friday 1:00pm – Characterization Through Orientation and Identity presented by October Santerelli

Saturday 9:00am – Do Your Settings Work as Hard as You Do? presented by Kelley Lindberg

Sunday 9:00am – Making Magic with Reader Magnets presented by Z.S. Diamanti

Register here!

FAQ

How much does it cost to attend the retreat?
RMFW does not aim to make money on the retreat; we aim to break even. We divide the total costs (location rental plus speaker fees) by the target number of attendees to give you the most affordable experience possible.

The costs to attend the 2025 retreat are:

  • $449 | Single attendee rate. Three nights with a room to yourself, plus meals.
  • $349 | Roommate rate. Three nights sharing a room with two (or three) twin beds, plus meals.  
  • $75 | Days Only rate for writers who want to make their own lodging arrangements or drive home at night. This covers one day of the retreat plus all meals for that day. You may select one or more days.

Where is the retreat located?

7740 Dear Hill Grove, Colorado Springs, CO 80919.

What’s included in the cost of registration?

  • Three nights’ lodging in one of the Franciscan Retreat Center’s comfortable rooms. Additional nights are available if you would like to extend your stay. Contact the FRC to check availability.
  • All meals (Thursday dinner through Sunday breakfast). The Franciscan chefs cook for the Sisters as well as retreat guests, so food allergies they can accommodate are gluten free and vegetarian. There are plenty of food options, but please be aware these are the only ones they can guarantee.
  • Access to FRC’s vast grounds and all their guest amenities, including massage therapy, native trails, a labyrinth, and a peace park.
  • Minutes-away access to Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds, Cripple Creek, Glen Eyrie Castle, The Olympic Complex, and Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
  • After-dinner author readings and informational chats.
  • Four craft focused workshops and daily yoga sessions.
  • The opportunity to meet and spend time with other writers.
  • The opportunity to relax and draw inspiration from the gorgeous mountain views and relaxed setting.
  • The opportunity to spend time focusing solely on being a writer.
  • Writing Time