The Portland Speculative Writing Retreat
November 12 - 15, 2026
A weekend full of craft sessions, community, and 1-on-1 mentorship to help you design, worldbuild, and write your next speculative story in the moody offseason of Old Port, Portland Maine.
Worldbuild without overwhelm while making your fantasy feel complex.
Create stories that use speculative elements to enhance character.
Learn how to write action and detail that invites readers in without confusion.
Overview
An inspiring weekend in a walkable neighborhood with cozy weather, cute cafes, cobblestone streets, and no lines for the amazing restaurants that are still open in off-season.
Who
3-6 writers who are writing speculative novels, or are interested in writing speculative stories, such as science fiction and fantasy.
When
Thursday, November 12 to Sunday, November 15.
Arrive by 6pm Thursday for our group dinner, and stay until 1pm Sunday for our closing group brunch!
Where
Old Port, Portland, Maine
FAQs
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When you arrive Thursday, we’ll kick off the retreat with a group dinner at 6pm. Then, each morning (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), you’ll have a craft session with me and the group from 10am to 12. I’ll also schedule a 1-on-1 meeting with you. The retreat will end with a group brunch on Sunday at 12.
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Pay in full = $777
Payment plan = $194.25 × 4
Your tuition includes all programming, craft sessions, 1-on-1 coaching session, writing materials, and 2 group meals.
With this retreat, you have the freedom to book your own housing for the weekend! See the registration section for advice on where to stay, at a hotel or airbnb near Old Port.
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Only your laptop & your ideas! I’ll provide the supplies you’ll need to write and take notes during the weekend.
I also recommend packing layers for the cold weather, as we are just off the ocean and the wind will be bitingly cold. I recommend a scarf, hat, and gloves.
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Our meeting is your opportunity for in-depth coaching and guidance, not only on your manuscript in progress, but any career planning questions you might have. I recommend thinking through:
Where are you feeling stuck in your current manuscript?
Do you want to discuss next steps in publishing?
What do you need to finish your current book?
Any questions you might have about your actual writing—we can look at a few pages of your work together!
Registration
Apply for access to writing retreats!
2. Use your password on the registration page linked in your acceptance email. Then, submit tuition for the Portland Speculative Retreat.
3. Book your travel to Portland, ME, arriving on Thursday and leaving Sunday afternoon.
4. Book your housing for 3 nights of the retreat, close to Old Port.
5. Keep an eye on your email for more details closer to the retreat weekend!
I recommend staying in Old Port, Portland. The area is very walkable, but remember that it is a very chilly time of year!
Worldbuilding, invention, & connection
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