Apr

2024

Need an escape to fill that crusty, dusty creative well?

Us too!

Desperate to find your people—especially ones who understand the woes of the publishing industry?

Same!

That’s why the Romance Author Meet Cute is a three-day choose-your-own-adventure writing vacation. Think: low programming, optional activities, tons of writing time, plus unlimited ice cream.

On this retreat, you will have 3 responsibilities:

Write your face off.
Make friends.
Do absolutely zero chores (seriously, don’t even look at a dish unless it’s holding peanut butter cookies).

This Retreat Is For You If…

…you write romance or there’s romance in your [YA / Thriller / Fantasy / Erotic Pirate Chef Memoir].

…you know what “STFUATTDLAGG” means (and also if you don’t).

…you’re currently burned out on publishing.

…you have an agent, want an agent, or are an agent.

…your romance is queer, straight, or has monsters.

…literally, just come already!

What We Mean by Low Programming

Rather than schedules packed with workshops, your days will mostly be open for daydreaming, outlining, writing, or revising—4-6 hours of writing time per day! We are tentatively planning two educational workshops and some fun activities, all of which will be optional!

Sample Schedule:

8-8:45 Breakfast
1-1.5 hr Workshop/Activity
Writing Time
12-12:45 Lunch
1-1.5 hr Activity
Writing Time
5:30-7 Appetizers, Cocktail Hour, and Dinner
Group Fun (Campfire, Games, etc.)

Fun Stuff To Look Forward To (Optional)

Critique Partner Trial Run

Take a new CP for a test drive during this low-key, 1-on-1 critique session. Exchange first chapters in advance, and be prepared to gush about the good, the not-so-good, and brainstorm solutions in person.

Organizers will pair writers based on age category, romance subgenre, and ✨vibes✨.

Breakthrough Sessions with a Book Coach (Free!)

Like speed dating, but for writer stuff.

Book 1:1 time with Michelle Hazen, a certified book coach who loves to help writers find the spark within their project! Use this brainstorming session to discuss anything from a problem with your current project to mapping out a better writing routine, fleshing out a new idea, self-care that really works, busting writer’s block, or a publishing Q&A.

**Sessions are 25 minutes each and will be scheduled in advance during one of the two blocks set aside during the retreat.

Craft Critique Book Club

You have thoughts? We have thoughts! Let’s share.

This is a great way for romance authors of all experience levels to come together and learn from each other. Attendees interested in the Craft Critique Book Club will be asked to vote on a book from a shortlist selected by the organizers. Read the book before coming to Highlights—this is the only homework we’ll give you—and come ready to share your thoughts on anything from pacing to characterization, or even that really weird word they kept using instead of p3n!s.

Happy Hours & Fun

Building community is kinda the whole purpose of this retreat, but we understand everyone tolerates socializing differently. (Introverts, unite!) We’ll plan some low-key social activities—like board/card games, a campfire, and coloring—but you can choose when and how to participate.

Highlights also offers a happy hour with wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and appetizers before dinner each evening. It’s a great time to mingle with our crew or meet other retreaters!

Educational Workshops (Optional)

**These are tentative and may change based on tech availability at Highlights and attendee interest.**

Writing Romance that Stands Out

Romance is one of the hottest-selling genres on the market. But every single one contains a love story. So how do you make YOURS stand out?

In this course, we’ll go over some key craft elements that make for a well-written romance. Once you understand what each one is and how it works, we’ll talk about 3 ways you can twist each element to make your version feel fresh, unique, and un-putdownable.

Easy Design Principles for Book Marketing that Stands Out

Authors are expected to do much of their own digital marketing these days. For those without a graphic design degree, it can be challenging to create polished marketing materials, like a website, swag, and graphics for social media. This class will teach you basic design principles (like how to use white space and formatting to guide viewers’ attention), share illustrative examples, and walk you through a beginner-friendly design tool with oodles of templates.

Meet Your Hosts

Michelle Hazen

**Currently in the sub trenches**

Michelle is a nomad with way more hobbies than she can keep up with. She’s the award-winning author of nine romances—both indie and trad—and enough fanfiction to fill the Library of Congress. Lately, she splits her time between her own writing and giggling with her book coaching clients at Sanctuary Editorial. When not glued to her laptop, she can be spotted bingeing soapy teen dramas, attempting aerial silks, or driving way too many hours to a Revivalists concert.

Random Fact: One time, I was a stunt rider in a low-budget western movie.

(Author Website / Sanctuary Editorial / Instagram)

Margaret Torres

**Currently in the querying trenches**

Margaret is an adult contemporary romance and fantasy author trapped in a content marketer’s body. Her sex-positive, feminist romances—think sex toys and men who make going to therapy look hot—are perfect for horny millennial readers. She lives in St. Louis, MO with her husband and can usually be found napping, reading, or spooning her dogs.

Random Fact: A boss once told me I’m “90% sass,” and I’m still really proud of my high score.

(Author Website / X)

Highlights, The Promised Land

Highlights Retreat Center can basically be summed up like this:

Adorable individual cabins with a private bathroom and desk.
Many indoor and outdoor working spaces.
Incredible food 3x a day by talented chefs. (This is the main thing former retreaters talk about!)
Unlimited free tea, ice cream, and wine!
Lovely hikes + a burbling creek draped in fall leaves.

The center is located in a remote area near Honesdale, Pennsylvania, around three hours from Philadelphia. Everything is designed to facilitate peace and creativity.

**They’re amazing at accommodating dietary restrictions and offer a shuttle service from the airport.**

The Logistics –

Sign Up by July 15th!

Location: Highlights Retreat Center (392 Boyds Mills Rd, Milanville, PA 18443)
Date: September 19-23, 2024
Size: 8 Guests + 2 Hosts
Retreat Cost: $100
Room and Board: $900-980**
**This includes lodging for 3 days and 4 nights, meals, happy hours, and round-the-clock coffee, tea, and snacks. Price varies based on cabin type. We’ll arrive the evening of Sept 19 and leave by midday Sept 23rd.

Ready to sign up? We’re so excited to have you!

ALL SOLD OUT

(Y’all, we sold out so much faster than we expected! If you’d like to be put on a waiting list in case of cancellations, or if we decide to expand the group size, then email us at romancemeetcute@gmail.com to save your spot in line!)

STEP 1: Reserve My Spot (FULL)

STEP 2: Pick Out My Cabin

All Are Welcome Here

ALL writers are welcome at this retreat, especially those with marginalized identities. Period. Any bigotry or intolerance toward any gender identity, race, orientation, age, or ability level will not be tolerated.

Please reach out to the organizers at romancemeetcute@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.