If you sign up for a critique group during the breakout sessions, you will receive detailed instructions via email.

Generally, you need to bring up to five double-spaced pages of your current WIP. You will need enough copies for all the members in your group as well. If you do not know how many are in your group, contact Terry at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and she can help you.

“The Northwest Writeres Retreat provides LDS women writers the chance to get away from the everyday and rub shoulders with other writers, learn the craft, and write. Presentations cover everything from simple grammar tips to poetry to plotting a novel to publishing issues. Published authors, aspiring writers, family historians, and journalers share knowledge and encouragement in a supporting and beautiful environment. I wouldn’t miss it.”

-Terry Deighton

“Let me just tell you a couple of things about the Writers Retreat, first of all, I was totally blown away. Last year I wanted to go, just to watch the big names and published brainiacs in person, you know what I mean? But, it didn’t work out. After reading all of their books in my quiet hours, I really wanted to see the “great ones”. This year, ta da! With great anticipation I packed up my gear, sleeping bag who hah and snackage.

After I got to the cozy lodge and had some mingling time, classes were started. We took off writing and read aloud (volunteer of course) what we had come up with after just a few minutes. That’s where my brain ex-ploded. I watched real live women, that you might see in Relief Society, come up with the most brilliantly worded stories, poetry and humor, in seconds. Their minds were able to paint and create lovely scenes. I just kept staring at them, thinking they might keep the extra storage space for their computer nog-gins somewhere but nope, they are geniuses and they let me come and hang out with them. Can You believe that?”

-Michelin York

“I went for the first time last year and it made all the difference in getting me out of my rut and writing again. Not only were the people kind and welcoming, but many of them are first-class writers! I particularly enjoyed Marsha Ward’s presentation on organizing yourself as a writer. Putting her principles into practice once I got home, I found that, for the first time, I began to feel like a professional writer. Whether you’re looking for camaraderie with other writers, practical tips and exercises to improve your skill, or simply a chance to get away from it all and restore your creative juices, this annual retreat is a must for any LDS woman who wants to write well.”

-Tanya Mills