It’s a dream of mine to someday attend a writing retreat. My former professors will periodically post pictures on Instagram of their leisurely getaway spent holed up working on their next publication and all I can think is, Sign me up!

While certain writing retreats are specifically aimed at the academia set and require applications (but also offer grant opportunities and scholarships), I discovered that many are open to anyone who wants to attend. Whether you’re a beginning writer who wants a quiet place to get started or a seasoned author who is looking for the perfect place to finish up that latest novel, I guarantee there is a retreat that will meet your needs. Here’s a roundup of some of 2023’s offerings to help inspire you to make this your year for writing.

1. Cruising Writers
April 1–8, 2023, departing from Galveston, Texas

If you’re looking for a writing retreat that feels like a tropical vacation, this one may be for you. Launching out of a port in Galveston, Texas, retreat members will enjoy day trips to Mexico, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica. While on board, there will be one-on-one sessions with presenters (including Becca Syme, the author of the QuitBooks for Writers series, and Kirsten Oliphant, author and host of the Create If Writing podcast), as well as networking events with other writers. This year’s theme focuses on having participants create a personal plan to reach their own customized creative writing and marketing goals. A retreat like this might prove particularly helpful for writers who are uncertain of the best ways to promote their writing and social media presence.

2. 6 Day Ego Break Writer’s Retreat
May 25–May 30, 2023, Burnsville, North Carolina

Touted as a writing retreat for “novice writers, professional writers, and everyone in between,” the Ego Break Writer’s Retreat specifically focuses on character development and creativity. Participants will attend various workshops, including one that explores how dreams can be a source of inspiration for writing. They will learn techniques to use their dreams in pursuit of certain characters or plot lines. During their downtime, guests will have the opportunity to ride horses through the wilderness, enjoy a Reiki massage, and take a day trip to Mount Mitchell State Park.

3. Writers Who Run
July 10–16, 2023, Lake Junaluska, North Carolina

The name pretty much says it all. Retreat members will start their mornings with a two- to three-mile run or walk around the lake. They will then participate throughout the day in multiple workshops that explore everything from novel structure and the business of writing to social media presence and networking. Two hours of each day will be devoted exclusively to writing, with the addition of critique sessions in order to get maximum feedback. The faculty for this year’s retreat includes authors April Dávila, Rachel Werner, and Christie Wright Wild. All genres of writing are welcome. In their free time, participants can try out various activities like whitewater rafting, journal making, and waterfall hikes. The weeklong retreat culminates in a 5K or 10K Race for Literacy, which raises funds for a children’s literacy program and books for Georgia schools.

4. 4 Day Writing & Wellness Retreat
August 18–21, 2023, New Hope, Pennsylvania

This is your basic nuts-and-bolts type of retreat. Participants will begin each morning with some quiet meditation and journaling time. They will then move on to guided writing exercises and sharing with groups. Each day will introduce new ideas and techniques to incorporate into the writing process, as well as larger discussions to get feedback and constructive criticism from fellow writers. Every retreat member will get a one-on-one session with the retreat host, as well, where they can discuss anything from the workshop feedback to overall goals to troubleshooting specific issues. Writers are invited to spend their afternoon downtime furthering their craft, exploring the town, or taking a day trip into nearby Philadelphia.

5. The Writer Craft Writer’s Retreat
August 24–27, 2023, Marcola, Oregon

Memoirist and podcaster Valerie Ihsan hosts this workshop located on the banks of the McKenzie River in Oregon. This retreat caters to very small groups and is largely held outdoors. Participants will hear tips on the writing process, gaining inspiration, and utilizing networking opportunities. This year, Ihsan will tackle book structure, story hypothesis, plotting, and author action plans among other topics. Two thirty-minute coaching sessions are included for each member either before, during, or after the retreat. During their free time, writers can try a yoga or reflexology class.

6. Rockvale Writers’ Colony
September 29–October 1, 2023, College Grove, Tennessee

While Rockvale offers different themes for their retreats that are held throughout the year, this one specifically explores the “mind, body, and spirit replenishing techniques from the teachings of yoga, meditation, and acupuncture.” Those techniques will be looked at alongside current social neuroscience and interpersonal neurobiology research, which will all be combined into the practice of writing. Four workshops will be held, as well as a chance for a personal yoga or whole body relaxation session with the host. Retreat members will learn tools for their own somato-spiritual practices, in addition to plenty of journal prompts and free writing. When they are not writing, participants can enjoy the rustic woods of Rockvale’s hiking trails.

7. The Vibrant Landscape of Writing
October 8–12, 2023, Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Writers of fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry will receive one-on-one instruction from the retreat host, Page Lambert. A creative writing instructor at the University of Denver’s graduate school, Lambert will also host small group discussions. This extremely small retreat only admits seven writers at a time (five of whom are in residence). The vibrant fall foliage at this time of year will especially appeal to those who have always wanted a getaway to New England.

8. Stowe Story Labs
November 10–14, 2023, Cambria, California

If you’re in the business (or hobby) of screenwriting, this retreat is for you. Participants will have the opportunity to get their scripts reviewed by three different industry insiders in a total of three one-hour meetings. They’ll get ideas and feedback on their script, angle, and career trajectory. Additionally, there will be daily one-hour small group and peer-to-peer meetings plus group workshop sessions to help screenwriters learn how to develop their craft and how to avoid common pitfalls of the screenwriting business.

Andrea Moran lives outside of Nashville. She’s a professional copywriter and editor who loves all things books. Find her on LinkedIn.