Glen Eyrie Fiction Writer's Retreat
Dates
- SAVE THE DATE FOR 2026:
- Tues-Fri June 2-5, 2026
About the Retreat
Glen Eyrie Fiction Writer’s Retreat & Conference: It Was a Dark and Stormy Night.
This phrase was the opening to many stories when we were kids. There was an anticipation and excitement we felt as we read that opening line. We want to encourage our writers to remember that sense of wonder they had with fiction as a kid … and work to create that wonder in their readers. The second part of that theme idea is that we as writers go through stormy, even scary times. How do we write through those times—or use them after the storm has passed to make our writing stronger?
Join us this June as some of the most passionate writers and teachers gather in one of the most gorgeous spots on Earth—to help you write . . . better.
Great workshops in the morning. Free time and ample chances for 1-on-1 time with faculty in the afternoons. An inspirational keynote at night, followed by time to mingle with other writers and faculty. Come to learn. To relax. To build connections. To write. Come to be encouraged and inspired. And most of all, to become even more in tune with the Lord . . . and what He wants to do with your writing.
The conference is limited to 40 attendees—by design. We don’t want you feeling lost in a crowd.
If you’d like to come earlier or stay after your retreat dates, lodging is available at a programs discounted rate. Please call our reservations line at 719-265-7050 for details.
Workshop Descriptions:
Retreat Theme: It was a Dark and Stormy Night. How to create that sense of wonder for our readers and survive the dark and stormy times in our own lives.
Event Dates
June 2-5, 2026
Registration Not available yet - coming soon
Standard Lodge Rooms
- Price is before tax
- Price assumes one person in the hotel room
- These are standard lodge rooms with 2 queen beds in our Big Horn Lodge, a 3-5 minute walk from the Castle. All meetings and meals are in the Castle.
- This price includes 2 nights’ lodging, 6 meals and all conference materials
$659
To make a reservation by phone, please call 719-265-7050
Retreat Leaders
Tim Shoemaker
Tim Shoemaker is the author of over twenty traditionally published books and is a popular speaker at conferences and schools around the country. Over twenty-five years working with youth has helped him relate to his reading and listening audience in unique ways.
His contemporary suspense, Code of Silence, was named in the “Top Ten Crime Novels for Youth” by Booklist.
Currently he is contracted for a non-fiction book for parents of teens, another for young men, and a three-book YA fiction series. He is also actively speaking and coaching writers.
Tim loves writing mystery, adventure, suspense, and thrillers that are clean, powerful, and definitely not “hokey” Christian fiction.
His energetic style of teaching helps make even difficult topics clear. He is all about encouraging and equipping writers to do what they do—better.
Happily married for over forty years, Tim lives in the Chicagoland area near his three sons, daughter-in-laws, and twelve grandkids!
Eva Marie Everson
Eva Marie Everson is an ECPA bestselling and multiple award-winning author and speaker, including an ECPA Gold Medallion. She is a Christy finalist, and a Silver Medallion winner. She has won a Carol, several Maggie and Golden Scroll awards, and an Inspirational Retailers Choice Award. She is one of the original five Word Weavers members, which began in 1997. She served first as the original president (2000-2007) and is now CEO of Word Weavers International, Inc., which serves over 1200 writers primarily as a national and international group of critique and educational chapters.
Eva Marie served as a mentor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild for several years and teaches at a number of writers conferences nationwide. During the 2010-2011 school year, Eva Marie served as an adjunct professor at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. She describes it as one of the best times she ever had while working. Eva Marie also serves as director of Florida Christian Writers Conference and she is the contest director for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, which includes the industry-wide SELAH awards. She also enjoys working as a private writing coach for fiction writers.
In 2022, Eva Marie was awarded the Yvonne Lehman Legacy Award and the AWSA Lifetime Achievement Award. Receiving both, she said, was among the highlights of her career.
She is a double graduate of Andersonville Theological Seminary (graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Exposition) and The Tzemach Institute. Her theological focus has always been the tie between the Testaments with a greater understanding of Christianity’s Jewish roots. Born and reared in Georgia, Eva Marie and her husband make their home in Central Florida where they are owned by one very spoiled cat and two hearts full of grandchildren.
