WRITING IS MAGICA Passion-Filled Writing & Running
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The theme for 2025 is...
WRITING IS MAGIC. As the setting sun slowly sinks behind the lush green mountains, a gentle breeze delights your senses with the scent of roses, azaleas, mountain laurel, pine, and rhododendron. It’s the end of an incredible day spent experiencing your two passions with other writers and runners, learning about plot, character, conflict, and setting. Inspiration stretches across your soul, soaring into the sky as your heart thrums with joy. You laugh with new friends, sharing your adventures of the day – everything from getting new story ideas, admiring the elegant swans on the lake, dining in fine southern hospitality, receiving feedback on your manuscript, and reveling in the refreshing mist of a twin waterfall. Gazing at the shimmering reflection on the peaceful lake you can hardly believe that, at last, you’re here… running around the pristine lake at sunrise and writing with friends under the Carolina stars. It's a heavenly summer writing and running camp for grownups! |
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Wouldn’t it be exciting to learn more about the craft of writing in a fun and interactive way? That’s what this retreat is all about! Through multiple writing workshops and specially selected social activities, you’ll learn new writing techniques so you can more confidently write your stories for years to come.
Imagine how great it would feel to have more time to write. Every writer’s dream, right? During your seven-day sojourn with us, you’ll have dedicated time to write daily and you’ll definitely want to continue the new habit when you return home. Getting more consistent with your writing and running, no matter how many things you have to juggle in life, is a wonderful feeling all writers chase. While you’re here, there will be consistent writing and running times for you to experience the vibrancy of both your passions. When you put your writing and running first, it’s a lot easier to juggle everything else. |
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Finishing a writing project is a liberating feeling. On this retreat, you’ll have a writing schedule you can stick with to help you build momentum on your story so you’ll want to stick with it long after you return home.
It feels so amazing to get helpful feedback on your writing from other writers (instead of just a pat on the back from your family and friends). Critique groups are amazing and during our time in the mountains, you’ll be able to connect with a few other writers and swap helpful feedback with each other to help make your manuscript better and stronger. Wouldn’t it be awesome to approach your revisions with confidence and excitement? Our faculty is awesome sauce and through a powerful 1 on 1 critique session, you’ll be able to identify where you can make your story better. By the time you return home, you’ll be so excited and confident to tackle your revisions that we may need to tie a brick to your ankle so you don’t float away. |
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The SettingSurrounded by mountains, Lake Junaluska is where the Blue Ridge Parkway meets the Great Smoky Mountains. This small town of less than 5,000 is nestled halfway between Cherokee and Asheville, and just 5 minutes north of the quaint town of Waynesville, where writers have compared it to a Norman Rockwell painting with its storybook Main Street, busy with shops and lined with brick sidewalks and iron lamp posts.
Like Rivendell, the magical hidden valley of the elves in J.R.R. Tolkien’s tales, the area holds a mythical quality for those who have sought its breathtaking beauty and abundant wildlife. Nestled among some of the most rugged mountains of the southeast, the nearby Cataloochee Valley is surrounded by 6,000-foot mountains. Charles Frazier’s vivid best-selling novel, Cold Mountain, is based off the mountain it’s named after and sits about 20 miles southeast of Lake Junaluska. If you were to pull off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 411.9 at the Cold Mountain Overlook, you can just imagine Inman and Ada, the book’s Civil War-era protagonists traipsing through the woods. Western North Carolina is one of the most beautiful and beloved areas of the country. Its mountains are among the oldest on Earth, and contain the highest mountain, deepest gorge, and several of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States, and is also home to the oldest river in North America and the two most visited National Parks in the country. |
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Take in stunning mountain views surrounding the serene lake as you stroll along the looping trails, which includes a lovely rose garden walkway, a small waterfall, a dam, and a footbridge.
The lodging is a spacious oasis of luxury, where every room welcomes meaningful conversations and invites you to relax in modern style. Decked out with double beds and a mini fridge, each room offers a place away from home to help you rejuvenate and become inspired. |
The VenueThe picturesque Lake Junaluska is great for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching, complete with paved (and mostly flat) walking paths that surround the lake. The Rose Walk includes more than 200 species of hybrid roses.
