July 18th-22nd, 2025
Join us in the mountains of Washington State for an amazing long weekend of writing, comradery, and growth.
Only eleven writers can attend—don't wait to register!
We've left up the 2025 retreat info (below) so you can get a sample of what a retreat with us might be like.
By signing up, you're agreeing to receive email updates about future retreats.
"Imagine being transported to a beautiful location in the Cascade mountains with peaceful surroundings, no distractions, and the ability to just focus on your writing... then add in a layer of fun and relevant workshops and dedicated coaching time to talk about your work. As if that weren't enough, add in delicious food and comradery! Despite being a beginner and not having previously worked with Katie and Andrew, I was welcomed with open arms and it was well worth the trip. I can't wait for next year!"
— MC Silver, Contemporary Romance Writer; alumna of the 2024 retreat —
Once you arrive at our retreat location from the airport, you don’t have to worry about anything but writing. Oh, other than choosing which snack you want to eat while you write on one of the decks, taking in that gorgeous mountain view.
Writing can be lonely, but it doesn't have to be. Meet other writers—some for the first time, others for the first time in person—and grow your network/community.
Been craving an uninterrupted block of time to work on your book? We've set aside dedicated time each day for you to have just that.
Pictured: A novel outline being actively reworked via scene notecards taped to the wall during our 2024 retreat.
We couldn't leave out coaching time! Each writer will have the opportunity to take part in 1-to-1 coaching sessions with either Katie or Andrew. In these sessions we'll discuss anything about the writing life, brainstorm how to get past particular blocks or places you're stuck, and field any other questions you have!
Part of being a writer is continuing to learn more about the craft of writing and how to handle the challenges that come your way in the writing journey. To that end, we'll have 1-2 amazing virtual speaker(s) (TBD), Katie will run a live edit session, and we'll have our selection of world-building and writing craft books available for your perusal!
As creatives ourselves, we understand how crucial it is to recharge. After all, it's hard (impossible!) to be creative when our cups are empty. That's why we'll have a variety of optional activities available. These include solo AND communal options so that extroverts and introverts alike can feel refreshed!
"The CBB retreat was an amazing long weekend of rest, recharging, connection, and growth. I was able to learn more about my craft surrounded by beautiful scenery, delicious food, and new author friends. With access to coaching daily and writing time, I was able to make incredible progress on my manuscript and came home ready to take my next big steps in writing. I would highly recommend this retreat to any author at any stage of writing."
— Lindsey Brooksbank, Fantasy Writer; alumna of the 2024 retreat —
Click each date to see the schedule for that day; all times are in PDT. The sample schedule given here may change slightly once we have finished selecting and booking our virtual presenter, but the changes won't be a complete overhaul.
4:00pm - Meet & Greet with appetizers/snacks
5:30pm - Free Time
6:00pm - Dinner
7:00pm - Welcome & Retreat Goal-Setting Exercise
Breakfast
9:00am - Virtual Presenter (TBD)
10:30am - Dedicated Writing Time
12:00pm - Lunch
1:00pm - Dedicated Writing Time / 1-on-1 Coaching Slots
5:30pm - Dinner
6:30pm - Dedicated Writing Time / Free Time
Breakfast
8:30am - Dedicated Writing Time / Reflection Time
10:30am - Live Edit Session with Katie
12:00pm - Lunch
1:00pm - Dedicated Writing Time / 1-on-1 Coaching Slots
5:30pm - Dinner
6:30pm - Dedicated Writing Time / Free Time
Breakfast
8:30am - Dedicated Writing Time / Free Time
10:00am - "Deep Third Deep Dive" taught by Tiffany Yates Martin (virtual)
12:00pm - Lunch
1:00pm - Dedicated Writing Time / 1-on-1 Coaching Slots
5:30pm - Dinner
6:30pm - Dedicated Writing Time / Free Time
Breakfast
8:30am - Closing Discussion & Retreat Goals Check-in
10:00am - Pack Up
11:00am - Check Out / Head Our Separate Ways
"I'm constantly amazed by the inspiring insights I receive at these retreats and how beneficial they are for me. It's always the perfect setting and experience to clear my creative blocks, fill my cup, recenter myself, and help set me up for a better mindset and success with my writing for when I go home. It's been one of the best investments I've made and I can't wait for the next fantastic retreat experience."
