Annual Fic Writers' Retreat, first held in Canada in 2016, coming once again in 2026 for its TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY.
NO MORE WAITLIST: Due to additional interest, new spots have been made available for this year's retreat!
To Register, Click Here
When: August 6-9 2026
Where: Five Oaks Retreat Centre, Paris, Ontario, Canada
What is it? Four days spent with other fic writers, at all levels of experience. There will be a mix of workshops (Topics TBA and open to suggestions), prompts and challenges, and plenty of independent writing time for your own personal projects.
It’s also an opportunity to make connections with people who share your interests and passions, and where you can focus on your own goals and creativity.
Cost (in CANADIAN DOLLARS):
$500.00 Double Occupancy ($365 USD)
$590.00 Single Occupancy ($430 USD)
Here’s what you get for it:
All meals (dinner Thursday to breakfast Sunday)
Accommodation (All single beds)
Daily workshops and writing sessions (planned and delivered by participants - you too, if you want!)
A retreat in a beautiful riverside setting
WiFi included
Registration Process:
Click on the Registration Link, above.
Complete the form and submit it.
Select a payment option: a) e-transfer (Canadian residents only) or b) PayPal (link in registration form)
Deposit period has ended. Full payment of $500 or $590 CAD due upon registration.
Travel to the venue is not included. However, shared transport from Toronto (airport or other hubs) can almost always be arranged with other participants.
Several participants (and the organizer) live in the area, and we have always been able to arrange ride-shares from the Toronto Airport to the various venues. These connections will be arranged after registration.
Contact me with any questions! Or see the FAQ Page
2026 Canadian Fic Writers' Retreat Filling Up Fast!
Annual Fic Writers' Retreat, first held in Canada in 2016, coming once again in 2026 for its TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY.
We have nearly filled all spots for this year, but there is still space! If you're thinking of coming, please reach out. Or better yet, REGISTER!
To Register, Click Here
When: August 6-9 2026
Where: Five Oaks Retreat Centre, Paris, Ontario, Canada
What is it? Four days spent with other fic writers, at all levels of experience. There will be a mix of workshops (Topics TBA and open to suggestions), prompts and challenges, and plenty of independent writing time for your own personal projects.
It’s also an opportunity to make connections with people who share your interests and passions, and where you can focus on your own goals and creativity.
Cost (in CANADIAN DOLLARS):
$500.00 Double Occupancy ($365 USD)
$590.00 Single Occupancy ($430 USD)
Here’s what you get for it:
All meals (dinner Thursday to lunch Sunday)
Accommodation (All single beds)
Daily workshops and writing sessions (planned and delivered by participants - you too, if you want!)
A retreat in a beautiful riverside setting
WiFi included
Registration Process:
Click on the Registration Link, above.
Complete the form and submit it.
Select a payment option: a) e-transfer (Canadian residents only) or b) PayPal (link in registration form)
Make your deposit of $250 or $295 CAD (50% of total cost) to complete your registration
Second payment is due on July 6, 2026
Space will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis. Once spaces are filled, there will be a waitlist in case more space can be secured. NO DEPOSIT WILL BE COLLECTED unless space is available.
Travel to the venue is not included. However, shared transport from Toronto (airport or other hubs) can almost always be arranged with other participants.
Several participants (and the organizer) live in the area, and we have always been able to arrange ride-shares from the Toronto Airport to the various venues. These connections will be arranged after registration.
Contact me with any questions! Or see the FAQ Page
FIC WRITERS RETREAT (CANADA) 2026
REGISTRATIONS OPEN NOW!!
Annual Fic Writers' Retreat, first held in Canada in 2016, coming once again in 2026 for its TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY.
To Register, Click Here
When: August 6-9 2026
Where: Five Oaks Retreat Centre, Paris, Ontario, Canada
What is it? Four days spent with other fic writers, at all levels of experience. There will be a mix of workshops (Topics TBA and open to suggestions), prompts and challenges, and plenty of independent writing time for your own personal projects.
