Join us for a hands-on writing retreat at Old Barn Studios in Hamilton, Montana June 27-30, 2024. Led by Natalie Hirt and Suzy Vitello, this workshop combines instructional and generative sessions, critique and the option to have your work reviewed by a seasoned developmental editor.
FORMAT & SCHEDULE • Arrive the afternoon of Thursday, June 27th at 5:00 pm, for a social wine/mocktails & snacks welcome, followed by an evening bonfire if weather permits.
• Friday we’ll start the day with an informal “porch coffee” at 8:30 before heading into workshop. We’ll have a craft discussion with exercises, and then break into critique groups to share our work. Suzy will lead the morning session.
• From 11:00 to noon, Natalie will hold pre-made consultation appointments* for anyone who has opted for the extra editorial.
• At noon we’ll break for lunch (dietary restrictions available—just let us know in advance). From 1:00 pm to 2:00, Suzy will hold pre-made consult appointments* for anyone who has opted for the extra editorial.
• At 2:00, Natalie will lead an afternoon session. Dinner on your own.
• Saturday will follow the same agenda, with the addition of a hosted dinner/book event in the nearby town of Hamilton. Dinner, and a copy of Suzy’s latest release, BITTERROOT, will be included, details to come.
• Sunday morning we’ll gather on the porch for coffee and baked goods, and one final workshop gathering before parting ways at noon.
• Accommodations: Nearby Hamilton has many different accommodations. Old Barn Studios is located just outside of town: 911 Westside Road Hamilton, Montana 59840
FOCUS
• We’ll look at ways to strengthen our line-level writing and generate new material from our existing drafts. We’ll explore how openings, point-of-view choices, tense and pacing impact the reading experience. All levels and prose genres welcome.
BIOS Suzy Vitello holds an MFA from Antioch, Los Angeles, and works as a freelance developmental editor and book coach. Her novels include The Moment Before, The Empress Chronicles, The Keepsake, Faultland and Bitterroot (out May 21st). Her award-winning short pieces have appeared in AARP, The Rumpus, TheSouthampton Review, Mississippi Review, anthologies and other literary journals. Suzy has been a recipient of an Oregon Literary Arts fellowship.
Oregon Literary Arts fellowship recipient Natalie Hirt earned an MFA from UC Riverside. Her short stories and essays have been published in various literary magazines, including Kalliope, Rumpus, Orangelandia, The Selkie and Tiferet. She splits her time between Washington and California, and works with authors as a developmental editor and book coach. COST
•$450 limited to 12 participants, all activities and most meals included. Accommodations not included.
• Ready to claim your spot? Email Suzy subject line: old barn retreat. $100 commitment deposit via check or Venmo. Balance due June 15.**
*Suzy and Natalie are available for one-on-one consultations. Booked separately, these include whole or partial manuscript reviews for a special discounted workshop price. Email Suzy or Natalie for more information. **We can work out a more graduated payment plan if money is an issue.