Alexandria Writing Retreat Spring 2026 

Members can CLICK HERE to access the Retreat Welcome page and registration link.

 

Date: April 22 - 25, 2026

Hotel: The Alexandrian Old Town, VA

Retreat Registration cost: $530.00

Hotel room group rate: $264 ++

Registration opens for members: January 20, 2026

Registration closes: March 22, 2026

 

MAIN SPEAKERS:

Donald Maass, Donald Maass Literary Agency

Courtney Maum, the Query Duala

PANELISTS:

Kathleen Barber, Author Accelerator Book Coach

Lainey Cameron, Marketing/Podcast

MM “Peggy” Finck, Query Quill

Nanette Littlestone, Editing/Publishing

 

AGENDA

Day 1, Wednesday, April 22, 2026

  • Check in and Welcome Reception

  • Reception includes hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar

Day 2, Thursday, April 23, 2026 

  • Hearty buffet breakfast

  • Speaker One: Main session 9am-12pm

  • Morning and afternoon snack breaks

  • Lunch on your own or in a group

  • Added-value session: Silent Writing Time at Morrison House 2pm-5pm

    • This session also includes exclusive VIP access to the Banned Book Speakeasy event at Morrison House 5pm-6pm

    • An invitation to sign up for this event will be included in your registration confirmation email. Limit 36 people

  • Dinner on your own or in a group

Day 3, Friday, April 24, 2026

  • Hearty buffet breakfast

  • Speaker Two: Main session 9am-12pm

  • Morning snack break

  • Lunch on your own or in a group

  • Reception and Celebration Dinner 6pm-9pm

    • Reception includes hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar

Day 4, Saturday, April 25, 2026

  • Continental breakfast

  • Expert Panel / Q&A Session 9am-12pm

  • Morning snack break

  • Added-value event: WFWA Bookfair, Signing & Reading at Morrison House 1:30pm-4:30pm

    • Selected authors must attend the retreat

    • An invitation to apply for this event will be included in your registration confirmation email

 

ADDED-VALUE EVENTS

WFWA, in collaboration with our hotel’s sister property, Morrison House, is excited to bring you the Silent Writing Time session and the WFWA Bookfair, Signing & Reading which will feature WFWA authors. 

WFWA Bookfair, Signing & Reading

  • Saturday, April 25 / 1:30pm 4:30pm

  • WFWA and Morrison House will advertise to the public for this event

  • Retreat attendees interested in being one of the 15 featured authors must submit an application 

  • No cost to participate

  • Retreat attendees who want to simply support their fellow members by attending the event can purchase a $5 ticket in advance (proceeds benefit the Virginia Library Assoc.)

  • WFWA will have a pop-up bookstore on hand to facilitate author book sales

Morrison House Banned Book Speakeasy

  • Tuesday, April 21 - Saturday, April 25 / 6pm-9pm nightly

  • Complimentary tickets must be secured in advance. Retreat attendees will have priority access one week early to secure their free tickets for Tues, Wed, Fri, or Sat

    • Free tickets for Thursday, April 23 entry (6pm-9pm) can be secured online along with the public release 

 

For more retreat details and updates, WFWA MEMBERS CAN CLICK HERE.

 

FAQ: 

  1. Will there be a waitlist if the retreat sells out?

    1. Yes. In the event a registered attendee cancels, we will notify the waitlisted members in the order they were received.

  2. Can nonmembers register for the retreat?

    1. Maybe. If the retreat does not sell out to our members by February 22, 2026 we will open registration to nonmembers.

  3. Can I bring someone to the retreat with me?

    1. You can bring a guest, however, guests are not permitted at the program sessions, the Silent Writing Time added-value session at Morrison House, or at the catered banquet meals/events (receptions, breakfast buffet, snack breaks, catered dinner).

  4. Can my guest pay to join us for the Friday night banquet dinner?

    1. Maybe. If you are bringing a guest and would like them to join you for the banquet dinner, please email [email protected]. Final decisions will be based on the total number of attendees.

  5. Can I bring my dog/pet?

    1. While the hotel is pet-friendly, guests are not allowed to leave their pets in their rooms alone or bring them into meeting or dining spaces. 

  6. Can I cancel my registration after I’ve paid?

    1. Up to a specified date, yes. Please read the Cancellation Policy carefully so you understand the sliding refund scale and timeline.

      1. No cancellations or refunds will be issued beginning March 22, 2026.

      2. CLICK THIS LINK to view the 2026 Cancellation Policy.

  7. Are there any exceptions to the Cancellation Policy?

    1. No. We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance for airline tickets (which is very reasonably priced) in case you have to cancel unexpectedly. 

For additional questions, please email [email protected]