Β
Five Days Β· A Castle Β· Your Writing Life
Storybook Inkspiration
at theΒ Castle
A writers retreat unlike anything you've experienced.
Five days. A real castle. Everything included.
A Real Castle in the Ouachita Mountains
This isn't a hotel conference room. It isn't a church retreat center. It's a castle β in the mountains of southeastern Oklahoma, surrounded by the most concentrated forest in the state.
We chose this place deliberately. Writers do their best thinking when they're somewhere that feels like a story. And for five days, this is exactly where you'll be.
Everything happens on-site. You arrive and you don't have to think about logistics again until you leave.
What's Included
Everything. Included.
When we say all-inclusive, we mean it. One price covers your entire stay β from arrival to departure. No surprise expenses. No add-on fees. Just five days completely dedicated to your writing life.
Accommodations
Shared bunk room included. Private rooms available β see pricing below.
All Meals
Every meal, every day. Arrive hungry β you don't need to think about food.
Coaching Sessions
Structured coaching sessions throughout the weekend β not filler, real work.
Manuscript Critiques
Get professional eyes on your work. Feedback that helps you move forward.
Professional Headshots
Author photos and retreat photos β because you'll finally have content worth sharing.
Roundtables with Industry Experts
Real conversations with publishing professionals β not a panel you watch.
Pitch Party Option
Present your manuscript or illustrator portfolio to publishers and industry guests.
Writing Time
Scheduled time to actually write β because a retreat that leaves no time to write missed the point.
Rest & Networking
Intentional margin built in. Time to breathe, connect, and remember why you write.
Optional Add-On: Safari Park Excursion
Explore a nearby safari park as a group β starting at $35. Additional experience options available. Sign up when you register or contact us for details.
Who You'll Learn From
Industry Professionals.
Real Feedback.
The retreat faculty includes published authors, illustrators, publishers, and coaches β people actively working in the Christian children's writing world, not just talking about it.
Terrie Hellard-Brown
Christian children's author, founder of Hypurpley Books, award-winning writer, and church planter based in Thailand. She built a writing career in the margins of a full ministry life.
Hannah Prewett
Illustrator of multiple published picture books, agented author, and speaker at Mt. Hermon Vision Conference. One of the most sought-after voices in Christian children's illustration.
Dawn Stephens
Award-winning author of The Little Pot series, writer, illustrator, speaker, and the new CEO of EA Publishing. She brings a publisher's perspective to every manuscript conversation.
Also featuring: Heather Sudbrock
Writer's business coach helping authors build money-making writing businesses β because the craft and the career have to work together.
Present Your Work
to Real Publishers
If your manuscript is ready β or your illustrator portfolio β you'll have the opportunity to pitch it directly to acquiring publishers and industry professionals at our Pitch Party. This is a real opportunity. Not a simulation. Not a classroom exercise.
The Pitch Party is optional β participate only if your work is ready. Either way, being in the room is invaluable.
All-inclusive pricing.
No surprises.
Both options include everything listed above. The private room option simply upgrades your accommodation.
Shared Room
- Shared bunk room accommodation
- All meals included
- All coaching & critique sessions
- Professional headshots & photos
- Roundtables with industry experts
- Pitch Party participation option
- Writing time, rest & networking
Private Room
- Private room accommodation
- All meals included
- All coaching & critique sessions
- Professional headshots & photos
- Roundtables with industry experts
- Pitch Party participation option
- Writing time, rest & networking
Need a payment plan?Β Contact usΒ at the email link below,Β and we'll work something out. Don't let the upfront total be the only reason you don't come.Β