let your imagination run wild
a fantasy writing retreat for women and femmes
Captain Whidbey, Whidbey Island, WA | March 26th - 29th, 2026
REGISTRATION TIMES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Members of The Writer’s Corner: Thursday, October 30th at 12pm ET
Email List: Thursday, October 30th at 2pm ET
Members of The Writer’s Corner receive a 2-hour head start on registration. Spots are extremely limited as this is an intimate retreat, and we expect to sell out quickly. To learn more about The Writer’s Corner membership, click below!
Picture this.
You arrive at a historic inn nestled amidst Pacific Northwest forest, ready to cultivate creativity and help a new story unfold, all while surrounded by writers just like you.
Perhaps you’d like to spend the day writing quietly alone in a cozy nook with a warm bevy, or maybe you’d prefer to team up with a critique partner for a brainstorming session.
No matter what you choose, we know there is magic waiting for you at this enchanted fantasy writing retreat.
Photo credit: Captain Whidbey
This retreat is for you if:
You want to connect with other women and queer folk who love to write fantasy and just get you
You know you have a story to tell, but you need space to bring it to life
You would love some people to bounce ideas off of and give you constructive criticism
You have any level of writing experience, whether you’re brand new or a published author
You could use a quiet, relaxing getaway to just focus on yourself and let inspiration and creativity shine through
You want to find your community of writers who can support you, and vice versa
You need time to yourself so you can decompress and create the space you need for your magical ideas to flow
You are 21+
what can i expect?
RESTORATION. RELAXATION. COLLABORATION. IMAGINATION.
DAY ONE:
Meet & Greet at 2pm
Check-In at 4:30pm
Get to Know Your Writing Group
Cozy Time by the Fire
DAYS TWO & THREE:
Writing Group Sessions
Free Writing Time
Workshops
Campfire, Storytelling, Open Mic
DAY FOUR:
Breakfast and closing circle
Check-Out at 11am
All meals will be included, and all activities are completely optional. Whether you want alone time for a few days just to write and relax, or to build community and find your new critique partner, this is for you.
Itinerary items are subject to change.
Take if from our past guests
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"It was magic. I've truly never experienced anything like it (and have a literal creative writing degree). This was perfect for anyone at any point along their creative journey, from published to dreaming."
- September Asheville Writing Retreat
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"I thoroughly enjoyed myself and left feeling my creative well refreshed and nourished! Made some amazing new writing friends!"
- April Washington Writing Retreat
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"The Forest & Fawn Writing Retreat came at the perfect time for me. It was the reset I needed, and it helped revive my creativity and reconnect to myself. I absolutely will be going on another retreat in the future."
- April Washington Writing Retreat
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"The writing retreat was set in a beautiful location! Being surrounded by writers helped get the creative flow moving. I've been writing every day since. Words have been tumbling out. Despite being an introvert and chatting with so many people, it was one of the most relaxing trips I've been on!"
-April Washington Writing Retreat
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"I am so glad I decided to attend this retreat and share my story idea out loud for the first time. I put my heart on my sleeve and made special connections with everyone I met at the retreat. It was a rewarding experience, and I feel that creative spark again. I look forward to attending another writing retreat soon!"
-April Washington Writing Retreat
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'As someone who struggled to call themselves a writer, this retreat was truly what my mind, body, and soul needed. Be it the workshops, write-ins, campfire laughs, or the incredible people I got to meet, I am so grateful to have taken the leap of faith and signed-up to go. The memories made will carry with me and my stories forever."
- September Asheville Writing Retreat
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"It was wondrous to connect with a community of writers, with everyone at different places in their journey from ideas to published authors. There was magic in the air as we roasted marshmallows, shared our deepest experiences, and manifested our dreams for the future as writers and humans. I would recommend a Forest & Fawn writing retreat to anyone and look forward to meeting with you there, as I will doubtless be going again myself!"
- April Washington Writing Retreat
Photo credit: Captain Whidbey
What’s included?
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The historic Captain Whidbey rests on Whidbey Island, Washington. With your own private room decorated to make you maximum amounts of cozy, this will be the perfect place to unwind and create space for creativity.
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All meals are included starting with dinner on Thursday night and ending with breakfast Sunday afternoon. Coffee and tea will be provided throughout the days to keep you cozy.
Have an allergy or other kind of food restriction? You’ll have an option at checkout to tell us what your specific needs are!
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Join workshops that will help you spark creativity and explore your imagination!
All workshops are optional and subject to change.
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You will be assigned to a writing group for the weekend that you will gather with for reflection, inspiration, and more.
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You’'ll have the opportunity to sit alongside other writers and do exactly that — write!
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Your writing deserves to be heard, which is why you’'ll have the option to share some of your work at an open mic!