It’s also an opportunity to make connections with people who share your interests and passions, and where you can focus on your own goals and creativity.
Cost (in CANADIAN DOLLARS):
$500.00 Double Occupancy ($365 USD)
$590.00 Single Occupancy ($430 USD)
Here’s what you get for it:
All meals (dinner Thursday to lunch Sunday)
Accommodation (All single beds)
Daily workshops and writing sessions (planned and delivered by participants - you too, if you want!)
A retreat in a beautiful riverside setting
WiFi included
Registration Process:
Click on the Registration Link, above.
Complete the form and submit it.
Select a payment option: a) e-transfer (Canadian residents only) or b) PayPal (link in registration form)
Make your deposit of $250 or $295 CAD (50% of total cost) to complete your registration
Second payment is due on July 6, 2026
Space will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis. Once spaces are filled, there will be a waitlist in case more space can be secured. NO DEPOSIT WILL BE COLLECTED unless space is available.
Travel to the venue is not included. However, shared transport from Toronto (airport or other hubs) can almost always be arranged with other participants.
Several participants (and the organizer) live in the area, and we have always been able to arrange ride-shares from the Toronto Airport to the various venues. These connections will be arranged after registration.
Contact me with any questions! Or see the FAQ Page
Tags under the cut. Let me know if you want to be tagged in this. If you’re not tagged it’s because I didn’t know you were interested. (Or I used an old list and forgot, or I thought you'd asked to not be tagged - correct me if I was wrong!) It's not because we don't want you! Please come.
In this post you can find all the info on the 2026 European Fic Writers Retreat that is taking place in Germany from 13-16 August 2026!
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
Here are the details:
-Arrival from 3.30pm on 13 August (Thursday).
-Checkout at noon on 16 August (Sunday).
-Price: between 240-390 euros (depending on whether you share a room or not, see below). This includes accommodation and food (which we'll still have to cook ourselves, however).
Activities
There will be 3 writing/fandom workshops/activities each day. The rest of the time is for writing, hanging out and making new fandom friends.
Also there will be daily walks to the supermarket (10 mins) to get all the food we need. :)
Venue
The accommodation has 8 bedrooms, with 2 or more separate beds in most. This means that there is place for 8 to 12 people, depending on how many people are willing to share a room.
(There is also a garden, billiards and table tennis just for us!)
Space will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis (based on date of payment received). If you are among the first 8 people to register, you won't have to share a room if you prefer not to.
N.B. If there are more than 8 applicants and you are willing to share a room with one fellow writer, the price is only 240 euros for each of you who are sharing a room!
Also, there are two slightly weirdly connected rooms, meaning that you have to go through each other's room to get to the loo. The cost for these is 320 euros.
Room options
So there are three types of rooms to choose from:
-large room: 390 euros for the whole stay, including food
-connecting room: 320 euros for the whole stay, including food
-shared room: 240 euros for the whole stay, including food. [This option will only become available if more than 8 people register!]
The location is in the Eifel region, in the very west of Germany. You have to arrange your own transport there, although there will likely be the possibility of getting a ride from Koblenz to the accommodation, if enough people travel by car and are willing to pick up others.
Organisation
Be aware that this retreat isn't anything fancy or well-organised; it's just me (@shirleycarlton) having made a reservation for a large holiday house in hopes of finding enough fellow fanfic (British M/M slash) writers, who would like to attend and spend some quality time together.
Originally, this concept arose from the Sherlock fandom, and I (Shirley) personally exclusively write johnlock. However, a lot of Sherlock writers have (understandably) moved on to other fandoms, so whether you're currently into Good Omens, LOTR, James Bond, Our Flag Means Death, or RWRB, it's all fine, as John Watson would say. :)
It would be preferable to be familiar with the Sherlock fandom though, as there is still a certain emphasis on these roots of ours. ;D
How to register
If you would like to register, all you need to do is take these two steps:
Step 1: fill in this registration form.