Average summer temperatures in Lake Junaluska range from a low of 57 to a high of 79. Much of the area is wet enough to be considered rain forests – and waterfalls abound. The Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center is a Christian-based facility, with a large white cross that lights up at night, where many visitors enjoy taking pictures. It is aptly named "Inspiration Point" because the views from that vantage point are awe-inspiring. 
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The Cuisine
As runners, you probably like to eat healthy. All meals are prepared by a 5-star chef with that goal in mind (but we are still in the south where fried foods are abundant). We’ll eat together in a shared dining hall where you can choose what to put on your plate from a buffet of options. Each day will feature new flavors to tantalize your taste buds.
For breakfast, we might have a traditional southern breakfast of fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon and sausage links, creamy grits, hash brown potatoes, fresh baked biscuits with country gravy, and seasonal fresh fruit. Or another morning, we might rise and shine to find an assorted array of muffins and danish, seasonal fresh fruit, assorted cereals, and individual yogurts.
Be prepared for your mouth to water with anticipation for each and every meal. For lunch, we may have a salad bar, a potato bar, or a build your own deli sandwich. You’ll feel the southern hospitality in each and every bite.
All your senses will be delighted by the homey atmosphere combined with the exquisite new friendships and perfectly seasoned savory dinner dishes such as oven-roasted chicken breast in a savory garlic-basil butter sauce topped with roasted tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, or layered lasagna topped with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and Romano cheeses, or a nacho and taco bar with seasoned ground beef, corn tortilla chips, soft flour tortillas, nacho cheese sauce, Borracha pinto beans, crisp lettuce, ripe red tomatoes, fresh salsa, and zesty jalapenos.
Can’t eat this or that? Allergies, vegetarian, gluten or dairy free? No problem! We’re happy to accommodate your food preferences.
And the desserts? They’re a perfect portion size of decadent chocolate cheesecake, rich brownies, southern pecan pie, banana pudding, lemon squares, and more! I hope you’re planning on participating in our daily morning runs to burn off the calories!
For breakfast, we might have a traditional southern breakfast of fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon and sausage links, creamy grits, hash brown potatoes, fresh baked biscuits with country gravy, and seasonal fresh fruit. Or another morning, we might rise and shine to find an assorted array of muffins and danish, seasonal fresh fruit, assorted cereals, and individual yogurts.
Be prepared for your mouth to water with anticipation for each and every meal. For lunch, we may have a salad bar, a potato bar, or a build your own deli sandwich. You’ll feel the southern hospitality in each and every bite.
All your senses will be delighted by the homey atmosphere combined with the exquisite new friendships and perfectly seasoned savory dinner dishes such as oven-roasted chicken breast in a savory garlic-basil butter sauce topped with roasted tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, or layered lasagna topped with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and Romano cheeses, or a nacho and taco bar with seasoned ground beef, corn tortilla chips, soft flour tortillas, nacho cheese sauce, Borracha pinto beans, crisp lettuce, ripe red tomatoes, fresh salsa, and zesty jalapenos.
Can’t eat this or that? Allergies, vegetarian, gluten or dairy free? No problem! We’re happy to accommodate your food preferences.
And the desserts? They’re a perfect portion size of decadent chocolate cheesecake, rich brownies, southern pecan pie, banana pudding, lemon squares, and more! I hope you’re planning on participating in our daily morning runs to burn off the calories!
