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My First Writing Retreat

Writer's picture: Jill DewhurstJill Dewhurst

Updated: Nov 26, 2022

My Experience at Dani Pettrey's Mocha & Manuscripts Writing and Mentoring Retreat


Why Did I Attend a Writing Retreat?


Occasionally on Facebook or Instagram, I spot an advertisement for a writers' conference. Have you seen them, too? Usually, they are large events focused toward pairing prospective authors with publishing agents and editors, with workshops tailored to meet that goal. As an independent author, that type of conference would not be beneficial to me, and quite frankly, the idea of attending a bustling event surrounded by strangers considering me their competition for their desired agent is intimidating at the least, downright frightening at the worst.


Having recently been introduced to the genre of Christian suspense fiction by a friend's recommendation of Dee Henderson's O'Malley series (which I LOVED, by the way), I discovered the Alaskan Courage series and the Chesapeake Valor series by Dani Pettrey. Though authoring a genre different in many ways from my Christian historical fiction novels, Dani has mastered two techniques that I endeavor to infuse into my manuscripts: Scriptural truth and vivid, endearing characters.


When Dani's advertisement for her Mocha & Manuscripts Writing and Mentoring Retreat appeared on my screen, the relaxed bed and breakfast setting piqued my interest. Despite my prior hesitations, I requested more information and was delighted that the workshop itinerary included pertinent topics like organizing and protecting writing time and developing marketing skills. Right away, I knew this was the writing event for me. My husband encouraged me to sign up, and within a few hours, my reservation, flights, and rental car were booked.

Dani's advertisement


Okay, I must admit that I was still a bit nervous, for I am a friendly introvert, after all. The B&B was nestled in the Amish country surrounding Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and the rural rolling farmland began to put me at ease as I neared my destination. When I arrived, Dani herself met me with a hug in the driveway. Those butterflies fluttering in my midsection? They flew away.


Our conference venue was a ring of comfy sofas and chairs in the living room with a flickering fire for ambience--the perfect place for sipping tea or cocoa while building friendships and learning more about the craft of writing. One of the attendees, Laura Conaway, already has a publishing contract with Sunrise Publishing and Love Inspired, and one other had completed a nonfiction title, but the rest of my new friends are somewhere on their journey to their first manuscript. Immediately, I felt as if I were with "my people."


Each of us had a one-on-one time with Dani to enjoy her undivided attention to our perceived greatest current need on our journey and soak in all the advice she gave. For some, this time was about discussing first chapters or brainstorming plot ideas. For me, Dani shared the marketing analysis of my website and social media platforms and gave me some practical points of action moving forward.


Where the ideas blossomed


What Did I Learn from the Workshops?


Have you ever heard of Plotters and Pantsers? Until this retreat, I had not. Plotters will plan out every scene and every tiny detail of every character before the first word of the manuscript is written. Pantsers (as in "by the seat of one's pants") are the exact opposite. They begin with a blank page 1 and start writing, developing the storyline as they go. Plotters and Pantsers have very different methodologies.


Where does my writing style fit? Like most authors, I'm somewhere in the middle. Before the manuscript begins, I already know the plot and characters for my story, but I also allow myself the flexibility to alter the course of the story as I write. Pulling a few methods from both plotters and pantsers will improve my storyboarding process for book 4. Yay!


Other workshops focused on story structure, plotting a series, and utilizing deep point-of-view in scenes.


One of the most encouraging take-aways was a simple thought. Whether you are hoping to write your first manuscript or are attempting to complete another time-consuming goal amid your busy life, you can be encouraged by this thought, too. When life gets hectic, as life will, do not be dissuaded by an immense goal. Rather, divide that goal into bite-sized pieces and purpose to make consistent progress. When we stop working on our project (whatever it may be), our motivation derails and discouragement sets in. Forward progress, no matter how small, is the key.


What Was My Favorite Part of the Retreat?


Making new friends.


How blessed I am to consider Dani Pettrey my friend! Her heart is to mentor aspiring authors and bring them on the journey she has experienced. As we all gathered around the dining table, Dani included, we shared our quirks, our goals, our challenges, and our unique life stories.


Yes, I learned more about the craft of writing and the tools to improve my manuscripts, but being surrounded by ladies on the same writing journey bonded us in a unique way. We discussed each other's story ideas and brainstormed late into the night. Encouragement and gently-voiced constructive criticism abounded. We shared and laughed and prayed together. The forging of friendships had begun.



Jill Dewhurst and Dani Pettrey

Writing Retreat 2022 Attendees


New Friends (I'm missing a few.)


Should You Consider a Writing Retreat?

If you have the desire to write a manuscript and crave some guidance or encouragement, then I say a hearty "Yes!" For Christian fiction (historical, modern, suspense), I highly recommend Dani's Mocha and Manuscripts event. Other authors offer similar venues for nonfiction, fantasy, etc. Find a few authors in the genre you wish to write and follow their social media. If they do not personally host a writing retreat, they may share information about another author who does.


How do I feel after attending my first writing retreat? Blessed. Blessed to have new writing buddies. Blessed to have the unfailing support of my husband and close friends. Blessed to have God's leading as I write my manuscripts. Overwhelmingly blessed.





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thebowerfam
Nov 27, 2022

This is so exciting, Jill! I can’t wait to see what you learned infused into book #4!!

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