— Annette M. Webber, Speculative Fiction Writer; alumna of the 2023 & 2024 retreats —
A retreat is an amazing opportunity for you to get away from all the day-to-day responsibilities and demands on your time. Our schedule sets aside intentional time to fill your cup—in whatever way that happens best for you. The following mix of activities will be available.
We selected Cle Elum as our destination because of its location in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. Our venue is on a secluded 5-acre lot surrounded by forest with beautiful views of the mountains!
This can be a communal or solo activity.
As always, reading is a great way to fill your creative cup! We'll bring a selection of books from our personal library that you're welcome to enjoy during the retreat. And you're encouraged to bring a book or two from your own TBR pile!
This is a solo activity.
That's right, there's a private 6-person hot tub for our use! Take a break from writing to clear your head with the view while letting that hot water melt your tension away.
This can be a communal or solo activity.
We'll bring some favorites from our collection of board games! Some are classics (e.g., Scrabble, Rummikub) and some are... less universal (*cough*more nerdy*cough*), such as The Big Book of Madness (pictured) and Call to Adventure.
This is a communal activity.
Did you know Andrew is an experienced GM? He'll be prepared to run at least one one-shot campaign of any easy-to-play table top role-playing game (genre TBD).
This is a communal activity, and will be suitable for those experienced with TTRPGs as well as those who are new to the experience.
Whether nerding out about story at the dining table or chatting about the publishing industry around the propane firepit, our retreat is a perfect opportunity to be refueled by enjoying shared passion for writing.
This is a communal activity.
"The CBB Retreat was exactly what I needed. Everyone was incredibly dedicated to storytelling and the atmosphere was inspiring. I came to the retreat to re-establish my relationship with writing and not only I accomplish that, I also gained a better understanding of writing craft, worldbuilding, and logistical strategies for writers. More than anything else, I was accepted into a warm and amazing community of inspiring fellow writers that I could connect with during and after the retreat."
— Rose Marry, Fantasy Writer; alumna of the 2024 retreat —
We are SO excited to bring you these amazing opportunities for learning about and growing in your craft as a writer during the retreat!
Each writer will have the opportunity to sign up for a 1.5-hour 1-on-1 coaching slot. In these sessions we'll discuss anything about the writing life, brainstorm how to get past particular blocks or places you're stuck, and field any other questions you have! Our goal with these sessions is to help your make progress on your current WIP or get started on your next one.
Volunteer some of your pages for Katie to offer live feedback! Katie will guide us as a group in thinking through various ways to strengthen the volunteered pages. Other writers stand to get just as much out of this session as Katie's feedback will be easily applicable to their own writing.
Taught by Tiffany Yates Martin (virtual, 90-minute presentation, including time for Q&A)
Using deep third POV effectively demands an exceptionally thorough understanding and development of your POV character(s), and a secure grounding in their history and background, relationships, motivations and goals, personality, and more to give readers the intimate, direct experience that this POV can offer. Mastering deep third requires a careful and deliberate handling of this deeply intimate perspective. Learn what sets deep third apart from other points of view, how to most effectively use its power, and what it looks like to drive readers deep into a character's direct experience.
Tiffany Yates Martin has spent nearly thirty years as an editor in the publishing industry, working with major publishers and New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning authors as well as indie and newer writers. She is the founder of FoxPrint Editorial and author of Intuitive Editing: A Creative and Practical Guide to Revising Your Writing and The Intuitive Author: How to Grow and Sustain a Happier Writing Career. She is a regular contributor to writers’ outlets like Writer’s Digest, Jane Friedman, and Writer Unboxed, and a frequent presenter and keynote speaker for writers’ organizations around the country. Under her pen name, Phoebe Fox, she is the author of six novels. Visit her at www.foxprinteditorial.com.
