You’ve probably wondered how to make your writing a contender for publications like Best American Short Stories or Tin House Magazine. What if those editors were right there for guidance while you’re writing?
Heidi Pitlor (BASS) and Michelle Wildgen (Tin House) have created THE BREAKTHROUGH, a one-of-a-kind weekend of productive solo work, intimate creative community, and expertise that’s there for the asking. Bring your ideas, novel pages, fiction or memoir in any form, and see what kind of breakthrough you can make in just a few days with us on magical Cape Cod.
Before the retreat, you’ll have a goal-setting conference with Heidi or Michelle. We’ll be there for solo office hours and informal hangout time during the retreat. A few weeks afterward, you’ll follow up with us again, to make sure you’re moving forward with the work you did at the retreat.
THE BREAKTHROUGH is your chance to tap into decades of editorial expertise: Heidi has edited the Best American Short Stories anthology since 2007, and Michelle was an editor with Tin House Magazine for almost 20 years, until its final issue. We’ve published novels, essays, stories, reviews, and edited everything from food essays and short stories to novels, memoirs, and story collections. Now we’re here for you.
Click here to ask questions or apply.
LOCATION
THE BREAKTHROUGH will be in beautiful Eastham, Cape Cod, in a well-appointed, multi-building property right on the water. Eastham is approximately 2 hours by car from Boston and 2.5 hours from Logan Airport. Rooms range from private suites or a cottage to shared rooms if you want to room with an old workshop pal.
FOOD AND DRINK
We’ll provide it all: delicious and home-cooked communal lunch and dinner, with healthy breakfast options to get you ready to work. We’ll offer nonalcoholic options and wine, but we’re here to serve work and friendly community more than a party atmosphere.
WHO
THE BREAKTHROUGH is limited to roughly 12 writers, depending on space. Come ready to work, enjoy relaxed creative community, and bounce ideas off Heidi and Michelle, your personal retreat coaches.
FEES
All writers pay the same base fee of $1200.00 (includes personal coaching, all food and drink, incidentals, programming, pre- and post-retreat individual conferences), as well as a variable fee based on room preference (rooms with en suite or private bathrooms, add $900; rooms with shared bathrooms, add $650; shared rooms and shared bathrooms add $300). Transportation is not included.
Your spot can be secured with a deposit of $600.00.
Refund policies: If we need to cancel due to low enrollment or for any other reason, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel before March 1, you will receive a full refund. If you must cancel after March 1, you will receive a 50% refund.
APPLY HERE!