Our Adventure
2025 Theme: WRITING IS MAGIC
(updates coming soon)
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The basic agenda looks mostly like this:
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Day 1: Getting to Know You
During the Welcome Speech, you'll "officially" meet the faculty. After dinner, we'll get to know each other while relaxing among our newfound tribe. We’ll wrap up the day by creating a hand-crafted journal to use throughout the retreat where you’ll also go deeper on getting to know yourself as a writer. |
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Day 2: Sunset Ceremony
The evening Sunset Ceremony will help you set your writing intentions for the week (and the year). The majesty of the lake setting offers fresh mountain breezes and a panoramic view of the picturesque lake vista. Bring your journals (and your cameras). You'll also see a nearby lit-up cross! |
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Day 5: History of Place
Enjoy the scenery of the area on the afternoon Lake Cruise. Feel the cool lake breezes as you take in the grandeur of the lush green vegetation that western North Carolina is known for. We'll also learn some history of the area... perhaps fodder for a new book? |
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Day 3: Escape Room Adventure
We'll split into our 4 groups and see which team can escape the "room" the fastest. Learning to work together helps us overcome all kinds of conflict! Apply what you learn during this social activity to your CHARACTERS. |
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Day 5: Live Theatre
We'll trek into the local town of Waynesville to explore the night life and watch a live theatrical performance - filled with character, plot, setting, tension, conflict, drama, stakes - all the makings of a great story! Analyze story as you enjoy the show and see what you can apply to your own manuscript. |
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Day 6: 5k Race & Mega Party
The climax of your writing and running getaway in the mountains is to run in the Friends of the Lake 5k Race with your new writing and running friends. At Saturday night’s Mega Party, we’ll have a costume party, awards ceremony, and book signing! Be sure to pack a costume to dress up as one of your favorite literary characters. |
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Day 7: Saying Goodbyes
Parting is such sweet sorrow, but alas Sunday morning brings our writing and running adventure to an end. We’ll have one final meal together, then you back to the airport. Be sure to exchange contact information with all your new besties so you can plan to come back the following year with each other. |
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*** ALL ACTIVITIES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE ***
The Lasting ImpactBy the end of this retreat, you will have dispelled your fears, learned more about the writing craft, and received valuable feedback on your manuscript so that you can move forward in your writing, filled with confidence, excitement, and momentum!
It’s going to feel so fantastic to believe in yourself as a writer enough to kick your fears to the curb. During your stay here, we’re going to do just that! Through a guided journaling activity followed by an inspiration walk, we’ll dispel your fears and help you feel more confident than you’ve felt in years. Wouldn’t it feel magnificent to block out the daily distractions of life and refocus more time on writing and running? Well, grab your blinders because that’s what this retreat will do for you - block out your everyday distractions. While we’re together, we’ll definitely be focusing a lot of time on writing and running. Yay! How fabulous would it feel to bust through Writer’s Block and know where your story is going and what to write next? Together, we’ll bust through it, for sure! During our time at the lake, you’ll participate in manuscript critiques, workshops, and morning runs to help you get new ideas and unlock your story to find a way forward – something you can apply to your writing for decades! 
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Get ready to feel oh-so-marvelous to have the motivation to write again and keep the momentum going no matter what life (or your story) throws at you! Not only will you learn how to write better, you’ll also gain new friendships and experience amazing activities that will inspire your writing long after you return home.
By the end of this retreat, you will have:
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The Workshops (2025 updates coming soon)
To Thine Own Self Be True
Character is arguably THE most important element in writing fiction - as well as character-centric nonfiction such as biography and memoir. Get this right, and your readers will be able to instantly connect.
Whether you’re writing adult suspense or YA romance or middle grade sci-fi, you want to create characters who are memorable and feel like real people. We'll discuss character development tips that will help you craft well-rounded, three-dimensional characters.
Whether you’re writing adult suspense or YA romance or middle grade sci-fi, you want to create characters who are memorable and feel like real people. We'll discuss character development tips that will help you craft well-rounded, three-dimensional characters.
To Plot or Not to Plot
Gain a deeper understanding of plot and how simple it can be. Whether you've already written your entire manuscript, or you haven't even started yet, you'll be able to define the 5 main plot points you need to begin writing. Then you can start to fill in the gaps. This will also help you begin to craft a stellar pitch.
All the World's a Stage
It’s no secret that setting is an important element in your writing, no matter what genre you write in. This workshop will help you explore different settings and how to look at your stories from a new perspective. Jacqui has extensive experience in world building and will share all her tips and secrets to help you do the same. Even if you write contemporary realistic fiction, whether it's romance, suspense, or a literary masterpiece.
Into the Breach, Dear Friends
Shakespeare was a master of creating conflict in his plays. Without conflict, your story will be #yawn BORING! This Shakespearean workshop on conflict will no doubt touch on bits and pieces from his famous play, Henry V.
