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
This is a PROFOUND APPRECIATION post for @inevitably-johnlocked for nominating the Fic Writers' Retreat and @barachiki for going ABOVE and BEYOND.
LOOK AT THIS.
The banner for this blog. Look at the DETAILS. I know I already posted about it but it's a beautiful gift so I'm doing it again. So there.
But. BUT. BUT.
When I asked them if it would be okay to print stickers from the banner, they not only said yes, they also DESIGNED A LOGO and sent me sticker files!!!
Honestly, I am so floored, these look SO GOOD. Thank you so much, @barachiki, I appreciate your artistry so much.
Plus, this is the tenth anniversary of the first writing retreat, so it's exciting to have this to mark the occasion!
I’ve started to spread some extra love on the internet, and you were nominated by inevitably-johnlocked to receive this. It is a header image for your page.
I wanted to add allusions to different fandoms (the books), the flowers are forget-me-nots, to mean that writing lasts forever, and we will not forget what we cherish. The typewriter is for writing (clearly). AO3 mug because hey, fanwork is thirsty work. A pride flag because the community is so welcoming. A button saying “mentally writing fanfiction” and some open books, (it was supposed to be a list of tropes like ‘coffeeshop AU’ but I ran out of space). And the window is facing a retreat.
I have heard about all the work you do for this tumblr community, and I want you to know that people appreciate you. You are loved, you are treasured. And I am recognizing you for what you do.
Thank you so much to @barachiki for this beautiful banner and to @inevitably-johnlocked for spreading the love! I am honoured to have the Fic Retreat community recognized and celebrated in this way. Become family is a phrase that sings to my heart. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I've started to spread some extra love on the internet, and you were nominated by inevitably-johnlocked to receive this. It is a header image for your page.
I wanted to add allusions to different fandoms (the books), the flowers are forget-me-nots, to mean that writing lasts forever, and we will not forget what we cherish. The typewriter is for writing (clearly). AO3 mug because hey, fanwork is thirsty work. A pride flag because the community is so welcoming. A button saying "mentally writing fanfiction" and some open books, (it was supposed to be a list of tropes like 'coffeeshop AU' but I ran out of space). And the window is facing a retreat.
I have heard about all the work you do for this tumblr community, and I want you to know that people appreciate you. You are loved, you are treasured. And I am recognizing you for what you do.
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.
