From Good to Great: Sharpening Your Writing Craft

In-Person Writing Retreat

The Atrium Hotel and Suites - Dallas, Texas
March 21–23, 2025
Facilitator: Len Leatherwood

Dear Writers,

I’m delighted to invite you to SCN’s upcoming in-person writing retreat, From Good to Great: Sharpening Your Writing Craft, a weekend designed to spark your creativity, deepen your craft, and connect you with a supportive community of fellow writers.

Whether you’re writing flash memoir or fiction, crafting a long-form memoir, or developing a novel, this retreat will help you refine your skills, explore new approaches, and leave inspired to continue your writing journey.

Over this three-day event, we’ll immerse ourselves in the art of storytelling with workshops focused on craft, hands-on practice, and meaningful opportunities to connect with like-minded women writers.

This retreat is as much about connection as it is about craft. You’ll have ample opportunities to enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded women writers in a warm and welcoming environment. I look forward to welcoming you, hearing your stories, and supporting you in your writing journey.

Warm regards,

Len Leatherwood
Award-Winning Author & Retreat Facilitator

What’s Included

~ Four immersive workshop sessions (detailed agenda below)
~ Writing and sharing cycles.
~ Creating or deepening friendships with fellow women writers.
~ Complimentary breakfast with your stay.
~ Snacks and beverages during select sessions.
~ Transportation to/from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

What’s NOT Included

~ Lunch and dinner (a list of both on-site and close-by dining options will be provided).
~ Hotel accommodations.

**Book your stay at The Atrium Hotel and Suites by calling (972) 513-0800 and mentioning SCN Writing Retreat for the group rate ($125.35/night (including tax). Call the hotel directly for this low rate.)**

Pricing

About Len Leatherwood

Your writing instructor for this retreat is Len Leatherwood, an award-winning teacher who has been teaching writing privately to students in Southern California for the past 24 years. Len is not only a published author of flash fiction and memoir, personal essay, and an eleven-year daily blog entitled "20 Minutes a Day," but is also a two-time nominated for the prestigious Pushcart Prize, which is the best of the small presses. Len's novel, Hope in a Time of Dying, will be released in the coming weeks. She is also the Online Classes Coordinator and Vice President of Story Circle Network. In addition, she has been a Licensed Professional Counselor for the past thirty years. For questions, you may email Len at lenleatherwood@gmail.com.

Detailed Agenda
**Schedule subject to change**

Friday, March 21

3 pm: Check-In & Settle-In

5 pm: Welcome & Introductions (light refreshments provided)

~ Workshop: Building Characters That Drive Scenes: Create rich, multi-dimensional characters who leap off the page.

~ Writing & Sharing

7 pm: Dinner Break (on your own or with other attendees).

8:30: Evening Gathering at Indoor Pool & Jacuzzi (optional)

Saturday, March 22

Note: Breakfast is included with your hotel stay

9 am: Interactive Workshop: Anatomy of a Scene and Sequel

~ Learn how to include the essential elements of scene and sequel to layer emotional depth and propel your stories forward

~ Writing & Sharing Cycle

Noon: Lunch Break (on your own or with new friends)

1:30 pm: Workshop: Dialogue & Voice

~ Enhance your dialogue skills and learn more about how to develop your writing voice

3 pm: Snack/Networking Break

~ Light refreshments and beverages provided

3:30 pm: Writing & Sharing Cycle

5 pm: Dinner Break (on your own or with friends).

7 pm: Fireside Reading

~ Bring something to read and share with everyone

8:30 pm: Evening Gathering at Indoor Pool and Jacuzzi (optional)

Sunday, March 23

Note: Breakfast is included with your hotel stay & beverages and light refreshments will be provided during the morning session

9 am: Workshop: Structuring the Story

~ Explore the three-act structure, a timeless framework that provides clarity and momentum for stories of all lengths.

~ Writing & Sharing Cycle

11:30 am: Reflections & Goodbyes

Noon: Transport to airport from hotel.

Registration & Payment

**REMINDER: Book your stay at The Atrium Hotel and Suites by calling (972) 513-0800 and mentioning SCN Writing Retreat for the group rate ($125.35/night, including tax). You will only receive this guaranteed low rate if you call the hotel directly.**

SCN Members:
Members must be logged in to receive the member rate

~ Now through February 15, 2025: $375
~ February 16 through March 10, 2025: $400

Non-Members:

~ Now through February 15, 2025: $400
~ February 16 through March 10, 2025: $425

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Please fill out a separate form for each person attending.

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