Step 2: After receiving your registration form, I will wait until 15 May to see how many people have registered (just to make sure there are enough applicants to let the retreat actually take place). Then I will send you an email with the payment details. Your registration becomes final once I have received your payment of the deposit, which is 200 euros.
IMPORTANT
The registration deadline is 31 May. However, space will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis (based on date of payment received), so make sure you register as soon as you're sure!
If at least 8 people apply (myself included) before 15 May, the retreat will definitely take place!
(With 1 or 2 fewer applicants, it will only take place if everyone agrees to pay a bit more. You can indicate this on the registration form.)
Tagging a few people again below the cut. Please help signal boost!
Five people have registered so far (as of 24 April): that means there's still room for seven more! 🎉
(Also, if 3 more people register before 15 May, the retreat will definitely take place! (With 1 or 2 fewer applicants, it will only take place if everyone agrees to pay a bit more.))
By the way, please make sure you register for the right retreat, as there is one taking place in Canada in August as well! For information on the CANADIAN RETREAT (which inspired this one!!), go to @ficwritersretreat
FIC WRITERS RETREAT (CANADA) 2026
REGISTRATIONS OPEN NOW!!
Annual Fic Writers' Retreat, first held in Canada in 2016, coming once again in 2026 for its TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY.
To Register, Click Here
When: August 6-9 2026
Where: Five Oaks Retreat Centre, Paris, Ontario, Canada
What is it? Four days spent with other fic writers, at all levels of experience. There will be a mix of workshops (Topics TBA and open to suggestions), prompts and challenges, and plenty of independent writing time for your own personal projects.
It’s also an opportunity to make connections with people who share your interests and passions, and where you can focus on your own goals and creativity.
Cost (in CANADIAN DOLLARS):
$500.00 Double Occupancy ($365 USD)
$590.00 Single Occupancy ($430 USD)
Here’s what you get for it:
All meals (dinner Thursday to lunch Sunday)
Accommodation (All single beds)
Daily workshops and writing sessions (planned and delivered by participants - you too, if you want!)
A retreat in a beautiful riverside setting
WiFi included
Registration Process:
Click on the Registration Link, above.
Complete the form and submit it.
Select a payment option: a) e-transfer (Canadian residents only) or b) PayPal (link in registration form)
Make your deposit of $250 or $295 CAD (50% of total cost) to complete your registration
Second payment is due on July 6, 2026
Space will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis. Once spaces are filled, there will be a waitlist in case more space can be secured. NO DEPOSIT WILL BE COLLECTED unless space is available.
Travel to the venue is not included. However, shared transport from Toronto (airport or other hubs) can almost always be arranged with other participants.
Several participants (and the organizer) live in the area, and we have always been able to arrange ride-shares from the Toronto Airport to the various venues. These connections will be arranged after registration.
Contact me with any questions! Or see the FAQ Page
Tags under the cut. Let me know if you want to be tagged in this. If you’re not tagged it’s because I didn’t know you were interested. (Or I used an old list and forgot, or I thought you'd asked to not be tagged - correct me if I was wrong!) It's not because we don't want you! Please come.
FIC WRITERS RETREAT (CANADA) 2025 DEADLINE TO REGISTER: FRIDAY
Friday is when I need to give final numbers to the venue.
WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU.
WHY HESISTATE?
EIGHTH annual Fic Writers' Retreat, first held in Canada in 2016, coming once again in 2025.
To Register, Click Here
When: August 7-10 2025
Where: Five Oaks Retreat Centre, Paris, Ontario, Canada
What is it? Four days spent with other fic writers, at all levels of experience. There will be a mix of workshops (Topics TBA and open to suggestions), prompts and challenges, and plenty of independent writing time for your own personal projects.
It’s also an opportunity to make connections with people who share your interests and passions, and where you can focus on your own goals and creativity.