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How could we go to such a beautiful location without taking advantage of the inspiration that comes from being in nature?
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Because no retreat is complete without a few things for you to take home that will serve as reminders of your magical time with Forest & Fawn retreats. Whether this weekend brings you a new critique partner or simply a much needed break from a hectic day-to-day so you can create room for creativity, we want you to remember this time forever.
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You’ll have access to a private group forum before and after your retreat. This is a great chance to connect with other fantasy-lovers (if you choose) and keep in touch once the retreat is over. Say hello to your new writing besties!
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It’s all taken care of! All you have to do is book your travel, then sit back and relax!
accommodations
Sitting on the shores of Penn Cove on Whidbey Island, Captain Whidbey is a historic lodge built in 1907 that offers the coziest rustic nautical vibes, perfect for a weekend exploring your imagination.
Rooming options include a King Suite, Queen Room, or Shared Lagoon Room.
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Historic Lodge Suite
Early Bird: $2,350
Regular: $2,450
Enjoy a luxurious private suite in the Historic Lodge building.
Note: all historic lodge rooms share bathrooms that will be exclusive to Forest & Fawn guests for the weekend.
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Historic Lodge Room
Early Bird: $2,250
Regular: $2,350
Enjoy a private room in the Historic Lodge.
Notes: all historic lodge rooms share bathrooms that will be exclusive to Forest & Fawn guests for the weekend.
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Shared Logoon Room
Early Bird: $1,950
Regular: $2,050
This ticket is for Queen Bed in a double Lagoon Room. This is perfect for those traveling with a friend or those who are looking to have more quality one on one time with another writer.
This room has a private bathroom.
meet your hosts
Forest & Fox
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Alli
"FOREST"
Co-Founder of Forest & Fawn, Fantasy Writer, and Storytelling Extraordinaire.
Also the President of All Things Cozy and can definitely communicate with woodland creatures (might even be one).
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Liz
"FOX"
Community Manager, Writer, and Expert of All Things Witchy and Woo-Woo.
Plus the most nurturing spirit you’ll ever encounter. What are the kids saying these days? “Mother”?
Want first access to registration?
join our membership for fantasy writers!
Be part of The Writer’s Corner membership for fantasy writers!
With features like monthly workshops, guest speakers, revision sessions, critique partner matchup, writing prompts, accountability, and more, this membership will encourage you to let your imagination run wild and connect with other writers all over the world.
Want to know more about what this membership has to offer?
Getting there
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE: The retreat starts at 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 26th, 2026. Check out is at 11:00 am on Sunday, March 29th, 2026.
Plane: The closest major airport to Whidbey Island is Sea-Tac International Airport. There are also a number of smaller airports closer to the island if you wish to take that route.
Car: If you are driving from the South, note there is a ferry crossing. As we get closer to the retreat dates, you can access ferry schedules here.
You can access Captain Whidbey’s travel recommendations here.
FAQs
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Nope! Whether you're a published author, seasoned writer, or trying it out for the first time, this retreat is for you. All experience levels are welcome!
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Our retreats are created to serve women and queer folk who love to read and/or write fantasy/romantasy. We work hard to make sure our events are inclusive, safe spaces.
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There will be a maximum of 18 guests.
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Yes! Alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase at the inn bar, but if you prefer herbal tea, that will be available all day at no extra cost!
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Ticket prices include a $250 non-refundable deposit. A refund on a ticket (minus $250 deposit) is contingent on whether or not Host can fill the Participants slot within 60 days before the event, for sold out events only. For non-sold out events there are no refunds on payments made, and you are responsible for the entirety of your payment plan.
In the rare case of a retreat cancellation by the Host (Forest & Fawn), The Host will offer a transfer to another retreat (if possible) or a full refund of your payment within 14 days. The Host is not responsible for any expenses or damages incurred as a result of retreat cancellation including preparation costs, airline tickets, travel documents or other expenses.
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Lagoon Rooms are a shared accommodation. If you have a specific roommate you’d like to be paired with, please give their name at checkout! Otherwise we will pair you with another guest.
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Yes! Well, as long as you take breaks to eat and use the restroom. This retreat is made for YOU. All activities are optional.
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We collect food restrictions before the event and do everything we can to be sure you are taken care of. If you have a severe allergy, please notify us so that we can plan accordingly.
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Yes! You can choose to check out with AfterPay at checkout for orders up to $2,000.
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This retreat is for YOU. That means that nothing is mandatory. If you want to curl up and write in your luxurious bed all day, go for it. If you want to take your lunch on the road and see the natural wonders of the area, by all means. Our activities are solely here as options to enhance your experience.
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Due to the capacity of our venue, daypasses are not available for this retreat.