Frequently Asked Questions


  1. Registration opens July 19, 2022.
  2. Yes, we are able to make dietary accommodations. 
  3. Yes, you will receive one faculty 1-on-1 critiques for any portion of one manuscript (up to 2,000 words) so long as you register by April 5th.
  4. Yes, there are private single rooms available, but they are limited in number.
  5. Yes, there is a shuttle service from the ASHEVILLE (AVL) airport. It will pick up on Monday at 3:00 and return on Sunday by 11:00 AM.
  6. Yes, lodging is included. Food is included. The race is included.
  7. The cost for a private room is $3125. See the pricing page for other options.

How many people show up?
  • There is a 1:7 faculty-to-attendee ratio. Space is limited to 27 attendees .

Is there a shuttle?
  • Yes! We will depart from the ASHEVILLE (AVL) airport at 3:00 PM on Monday. The cost is included in the retreat tuition.
  • There are also rental cars available from the airport, if you prefer to drive yourself. Or if you prefer to drive from a larger airport (Charlotte and Atlanta are 2-3 hours away), rentals are also available there.

Will I fit in? What if I don't run a lot? How old is everyone?
  • Yes! You WILL fit right in!
  • Faculty and Attendees are mostly female.
  • We are a varied group of writers and runners at all different levels.
  • Age ranges from 20s to 60s with the majority being in their 30s and 40s.

I don't normally run a lot. How can I prepare?
  • If you can walk for 2 hours, you can finish the race.
  • If you are running 2-4 days a week, you will be fine. Aim for 30 minutes during the week and an hour on the weekend. Or you could aim for distance instead of time. Run 2-4 miles during the week, and 5-6 miles on the weekend. Either way is good.
  • Don't buy a brand new pair of shoes just before a race. You might end up with blisters. But if you don't have ANY running shoes, then go to a running specialty store and get their opinion.

Is this retreat for a specific genre or a specific type of writer?
  • We focus on a love of running and writing. Writers and runners at all levels are welcome!
  • You may be a beginner type of runner and an advanced writer, or you might be an advanced runner while you're a beginning writer, or anywhere in between!
  • You may write for children (picture books, middle grade, young adult), or you may write for adults. The staff is well-rounded.
  • Fantasy, historical, science fiction, suspense thrillers, mysteries, romance... It doesn't matter. Bring it!

What do I need to bring?
  • pens, pencils, paper, journal, notebook, laptop, flash drive, etc.
  • your novel, so you can finish it or continue working on it
  • a copy of your first two chapters (for taking notes during roundtable critiques)
  • or two shorter manuscripts (i.e. picture books, etc.)
  • running shoes and running clothes
  • casual clothing, swimsuit, and toiletries
  • bug spray, sunscreen, bandaids
  • an open mind and a willingness to learn

How do I submit my manuscript?
  • Only 2,000 words
  • We will email you as it gets closer to the event to give you important details and reminders. 

What is standard manuscript formatting?
  • Double spaced
  • 12-point font
  • Times New Roman
  • Use a header with last name, title of ms, and page number
  • Don't number first page
  • Start each new chapter on a separate page
  • Type chapter title in ALL CAPS
  • Use a 5-space tab for all paragraphs
  • Name and contact information at top left-hand corner of first page
  • Word count for each chapter at upper right-hand corner

How do I give a good critique?
  • Print out the manuscripts (mss) you have been assigned to critique. Write your notes in the margins,
  • -OR- Type your comments into a Word document, print, and bring it with you.
  • This is not meant to be a line-by-line editing session. Focus on the story, not necessarily the writing.
  • Writers will want to know what is working well, and what is confusing. Share ideas.
  • You may circle things and put a smiley face or a check mark beside things you like. You might underline things you find confusing and put a question mark beside it. It's up to you.
  • Give positive feedback first, followed by constructive criticism that could make the ms better, and then finish up with more positive feedback.