Thursday Nov 6

3-4 pm Meet and greet retreat leaders  (Room checkin begins at 4:00 pm)

4:00 pm Welcome 

4:00-6:00 pm Session 1: The Business of Writing Books – Marcus Costantino

The business of books transcends authorship. It’s time we all stop calling ourselves authors and the things that we create books. Designed to reframe your thinking, this session explores Christian stewardship, cultural engagement, and earning credibility.

6-7 pm Dinner in Castle Dining Room

7:15-8:15 Session 2: The Story of Everything – Matt Alvarado

Story is how we Christians can bring good news to a world that is desperate for hope. It is our duty to go wherever we must to bring it to them; yes, even Hollywood, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. And books. Especially books.

Friday Nov 7

7:30-8:45 am Breakfast in Castle Dining Room

9:00-10:00 Session 3: You and Your Target Audience – VIckie Deppe

The best conversations are one-to-one, while sipping coffee. The best writing is offered to one person who represents your very narrow target audience. Of course everyone in the world will want to read your book, but only if you write it with focus.

10:00-10:45 am Break

10:45-11:00 am Poetry Slam

11:00-12:00pm Session 4: AI and Your Book – Jason Rutel

12-1:00 pm Lunch in Castle Dining Room

1:00-4:00 pm Workshop Tracks (3 workshops for each track)

Track One for Igniting Your Writing (turning writers into authors)

Track Two for Igniting Your Book Business (turning authors into business owners)

4:00-5:00 pm Session 5: The Business of Marketing – Aryn Van Dyke (hosted by Marcus)

There is no greater challenge than getting your books in front of potential buyers. Traditional publishers sometimes succeed. Amazon does it well if you pay them. But the job is really yours. Learn how the industry works and how to get your books to readers.

5-6 pm Break

6:00-7:00 Dinner in Castle Dining Room

7:15- 8:15 pm Session 6: The Business of Content Marketing – Matt Alvarado

If you thought writing was the hard part, wait till you get to sales and marketing. Our line-up of business and marketing coaches will guide you toward marketing that works and developing a business plan to help you sell your books and serve the people you care about.

8:15 pm Storytime

Saturday Nov 8

7:30-8:45 am Breakfast in Castle Dining Room

9:00-10:00 Session 7: The Business of Publishing – Dave Sheets

Too much of the book publishing world is filled with vanity and unfulfilled promises. With the advent of new technology and services, there’s never been a better time to utilize your content in book form to accomplish your purpose and mission.

10-11:00 Break

11- 12:00 pm Workshops Tracks

12:00-1:00 pm Lunch in Castle Dining Room

1:00-2:00 pm Workshops Tracks

2:00-3:00 pm Session 8: The Business of You – Marcus Costantino

It is time to stop the noise. Too many voices are telling us who we must be: “Build your brand!” “Become an influencer!” We need to stop staring at the mirror, stuck in the mire of who we are, and look ahead to the journey of who we are becoming. Our tribes will notice.

3:00 pm Retreat concludes