Westport Writers' Workshop
March 26 - 29, 2026
Join Westport Writers’ Workshop instructors and writers for an immersive retreat at the Highlights Foundation campus, tucked away in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Designed specifically for writers seeking to refine their craft and elevate their storytelling, you will have daily designated solo writing time, group prompt writing sessions with program director Liz Matthews, craft lectures with author and instructor Julie Sarkissian and screenwriter and instructor Alana Sanko, as well as yoga, and evening activities including readings and film screenings. This transformative experience will offer dedicated time to dive deep into your manuscript, discover new genres and strategies to establish a more regular writing routing, or simply the accountability and community that is missing in your regular life.
There will be delicious, locally sourced meals, with snacks and beverages throughout the day. This retreat will be low-key and unstructured and a time to connect as a group. The Highlights Foundation campus has ample opportunities for walking, hiking, bird watching and gorgeous sunsets as the campus is surrounded by nature and farms. This setting is sure to ignite your creativity and inspire you well beyond the retreat experience.
You may check into your lodging any time after 3pm on Thursday, March 26th. If you arrive prior to 3pm, you may enjoy the grounds and various work and gathering places around the facility as your room is being prepared. The first meal on campus will be appetizers at 5:30pm and dinner at 6:00pm. If you arrive late, we can save dinner for you with advance notice.
Lunch on the final day of your stay is included, but we ask that you check out of your lodging by 11am. You are welcome to leave your packed bags by the door of your room/cabin while you enjoy lunch and say your goodbyes. Housekeeping may enter your room during this period to begin cleaning and prepping for our next guests. Thank you for your consideration.
Info/Questions About Lodging and the Barn at Boyds Mills
Lodging consists of cabins and lodge rooms, all with private bath, and is assigned on a first-come first-serve basis. Please note your first choice (lodge or cabin only please). A few of our rooms are double occupancy should you have a roommate, so feel free to reach out to reach out to our team with any questions about lodging and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Info/Questions About the Retreat
For questions about the schedule, optional activities, and hosts, please reach out to Liz Matthews at programdirector@westportwritersworkshop.com.
Categories : Custom Retreat, Custom Retreat - Aligned