"The CBB retreat is perhaps the best investment I could have made in my journey as a novelist. It was learning on steroids, plus personalized coaching right by the coffee machine—I couldn't have asked for more. I left with renewed motivation, a multitude of insights, writing materials, inspiration, book recommendation, and the sense of belonging to a wonderful community. Thank you Katie and Andrew!"
— Serena Emet, Women's Fiction Writer; alumna of the 2024 retreat —
As soon as possible! We only have spots for 11 writers total, so don't wait! Once every spot is taken, we will close registration.
The official deadline for signups is 11:59pm PDT on June 15, 2025! Registration will be closed after this time whether or not every spot has been filled.
If you're not located near Cle Elum, WA, USA, you'll need to fly. The closest airport is SEA-TAC.
Renting a car is a must to get from the airport to the retreat location as it is about a 1-1.5 hour drive from SEA-TAC. We know that not everyone is able to drop the money to rent a car for 5 days, so we will be setting up a way for you to coordinate sharing rides with other writers attending the retreat!
While you can arrive at the retreat location at any time after 12:00pm on Friday, we strongly encourage you to try to arrive by 5:00pm so you have time to settle into your room and start meeting the other attendees.
At 6:00pm, we will be having dinner and officially beginning the retreat.
The majority of retreat attendees will need to share a room, but private rooms are available. You will select your preferred option when registering. Private rooms are limited and booked on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Please note that shared rooms are divided by gender (one for men and one for women). This is out of respect for those attendees who may feel uncomfortable sleeping in a co-ed space.
Absolutely not! We will be sending out a survey to our registered attendees to learn more about everyone's dietary needs and preferences as we get closer to the retreat. We will do our best to ensure there is food available that works for everyone!
Smoking is not permitted in the house or on the property. However, smoking is permitted at the main road, which is a short walk up the sloped driveway.
While we obviously can't guarantee solitude (unless you book one of the solo rooms), we can reassure you that the house is spacious and so there's plenty of room for everyone to spread out. Between a balcony, main living area, basement living area, garage game room, and extensive back patio and yard--not to mention your bedroom--you should be able to find some space when you need it.
Yes! We've had writers of all experience levels attend our past retreats. While our virtual presenter will be teaching at a more intermediate/advanced level, our 1:1 coaching and other programming is designed to meet you right where you're at.
Yes! There's a washer and dryer available for our group to use.
No, not fully. (We wish it was!) If you are interested in attending and have mobility challenges, please reach out to Katie at katie@craftbetterbooks.com to share your accessibility needs.
While we don't regularly provide accommodations like ASL interpretation, live captioning, etc., if you're interested in attending the retreat but would need these types of accommodations, please email Katie at katie@craftbetterbooks.com and we'll figure out how/if we can make this possible!
Yes! The internet at the house has been fast and reliable during our previous retreats. If you keep your writing on the cloud, we recommend saving a backup copy to your device (or a thumb drive, etc.) to bring with you, just in case for some reason your device has trouble connecting to the network.
Please note that you will need to bring your own device(s) (laptop, tablet, etc.).
"Craft Better Books has done it again. For the second year in a row, their writing retreat was more than a way for authors to isolate themselves with a keyboard. It was a way to build community, decompress from the noisy world, and fill our emotional and creative cups. Just like last year, I benefited from the one-on-one coaching. Working together in person is what makes the retreat worthwhile."
— P. E. Robinson, Speculative Fiction Writer; alumnus of the 2023 & 2024 retreats —
Well, hello there! We're Andrew and Katie Wall, the husband-and-wife team behind Craft Better Books.
Katie is a writer, book coach, and lover of stories, words, and grammar (yes, really!). She has over a decade of experience working with writers and is certified through the Author Accelerator Book Coaching Program. She is known for her meticulous eye for revision and undying enthusiasm for brilliant plot twists.
Andrew is a book coach and World-Building Consultant. He loves reading, watching anime, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and nerding out with writers over their books. If you like developing complex fictional worlds that transport readers to another dimension or stories with deep and relatable characters, you are going to get along just fine.