Cost (in CANADIAN DOLLARS): $480.00
(approximately $343 USD as of this posting)
Here’s what you get for it:
All meals (dinner Thursday to lunch Sunday)
Accommodation (Shared rooms but NOT shared beds - sorry)
Daily workshops and writing sessions (planned and delivered by participants - you too, if you want!)
A retreat in a beautiful riverside setting
WiFi included
Registration Process:
Click on the Registration Link, above.
Complete the form and submit it.
Select a payment option: a) e-transfer (Canadian residents only) or b) PayPal (link in registration form)
Make your deposit of $240 CAD (50% of total cost) to complete your registration
Second payment is due on July 10, 4 weeks before the retreat begins.
Space will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis. There are 22 spaces available, after which names will be placed on a waiting list (no payment will be required unless you are offered a spot).
Travel to the venue is not included. However, shared transport from Toronto (airport or other hubs) can often be arranged with other participants.
Several participants (and the organizer) live in the area, and we have always been able to arrange ride-shares from the Toronto Airport to the various venues. These connections will be arranged after registration.
Contact me with any questions! Or see the FAQ Page
(Honestly, they usually fill up faster? Am half expecting a flurry of registrations all in one go...)
BUT ANYWAY, YOU (YES YOU) ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO THE
EIGHTH annual Fic Writers' Retreat, first held in Canada in 2016, coming once again in 2025.
To Register, Click Here
When: August 7-10 2025
Where: Five Oaks Retreat Centre, Paris, Ontario, Canada
What is it? Four days spent with other fic writers, from Canada, the United States, and anywhere else we can convince people to come from! There will be a mix of workshops (Topics TBA and open to suggestions), prompts and challenges, and plenty of independent writing time for your own personal projects.
It’s also an opportunity to make connections with people who share your interests and passions, and where you can focus on your own goals and creativity.
Cost (in CANADIAN DOLLARS): $480.00
(approximately $350 US, €301 and ¥2,511.45, as of this posting)
Here’s what you get for it:
All meals (dinner Thursday to lunch Sunday)
Accommodation (Shared rooms but NOT shared beds - sorry)
Daily workshops and writing sessions (planned and delivered by participants - you too, if you want!)
A retreat in a beautiful riverside setting
WiFi included
Registration Process:
Click on the Registration Link, above.
Complete the form and submit it.
Select a payment option: a) e-transfer (Canadian residents only) or b) PayPal (link in registration form)
Make your deposit of $240 CAD (50% of total cost) to complete your registration
Second payment is due on July 10, 4 weeks before the retreat begins.
Space will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis. There are 22 spaces available, after which names will be placed on a waiting list (no payment will be required unless you are offered a spot).
Travel to the venue is not included. However, shared transport from Toronto (airport or other hubs) can often be arranged with other participants.
Several participants (and the organizer) live in the area, and we have always been able to arrange ride-shares from the Toronto Airport to the various venues. These connections will be arranged after registration.
Contact me with any questions! Or see the FAQ Page
FIC WRITERS RETREAT (CANADA) 2025
SPACE STILL AVAILABLE
EIGHTH annual Fic Writers' Retreat, first held in Canada in 2016, coming once again in 2025.
To Register, Click Here
When: August 7-10 2025
Where: Five Oaks Retreat Centre, Paris, Ontario, Canada
What is it? Four days spent with other fic writers, at all levels of experience. There will be a mix of workshops (Topics TBA and open to suggestions), prompts and challenges, and plenty of independent writing time for your own personal projects.
It’s also an opportunity to make connections with people who share your interests and passions, and where you can focus on your own goals and creativity.
Cost (in CANADIAN DOLLARS): $480.00
(approximately $343 USD as of this posting)
Here’s what you get for it:
All meals (dinner Thursday to lunch Sunday)
Accommodation (Shared rooms but NOT shared beds - sorry)
Daily workshops and writing sessions (planned and delivered by participants - you too, if you want!)
