Sometimes maintaining momentum as a writer is hard. We all experience times of drought, where the ideas won’t arrive and the words won’t flow. Or times where the busy nature of life simply blocks us from hitting our goals.

In either case, the answer often isn’t to push harder. It’s to pause, reset, and carve out dedicated time where you can simply be creative.

This summer, Writing Excuses Retreats invites you to nurture your creative process, unlock inspiration and find companionship among fellow writers.

For one week, hosts Mary Robinette Kowal, Erin Roberts, and DongWon Song, will guide you through a restorative retreat designed to help you ignite and nurture your creativity. The week will include interactive and collaborative workshops and classes balanced with plenty of free time to connect, write, brainstorm, or simply stroll the grounds of the retreat center.

Learn more here.

Improve your writing skills while swinging swords, enjoying excellent food, and learning traditional Scottish dances.

One of the most exciting challenges writers face is the creation of rich, immersive worlds for your readers. To do this well, we often look to history.

Historical research can guide inspiration whether you’re writing an alternate history, a period piece, or a jumping off point for your own brand new science-fiction or fantasy world.

But conducting that research and integrating it into your story can be a daunting task.

You’re invited to join Writing Excuses for a unique opportunity to learn how to conduct historical research and incorporate it into your writing—all while staying in a stunning Scottish manor.

Learn more here.

It's a cruise ship. On the ocean. With writers.

You’re invited to The Writing Excuses Cruise—an annual event for writers who want dedicated time to focus on honing their craft, connecting with their peers, and getting away from the grind of daily life.

This year, we’re sailing along the stunning Mexico coast on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas. We’ll embark from Los Angeles, CA and visit Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlán.

During the event, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in seminars, writing exercises, small-group breakout sessions, and more. Every year, this event brings writers together to learn and grow (while also enjoying great food, adventurous excursions, and fun shipboard activities).

The cruise is hosted by Writing Excuses podcast hosts Mary Robinette Kowal, Dan Wells, Howard Tayler, DongWon Song, and Erin Roberts. We will also welcome aboard our guest instructor, author Mark Oshiro.

Relaxation, learning, and writing . . . the perfect combination!

Learn more here.