I’ve been quietly turning something over in my mind lately. The next writing retreat is tentatively planned for April. Right now, nothing is set in stone. And that’s intentional. I’m at the stage where I want to ask the right questions before locking anything in:What kind of retreat do we need right now?What kind of space would feel supportive, energizing, and sustainable?What would actually serve your writing? Here are the things I’d love your thoughts on: ✨ Theme Some ideas I’ve been playing with (very loosely): - Tropes – Exploring different tropes and what makes them unique. - Fantasy vs. Romantasy – Discovering the differences between these two genres and how to write in each. - Structuring Your Novel – Learning how to structure your novel based on your genre. Is there a theme that feels especially resonant right now? ⏰ Format I’m strongly considering making this a half-day, writing-intensive retreat instead of a full-day event. Something like: - short opening grounding + intention-setting - multiple focused writing blocks - optional discussion or reflection - quiet accountability and community presence 📝 Topics & Structure If we do include some guided content, I’m curious what would be most helpful: - short craft talks? - mindset + permission-focused conversations? - goal-setting and next-step clarity? - writing sprints with gentle check-ins? Or would you prefer something almost entirely write-focused, with minimal instruction?

The dark romance virtual writing retreat is quickly approaching! If you haven't registered yet at www.ardencoutts.com yet let me know and I'll share a discount code for the retreat! The retreat is on Valentine's Day, FEB 14th from 10 am - 6 pm. It's a long day but totally worth it! Peep the agenda below!

Meet Montrez! She is one of our speakers for the December 14th Writing Retreat! Montrez lives in the moody Midwest with her husband and three sons. Inspired by superheroes, anime, and an eclectic mix of literature, she is passionate about creating fantastical fiction with feeling for soft hearts and bold souls. She is also committed to helping other authors and creatives bring their stories to life. She has worked as a developmental editor and creative consultant and is currently the Editor-In-Chief of Konkret Comics, a multi-award-winning, indie comic book publishing company. Outside of her work, she loves spending time with her family, watching all the latest shows, browsing in bookstores with friends, and daydreaming over cups of coffee and tea. Topic: Taking the Creative Scenic Route Description: If you’re a recovering perfectionist, a people pleaser, a bit of a workaholic, and a passionate dreamer or creative who feels like you’re collapsing under the weight life has placed on your shoulders, this system is for you. Exit the highway of booked, busy, and burned out, and trade the hustle and grind for a softer, more sustainable mindset and method to writing and creativity. Build differently at the pace your heart, mind, and body can hold. Take the creative scenic route… Explore the creative scenic route mindset, set honest goals, and learn the art of orbiting over juggling. PSSST....I highly recommend checking out Montrez's Patreon page. It's so full of amazing stories and creativity, and it's just a wonderful place to get lost for a while! https://patreon.com/AuthorMontrez?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=copyLink If you know anyone who this retreat would be a good fit, send them over to https://www.ardencoutts.com/virtual-writing-retreats/holiday

Meet one of our incredible workshop facilitators for Write in the Dark: Taboo Dark Romance Writing Retreat — Elira Firethorn. 🖤🌹 Elira writes dark, suspenseful romance filled with stories you feel long after you close the book. She grew up devouring every genre she could get her hands on, but the romance subplots always owned her heart, and that passion shows in her writing today. Her books blend everything we love about the darker side of romance: ✨ Morally grey characters ✨ A touch of danger ✨ Deep emotional stakes ✨ Found family bonds ✨ And, of course… plenty of spice We’re thrilled to have Elira join us on February 14, 2026, to lead a session on Trauma-Aware Writing in Dark Romance. A thoughtful, powerful workshop that explores writing heavy themes responsibly while still embracing the tension, complexity, and emotional depth readers crave. If you’re crafting stories with darker edges, forbidden longing, or villainous love interests, this is a session you won’t want to miss. 🖤 Write in the Dark: A Taboo Dark Romance Retreat 📅 February 14, 2026 🖥️ Virtual 🔥 Registration open now: www.ardencoutts.com