A retreat in a beautiful riverside setting
WiFi included
Registration Process:
Click on the Registration Link, above.
Complete the form and submit it.
Select a payment option: a) e-transfer (Canadian residents only) or b) PayPal (link in registration form)
Make your deposit of $240 CAD (50% of total cost) to complete your registration
Second payment is due on July 10, 4 weeks before the retreat begins.
Space will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis. There are 22 spaces available, after which names will be placed on a waiting list (no payment will be required unless you are offered a spot).
Travel to the venue is not included. However, shared transport from Toronto (airport or other hubs) can often be arranged with other participants.
Several participants (and the organizer) live in the area, and we have always been able to arrange ride-shares from the Toronto Airport to the various venues. These connections will be arranged after registration.
Contact me with any questions! Or see the FAQ Page
Tags under the cut. Let me know if you want to be tagged in this. If you’re not tagged it’s because I didn’t know you were interested. (Or I used an old list and forgot, or I thought you'd asked to not be tagged - correct me if I was wrong!) It's not because we don't want you! Please come.
There are still spaces available for this year's retreat in Paris, Ontario! Quite a few folks already signed up from both Canada and the US, and new people are always welcome! If you've been considering coming, maybe this is your year!
If you have any hesitations, I'd be happy to talk them over with you.
FIC WRITERS RETREAT (CANADA) 2025
SPACE STILL AVAILABLE
EIGHTH annual Fic Writers' Retreat, first held in Canada in 2016, coming once again in 2025.
To Register, Click Here
When: August 7-10 2025
Where: Five Oaks Retreat Centre, Paris, Ontario, Canada
What is it? Four days spent with other fic writers, at all levels of experience. There will be a mix of workshops (Topics TBA and open to suggestions), prompts and challenges, and plenty of independent writing time for your own personal projects.
It’s also an opportunity to make connections with people who share your interests and passions, and where you can focus on your own goals and creativity.
Cost (in CANADIAN DOLLARS): $480.00
(approximately $343 USD as of this posting)
Here’s what you get for it:
All meals (dinner Thursday to lunch Sunday)
Accommodation (Shared rooms but NOT shared beds - sorry)
Daily workshops and writing sessions (planned and delivered by participants - you too, if you want!)
A retreat in a beautiful riverside setting
WiFi included
Registration Process:
Click on the Registration Link, above.
Complete the form and submit it.
Select a payment option: a) e-transfer (Canadian residents only) or b) PayPal (link in registration form)
Make your deposit of $240 CAD (50% of total cost) to complete your registration
Second payment is due on July 10, 4 weeks before the retreat begins.
Space will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis. There are 22 spaces available, after which names will be placed on a waiting list (no payment will be required unless you are offered a spot).
Travel to the venue is not included. However, shared transport from Toronto (airport or other hubs) can often be arranged with other participants.
Several participants (and the organizer) live in the area, and we have always been able to arrange ride-shares from the Toronto Airport to the various venues. These connections will be arranged after registration.
Contact me with any questions! Or see the FAQ Page
Tags under the cut. Let me know if you want to be tagged in this. If you’re not tagged it’s because I didn’t know you were interested. (Or I used an old list and forgot, or I thought you'd asked to not be tagged - correct me if I was wrong!) It's not because we don't want you! Please come.
FIC WRITERS RETREAT (CANADA) 2026
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Annual Fic Writers' Retreat, first held in Canada in 2016, coming once again in 2026 for its TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY.
To Register, Click Here
When: August 6-9 2026
Where: Five Oaks Retreat Centre, Paris, Ontario, Canada
What is it? Four days spent with other fic writers, at all levels of experience. There will be a mix of workshops (Topics TBA and open to suggestions), prompts and challenges, and plenty of independent writing time for your own personal projects.
It’s also an opportunity to make connections with people who share your interests and passions, and where you can focus on your own goals and creativity.
