What is Working Draft Online?

An inclusive Online retreat for all writers

Working Draft Online is a weekend-long retreat designed to help writers of all levels improve their craft, recharge their creative energy, and make meaningful progress on their writing projects. Through a mix of live workshops led by acclaimed guest instructors, focused writing blocks, and opportunities to build community in a supportive, LGBTQ-affirming space, this retreat offers an inspiring and judgment-free environment for fiction writers. Whether you’re just starting your first story or revising your tenth novel, Working Draft is your chance to dedicate time, get inspired, and write with purpose.

What we offer:

Exclusive Masterclasses

Learn from working writers in live and recorded sessions.

Time to Write

Set distractions aside for the weekend and drop into your writing.

Community

Take time throughout the retreat to socialize and network.

What you get:

Walk away from our online retreat with more than just that writer’s high.

Register now

Momentum

Build – or rebuild – a writing habit that will carry you to the finish line.

Actionable Techniques

Take practical strategies from our guest instructors – that you can apply to your WIP now.

A Built-In Support System

During and after the retreat, find support in the Working Draft network.

Creative Confidence

Fill your well of inspiration and artistic courage to take on the work you want to create.

The Team

Meet our 2027 Guest Instructors

We’re thrilled to welcome back both new and returning instructors to
Working Draft 2027.

May Archer

Author

Gregory Ashe

Author

Alicia Ramos

Editor

Aimee Nicole Walker

Author

How to Join

Registration for Working Draft Online is now open.

January 15-17, 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone with an interest in writing can join! Our retreat is open to writers of all genres and experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out, you’ll find a welcoming community here.

Nothing except a willingness to participate, listen to others, and engage in discussions.

The retreat will be held online via Zoom. Details on how to join the online sessions will be provided closer to the retreat.

The typical structure of the retreat is as follows (all times Central):

Friday
7pm-7:30pm – Opening session
7:30pm-8:30pm – Meet and Greet

Saturday
9:00am-10:00am – Class/workshop 1
10:00am-10:05am – Break
10:05am-10:35am – Goal setting
10:35am-11:35am – Writing Block 1
11:35am-11:40am – Break
11:40am-12:00pm – Debrief 1
12:00pm-1:00pm – Lunch
1:00pm-2:00pm – Class/workshop 2
2:00pm-2:05pm – Break
2:05pm-2:35pm – Goal setting
2:35pm-3:35pm – Writing Block 2
3:35pm-3:40pm – Break
3:40pm-4:00pm – Debrief 2
4:00pm-5:00pm – Mix and Mingle
5:00pm-7:00pm – Dinner
7:00pm-8:30pm – Readings

Sunday
9:00am-10:00am – Class/workshop 3
10:00am-10:05am – Break
10:05am-10:35am – Goal setting
10:35am-11:35am – Writing Block 3
11:35am-11:40am – Break
11:40am-12:00pm – Debrief 3
12:00pm-1:00pm – Lunch
1:00pm-2:00pm – Class/workshop 4
2:00pm-2:05pm – Break
2:05pm-2:35pm – Goal setting
2:35pm-3:35pm – Writing Block 4
3:35pm-3:40pm – Break
3:40pm-4:00pm – Debrief 4
4:00pm-5:00pm – Mix and Mingle
5:00pm-7:00pm – Dinner
7:00pm-8:00pm – Readings
8:00pm-8:30pm – Closing remarks

Some people may not be able to attend every session for a variety of reasons. Recordings of some workshops will be available for a short time during and after the retreat (please note: these will not be available permanently).

At the Working Draft Writing Retreat, we focus on a judgment-free sharing experience. Critiques and feedback are not part of our structure. Instead, we encourage participants to offer words of encouragement and appreciation for the shared works.

It’s normal to feel nervous about sharing your work. Remember that everyone in the retreat is here to learn and grow as writers. Our community is supportive and encouraging. Sharing your work in a judgment-free environment can be a valuable experience, and you’ll gain confidence in your writing.

For more information, please contact Gregory Ashe through the form on this site.