You'll learn the difference between internal conflict and external conflict and how to apply each to your current manuscripts, among many other nuggets of wisdom.
You'll learn the difference between internal conflict and external conflict and how to apply each to your current manuscripts, among many other nuggets of wisdom.
The 5 Stages of Revision
After you've written your manuscript, celebrate! But don't stop there. The first draft is like completing month 1 in your marathon training plan. Now it's time to step it up a notch. We'll cover the 5 stages of revision and what it takes to implement the changes your story needs to be ready for publication!
How Music Can Rescue, Revive and Inspire Your Writing
Romance author, Kelly (KG) Fletcher is teaching this workshop on writing inspiration and is broken down like this:
- MUSIC TO INSPIRE YOUR WRITING
- MUSIC & WRITER’S BLOCK
- MUSIC AND THE LAW
- PROMOTIONAL USE OF MUSIC IN BOOK MARKETING
Is This a Contract I See Before Me?
With the above famous line from Macbeth, the publishing pen doth go before thee...
Publishing is a wide and varied topic, with editors, agents, and more. There's the indie route and the traditional route. Sallie Bissell will share her own experience, answer your questions and provide best practices for the most popular options.
Publishing is a wide and varied topic, with editors, agents, and more. There's the indie route and the traditional route. Sallie Bissell will share her own experience, answer your questions and provide best practices for the most popular options.
Social Media Basics for New Authors
"Social Media Basics" will educate newbie authors on how to navigate the many social media platforms, including tips and tricks on how to engage new readers. Throughout the session, Kelly Fletcher will provide her own examples of what has specifically worked for her. She'll also highlight some easy ways authors can get started right away with setting up and actively engaging on their own profiles.
This adventure is TOTALLY for you if...
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This adventure is NOT for you if...
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The Bonuses!
Just because we care, you’ll also receive:
- Access to a Private Retreat Facebook Group – so we can connect pre-trip (you can ask questions and receive up-to-date trip info) and then we’ll stay connected post-trip – and of course swap photos!
- Pre-Trip Group Call – you’ll have the chance to meet everyone in the group, share your intent and learn how to best prepare yourself (and your manuscripts)!
- Inclusion to the Friends of the Lake 5k race!
- Post-Trip Group Call – we’ll gather for a post-trip “party” once back at home to follow up on everyone’s progress!
Why North Carolina?North Carolina has a rich history of storytelling. The land is filled with myths and legends passed down over centuries from generations of oral traditions. This is just a small sampling of North Carolina lore. What better place than to hold a writing retreat here?
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Famous North Carolina AuthorsAs writers, we love the English language. In the south, we’re known for having an accent. People living in the Appalachian dialect area pronounce the word "Appalachia" as App-a-latch-ah, while those who live outside of the Appalachian dialect area or at its outer edges tend to pronounce it App-a-lay-shah.
Hundreds of well-known writers have lived in North Carolina and have continued our rich tradition of storytelling. Here’s a short list of some of our most famous authors.
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What's Included?
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What's NOT Included?
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Video Testimonials
Writer Success Stories
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Flights (2025 updates coming...)
Transportation is included to and from the retreat location for those who are flying.
Please plan your flights accordingly. Arrange for your flights to land in AVL by 4:15 PM* on Monday, 8/26 and to leave AVL after 11:00 AM* on Sunday 9/1.
- The shuttle will LEAVE the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) on Monday, August 26th at 4:30 PM* EDT and ARRIVE at the retreat destination by 5:30 PM. Dinner at 6:00 PM.
- The shuttle will LEAVE the retreat on Sunday, September 1st at 10:00 AM* and RETURN to AVL by 11:00 AM.
Please plan your flights accordingly. Arrange for your flights to land in AVL by 4:15 PM* on Monday, 8/26 and to leave AVL after 11:00 AM* on Sunday 9/1.
*All times listed are in Eastern time.
Meet the Faculty
These are the guest authors who will be joining us for 2024.
Sallie BissellGuest Author Speaker
In the second grade, Sallie wrote a prize-winning essay about her Chihuahua, Mathilda, and her writing career was launched. Her parents gave her a typewriter for Christmas and the rest is history. Fast forward a couple of decades, and she's living in Asheville, North Carolina.
