HELLO WRITERS!

The first annual Murder Creek Writing Retreat will open for submissions on March 15, 2023 through June 1, 2023. Space is limited and the retreat is open to writers who have a work in progress. This retreat, organized by Holly Hart Shirley and Mandy Haynes and sponsored in part by WELL READ Magazine and the city of Brewton, is geared toward writers of all backgrounds who have a work in progress. No matter your writing experience, you’ll leave the Murder Creek Writing Retreat with important information including the craft of writing different genres, what publishers are looking for and how to submit your work, the pros and cons of self-publishing v. traditional publishing, how and where to find audiobook narrators, and lots of techniques and tips about the art of storytelling that are beneficial to authors of all genres and will help strengthen our voice on the page.

September 1st - 4th

All interested participants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible due to the limited space available.

Retreat Rates will range from $995 to $1495 per participant based upon accommodations.

Daily breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dinner at the historic Holley House Bed and Breakfast.

Two days of in-person workshops as well as a few virtual classes led by some of the most entertaining and well-established authors and people in the publishing business.

Swag bags from The Holley House and WELL READ filled with unique gifts and treats from local businesses.

Friday night meet and greet barbeque, a moonshine tasting from the Murder Creek Distillery, storytelling session, a low country boil, and a concert put on by local musicians. We will also have time set aside at the end of Saturday and Sunday for participant’s to have informal critique sessions and readings.

Carolyn Haines - Carolyn will be speaking on the importance of having an agent and how to find the right agent for your project.

Suzanne Hudson and Joe Formichella. They will be speaking on the pitfalls of the writing business and how to avoid them.

Laine Lawson Craft. Laine will be speaking on how to market your book and podcast online and the importance of public relations.

Lisa Diane Kastner. Lisa will be speaking on what publishers are looking for in a writer, how to submit to anthologies, and how to craft the perfect query.

Holly Hart Shirley is the fifth generation of her family to have lived and worked at The Holley House. She is an NCIDQ certified interior designer who came out of the closet as a writer a few years ago. Holly's blog Deep South Ramblings has steady traffic and the disaster relief Facebook page she administered had 27 million page views the first week it was live. She has spoken all over the country about how to leverage social media in times of disasters. Holly is currently writing for WELL READ Magazine and is working on a memoir entitled Blackwater Birthright. She is past winner of the Stardome Comedy Club's Open Mic Night contest in Birmingham, Alabama where she currently resides with her husband Jimbo.She has been a part of the Yale Writers Workshop multiple years and is a professional screenwriting member of Writers Boot Camp out of Los Angeles.

Mandy Haynes writes literary fiction with a southern drawl. She’s the author of two short story collections, one novella, and the editor of several anthologies. Mandy is the owner of three dogs write press, llc, and the creator, publisher, and editor-in-chief of WELL READ Magazine.

She, her three pups, and one turtle, have recently moved to Alabama from Amelia Island and are loving it.

The historic Holley House Bed and Breakfast will accommodate fourteen authors. With three living areas, a dining room, an event room with ten tables and ample places to plug in computers and chargers, high speed wireless internet throughout the house, eight porches, and a chapel to clear your head, the 15,000 square foot historic Bed and Breakfast will be your home away from home while you learn from award winning authors, workshop with your peers, put words on the pages, and revise your manuscript.Eight suites have queen or king beds and private baths, while the two upstairs suites with multiple bedrooms have shared baths with access to a kitchen and two large living areas. Every room in the 5 star bed and breakfast has luxurious beds and comfortable robes to spoil you while you work on your manuscript. Deborah George, Inn Keeper of Holley House, will provide home cooked meals (including her famous chicken and dressing) plus plenty of snacks for attendees.

The application process for the Murder Creek Writing Retreat is now open.