May 15-18, 2026
If…Writers Retreat: Pigeon Forge, TN
We took that single question and created If…Writers Retreat: A 4-day/3-night retreat in the beautiful Smoky Mountains for women and nonbinary film and TV writers, emerging and established.
If…Writers Retreat is part retreat, part residency. No distractions, no overstuffed schedule — just you, the mountains, and the work. Craft talks and workshops are part of the experience, but they're designed to feed your writing time, not replace it. You'll also find inspiration and community here, with a group of writers who get it.
Come with whatever you're working on — feature, short, or TV script, at any stage (draft, outline, story idea). Wherever you are in the process, the retreat is designed to help you make real progress. We can’t wait to see you in Pigeon Forge!
— Michele & Melody
What would you write if
life finally got out of the way?
What to Expect
Craft workshops led my TV writer/filmmaker Kimberlea Kressal
Work with Kimberlea in a one-on-one session (optional) to discuss a story idea, script impression, or career development. You’ll have an opportunity to continue working with Kim post-retreat (for additional fee)
Writing prompts & exercises
Distraction-free writing time in dedicated writing spaces — ample indoor and outdoor settings for individual writing or small-group meetups
Shared meals and social time to build community
Access to hiking trails and the resort’s outdoor pool
Stunning mountain views
About Kimberlea Kressal
Based in LA, Kimberlea has sold and developed TV projects with ABC Signature, Automatik, Escape Artists, MGM-Orion, Pariah (Gavin Polone), and UCP, among others. She comes to film and TV from a career as a New York playwright and theatre director, and is the writer and librettist of the hit off-Broadway musical Lesbian Love Octagon, optioned for television by DiGa Studios.
Kimberlea serves on the graduate screenwriting faculty at Western Colorado University and Stephens College, and is developing a new series with 3 Arts Entertainment. She earned her BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch School of the Arts and MFA in TV and Screenwriting from Stephens College.
What’s Included
Accommodations (4 days/3 nights):
Private and shared rooms available (based on availability)
Every room has its own private full bathroom, TV, and electric fireplace
Wi-Fi throughout the lodge and in every room
Parking included
All meals:
Continental breakfast, catered lunch and dinner
24/7 snacks and beverages
Vegetarian- and gluten-free options available
All programming
The registration fee does not include travel or transportation.
Located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Mountain View Lodge is a spacious luxury cabin with spectacular views of Cove Mountain and Mt. LeConte, one of the most dramatic peaks in the eastern US. The lodge is just 2.5 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains Parkway and an hour from Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport.
Accommodations
Choose from several room options
Private King Room: $1,675 $1,275
Private full bathroom, TV, and fireplace.
2 Queen Beds Room:
Private full bathroom, TV, and fireplace.
Single occupancy (private): $1,475 $1,275
Double occupancy (shared): $1,095 $950 per person
Shared Queen Bunk Room:
A fun option for writers who want to room together. Spacious room with two queen bunk beds, private full bathroom, TV, and fireplace. Ideal for a writing duo, trio, or writers group.
Quad occupancy: $650 per person
Triple occupancy: $750 per person
Double occupancy: $900 per person
Please Note: The registration fee covers accommodations, all meals, and programming. We accept payments via Paypal, which includes credit card payments (3.75% surcharge applies to cover platform fees) and Zelle (no processing fees).
Payment plans are available; email info@ifstorycamefirst.com to arrange one.
Retreat Schedule
Day 1: Friday, May 15
Check-in
Welcome Drinks
Dinner
Social + Open Writing Time
Day 2: Saturday, May 16
Breakfast
Prompt + Open Writing Time
Lunch
Craft Workshop With Kimberlea Kressal
Open Writing Time
Dinner
Short Film Screening
Day 3: Sunday, May 17
Breakfast
Mindfulness for Writers
Open Writing Time
Lunch
Craft Workshop With Kimberlea Kressal
Open Writing Time
Dinner
Table Read
Day 4: Monday, May 18
Closing Breakfast + Goodbyes!
Schedule subject to change.