Loretta Oakes
Loretta has been writing for over 25 years, weathering the many tides of publishing. She has five titles published in both the traditional and self-published arenas. Loretta started her career as an engineer for over 15 years, then turned to writing and teaching. She has been an educator for over a decade now, teaching middle schoolers how to read literature and express themselves in writing. She’s been teaching at adult writing conferences, small group venues, and mentoring individual writers for 10 years now. Loretta has been part of the Glen Eyrie Writers Retreat for 14 years, first as a student, then as an organizer and mentor with Nancy Rue, and now as a faculty member and one-on-one coach. Loretta helps writers find their voice and grow in their writing skills. She answers questions about all artistic aspects of their work in progress.
Blythe Daniel
Blythe Daniel is a literary agent, author, and marketer. Her agency markets books through podcasts, blogs, launch teams and traditional media, and represents adult non-fiction and select fiction along with several children’s fiction and non-fiction. Blythe has been the publicity director and marketing director for Nelson Books, now Harper Collins Christian Publishing, and has spent the last 20 years as a literary agent. The agency represents authors primarily in the Christian market. Blythe and her mother, Dr. Helen McIntosh, co-authored Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters (Harvest House) and I Love You Mom: Cherished Word Gifts from My Heart to Yours (Tyndale). Blythe and her daughter Calyn co-authored Let’s Be Friends: A Tween Devotional on Finding and Keeping Strong Friendships (Harvest House). Blythe, Helen, and Blythe’s son William co-authored I Love You, Dad: Words to Honor and Humor You (End Game Press). Blythe lives in Colorado with her husband and three teens.
Jesse Florea
Jesse Florea has worked at Focus on the Family for more than 30 years. For most of that time, he served as editor of Focus’ children’s magazines. Today, he’s the editor-in-chief of all Focus publications, including Clubhouse Jr. (ages 3-7), Clubhouse (for kids 8-12), Brio (for teen girls) and the flagship Focus on the Family magazine. He also co-hosts the NRB award-winning “Official Average Boy” podcast with Christian comedian Bob Smiley and the biweekly “Official Adventures in Odyssey” podcast. He has written or co-written more than 50 books, including three Bibles for teens and kids, the Defend Your Faith devotional, the Case for Christ Young Readers edition with Lee Strobel, Average Boy’s Above Average Year, and the Read Again and Again Old and New Testament Bible storybooks. Jesse often speaks at Christian conferences around the country, teaching up-and-coming authors how to write for magazines and children.
Jesse earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communications from Wheaton College, Ill., while minoring in biblical studies. He lives with his wife, Stephanie, in Colorado Springs and enjoys hanging out with his two grown children, their spouses and his grandchildren.
FAQ
Glen Eyrie Programs require payment in full at the time of reservation. Reservations cancelled or rescheduled at least 14 days prior to the start date will be charged a 10% fee. Reservations cancelled or rescheduled within 14 days of the start date will be charged a 50% fee. Reservations cancelled within 3 days of the event date will be charged the full amount.
Anyone who is compelled to write. Our speakers will address different stages of writing and publishing, from beginners to those polishing off a manuscript.
Weekend attire is casual and be prepared to do lots of walking on our 700+ acre property. Colorado weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers. And don’t forget to bring your Bible!
Our property contains 95 guest rooms located in 7 buildings, including our historic Castle. None of our rooms have televisions, although free wi-fi is available throughout the property. Rooms contain coffee makers, but no microwaves or refrigerators. These are available for use in each building’s common area. To see pictures of our rooms, visit our website Gleneyrie.org/lodging.
Please notify us of any allergies or dietary needs in advance. Our Food & Beverage team can accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian diets with advance notice. We are not a gluten-free certified kitchen, and cross-contamination may occur.
Be prepared to do lots of walking and navigating stairs, as the retreat sessions are in the Carriage House and meals are in the Castle. Please notify us if you will need extra assistance.