May 15-18, 2026
If…Writers Retreat: Pigeon Forge, TN
What would you write if…
life finally got out of the way?
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 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, If…Writers Retreat is designed to help you make real progress.
The registration fee covers accommodations, all meals, and programming (see below for everything that’s included).
We can’t wait to see you in Pigeon Forge!
— Michele & Melody
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
All meals:
Continental breakfast, catered lunch and dinner
24/7 snacks and beverages
Vegetarian- and gluten-free options available
Dedicated writing spaces — ample indoor and outdoor settings for individual writing or small-group meetups
Parking
Programming, including (all optional):
Craft talk/workshop and 1-on-1 sessions with a Guest Writer (more info to come!)
Group writing exercises
Open writing blocks
Stunning mountain views
Access to hiking trails and the resort’s outdoor pool
Note that the registration fee does not include travel or transportation.
Accommodations
Tucked into the Smoky Mountains, 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. Located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, the lodge is just 2.5 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains Parkway and an hour from Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport.
Choose from several room options:
2 Queen Beds Room:
Single occupancy (private): $1,475 invite-only price: $1,275
Double occupancy (shared): $1,095 invite-only price: $950 per person
Private full bathroom, TV, and fireplace.
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: $700 per person
Triple occupancy: $800 per person
Double occupancy: $900 per person
Retreat Schedule
Day 1: Friday, May 15
Check-in + Welcome
Dinner
Open Writing + Social Time
Day 2: Saturday, May 16
Breakfast
Craft Workshop With Guest Writer
Open Writing Time
Lunch
Open Writing Time
Dinner
Table Read and/or Short Film Screening
Day 3: Sunday, May 17
Breakfast
Mindfulness for Writers
Open Writing Time
Lunch
Writing Prompt + Open Writing Time
Dinner
Craft Talk With Guest Writer
Day 4: Monday, May 18
Closing Breakfast + Goodbyes!
Schedule subject to change.