Sallie is the author of the eight-book Mary Crow mystery series, and one stand-alone novel, The Cassandra Curse. Her work is highly acclaimed by critics and has been translated into several foreign languages as well as being optioned for film. A native of Nashville, Tennessee, she currently makes her home near Asheville, North Carolina. In her spare time, she enjoys plein air painting and playing tennis with her friends. She also loves helping new writers with their work, and is happy to welcome new members into the great fraternity of working writers. |
Jacqui CastleGuest Author Speaker
Jacqui is a novelist, freelance writer, editor, and educator based out of Asheville, NC, who has over fourteen years of experience producing high-quality copy. She has been published in a variety of publications, including Mountain Xpress, WNC Woman, and Explore Asheville.
Her novel The Seclusion, which School Library Journal called “A must-have for all libraries and fans of dystopian sci/fi,” garnered Jacqui the title of 2020 Indie Author of the Year through the Indie Author Project. She currently teaches creative writing through the Great Smokies Writing Program and Redbud Writing Project and is one of the hosts of the Indie Writer Podcast and the owner of Lit Local Mini Bookshops, which bring the work of local authors to Asheville establishments. When not writing, Jacqui can be found hanging out with her family and consuming far too much caffeine. |
Kelly FletcherGuest Author Speaker
As a singer/songwriter she became a recipient of the “Airplay International Award” for “Best New Artist” showcasing original songs at The Bluebird Café in Nashville, TN. During lockdown and all through the pandemic, KG got creative using a bedroom closet and used her BFA to full advantage narrating and producing the first four books in her Reigning Hearts Series. (Now available on Audible.) She plans on narrating and producing ALL of her stories!
Kelly is a hopeless romantic. When she’s not on the road singing, she’s probably at home day dreaming about her swoony book boyfriends, or arranging a yummy charcuterie board while sipping red wine and listening to Frank Sinatra. Kelly loves to interact with readers on social media and share about her writing and singing journey. She is also a conference speaker sharing social media basics, and how music can enhance a writer’s experience. |
Kara "Service" BrueggemanRetreat Coordinator
Kara is our fabulous behind-the-scenes Retreat Coordinator who keeps the retreat running smoothly and makes sure everyone is where we’re supposed to be when we’re supposed to be there. She’s the community manager, the critique organizer, the group cheerleader, and so much more! “Service” should be her middle name because she’s always helping others.
She has written over 40 manuscripts, indie-pubbed 5 of them, and has critiqued hundreds of manuscripts for fellow authors. In her past life, she has been a real estate agent, a hypnotherapist, and a motivational speaker. You will simply fall in love with Kara’s friendly and down-to-earth nature. |
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Christie Wright WildRetreat LeaderChristie is the founder of the Writers Who Run Retreat, where she helps writers and runners connect with the two passions they love most. She loves to travel, but mostly for writing and running events. She is represented by Stacey Graham of Three Seas Literary. Christie writes for children (both fiction and non-fiction picture books, as well as middle grade fantasy). She teaches plotting skills inside her online course, Plot Like A Novelist. Her two published books are My Dandelion Wish Journal: A 5-Year Guided Nature Journal and 101 Creative Writing Exercises: Become a Better Writer in 14 Minutes a Day.
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Dearest Writer,
My sincere hope is that you will come to this retreat filled with hope, wonder, and excitement, and leave with more confidence, more knowledge, and the momentum to keep you going for another year. I have worked hard to create an unforgettable and life-changing experience for YOU, the writer who likes to run. This is the highlight of my year and I am beyond honored to share it with you. With much sincerity and love, Christie Wright Wild |
Contact Us
Got a question? Drop me a line!
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SHARED ROOM: We will pair you with another retreat participant. If you want to room with someone specific, just let us know!
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations on or before December 31 will receive 50% of their payments refunded.
Cancellations between January 1 and February 29 will receive 25% of their payments refunded.
No refunds will be granted on or after March 1.
However, if you add the Trip Protection Plan when you register, you may be eligible for a full refund no matter when you cancel (it works similar to travel insurance).