Cost (in CANADIAN DOLLARS):
$500.00 Double Occupancy ($365 USD)
$590.00 Single Occupancy ($430 USD)
Here’s what you get for it:
All meals (dinner Thursday to lunch Sunday)
Accommodation (All single beds)
Daily workshops and writing sessions (planned and delivered by participants - you too, if you want!)
A retreat in a beautiful riverside setting
WiFi included
Registration Process:
Click on the Registration Link, above.
Complete the form and submit it.
Select a payment option: a) e-transfer (Canadian residents only) or b) PayPal (link in registration form)
Make your deposit of $250 or $295 CAD (50% of total cost) to complete your registration
Second payment is due on July 6, 2026
Space will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis. Once spaces are filled, there will be a waitlist in case more space can be secured. NO DEPOSIT WILL BE COLLECTED unless space is available.
Travel to the venue is not included. However, shared transport from Toronto (airport or other hubs) can almost always be arranged with other participants.
Several participants (and the organizer) live in the area, and we have always been able to arrange ride-shares from the Toronto Airport to the various venues. These connections will be arranged after registration.
Contact me with any questions! Or see the FAQ Page
Tags under the cut. Let me know if you want to be tagged in this. If you’re not tagged it’s because I didn’t know you were interested. (Or I used an old list and forgot, or I thought you'd asked to not be tagged - correct me if I was wrong!) It's not because we don't want you! Please come.
WE'RE BACK TO ANNUAL, EVERYONE!!! Seventh Ontario Fic Writers' Retreat, first held in 2016, coming once again in 2024.
To Register, Click Here
When: August 8-11 2024
Where: Blue Mountain Chalets, Collingwood, Ontario
What is it? Four days spent with other fic writers, at all levels of experience. There will be a mix of workshops (Topics TBA and open to suggestions), prompts and challenges, and plenty of independent writing time for your own personal projects. (This year there's also a hot tub and an optional trip to the beach!)
It’s also an opportunity to make connections with people who share your interests and passions, and where you can focus on your own goals and creativity.
Cost (in CANADIAN DOLLARS): $450.00
(approximately $332 USD as of this posting)
Here’s what you get for it:
Food Costs (with all participants helping with prep and cleanup - see note below)
Accommodation (Shared rooms but NOT shared beds - sorry)
Use of a hot tub and sauna at this year's venue (New this year!)
Daily workshops and writing sessions (2+ per day)
Registration fee included in the price
Registration Process:
Click on the Registration Link, above.
Complete the form and submit it.
Select a payment option: a) e-transfer (Canadian residents only) or b) PayPal (link in registration form)
Make your deposit of $225 CAD (50% of total cost) to complete your registration
Second payment is due on July 9, 30 days before the retreat begins.
Space will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis. There are 24 spaces available, after which names will be placed on a waiting list (no payment will be required unless you are offered a spot).
Travel to Toronto is not included.
However, since several participants (and the organizer) live in the area, we have always been able to arrange ride-shares from the Toronto Airport to the various venues. These connections will be arranged after registration.
Contact me with any questions! Or see the FAQ Page
***A note regarding meals: They'll look a little different this year - we'll be making our own! The venue is a pair of summer chalet/cottage spaces with full kitchens. All participants will be asked to take part in making meals happen - either for planning, picking up groceries, preparation or clean-up. The cost of the food is included in the price.
Tags under the cut. Let me know if you want to be tagged in this. If you’re not tagged it’s because I didn’t know you were interested. (Or I used an old list and forgot, or I thought you'd asked to not be tagged - correct me if I was wrong!) It's not because we don't want you! Please come.
Wow, people!! Half the spots are filled already! So excited so many folks are deciding to come along!! Looks like we're going to have several new faces this year - can't wait to meet you all! And to see the returning folks too. It always feels like coming home.
Still plenty of room! If you're thinking of coming, but you're on the fence, please feel free to send me a message and we can talk things through.
