ORLANDO WRITING RETREAT
MAY 22nd - MAY 25th
NovelBound Writing Retreats are changing the narrative.
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Ever dreamed of attending a writing retreat, but felt daunted by the price tag, competitive atmosphere, or stuffy feel? We get it. Many retreats can feel out of reach (or, let's be real, just kind of boring).
Our retreats are writing and community-focused at an accessible price, because we believe experiences like this should be for everyone.
For our next NovelBound writing retreat, we’re heading to Orlando, Florida.
Escape the noise and indulge in a long-weekend getaway where the only thing on your to-do list is your manuscript. Hosted at a deluxe venue, this retreat is a spa-inspired creative reset where you can spend the morning by the pool, dive into your book, and experience the magic that happens when writers support other writers. You’ll have plenty of dedicated time to focus, but you’ll also find a space filled with encouragement, shared wisdom, and new friends.
Think: drafting after a swim, story breakthroughs in the warmth of the sun, and the soft luxury of not having to rush. Whether you’re deep in a draft or just trying to find your way back to the page, this weekend is built to meet you where you're at and give you the gentle boost you need to move forward.
We can’t wait to write with you in the sunshine. This is going to be a good one.
Writing chats, poolside afternoons, and spa-inspired moments await.
Alongside your writing, this weekend is focused on rest and rejuvenation.
This is your space to recharge, get inspired, and connect with other writers at your own pace. Think of it as a “build your own retreat” experience, with the freedom to lean into what you need most.
We can’t wait to welcome you.
We've created our scheduled itinerary to be buildable so you can create the experience that you want! All activities are optional.
Note: some aspects and scheduling may change, but this is what we currently have planned:
Afternoon: Welcome, intros, and free writing time
7pm: Dinner
8pm: PJ party, book exchange, & spa night
10pm: Late night writing + optional swim
8-10am: Breakfast is available
10am: Morning guided meditations: Creativity & Inspiration
11am: Group session with literary agent Lauren Khan
12:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm: Writing sprint
3pm: Group session with literary agent Lauren Khan
4pm: Free time
7pm: Dinner
9pm: Dessert, board games, writing, free time
8-10am: Breakfast is Available
10am: Morning guided meditations: The Hero’s Journey
11am: Community Conversation: Strategies for protecting mental health when faced with rejection
12:30pm: Lunch
2pm: Free Time. Options include:
Pool
Lazy River
Disney Springs & Universal City Walk
Writing & Reading time
Relaxation
7:30pm: Fancy, dressed-up dinner
9pm: Dessert & movie
8-10am: Breakfast and packing
10am: Morning guided meditation: Abundance
12pm: Checkout and goodbyes
MEET OUR RETREAT SPECIAL GUEST
We’re thrilled to host a local literary agent for a casual deep-dive session. This is a rare chance to get your industry questions answered in an intimate setting and gain the confidence to take your manuscript to the next level—no matter what publishing path you plan on taking.
Lauren Khan joined FinePrint Literary in 2025 as an Associate Agent following an internship at Triada US Literary Agency. She first entered the publishing world as an author. Prior to transitioning to agenting, she worked for over seven years as a corporate lawyer in New York City. Lauren brings both editorial and transactional expertise to her clients.
Lauren lives with her family in her small beach hometown in Florida. She wrote her first novel while pregnant with her son and began agenting while pregnant with her daughter. A graduate of Duke University and Fordham University School of Law, she loves podcasts, long walks with her dog, and all things Nora Ephron. As a former theatre kid, Lauren is a lifelong champion of storytelling, subjecting her loved ones to her songs, stories, and plays from the moment she could talk.
An avid reader across genres, Lauren is particularly interested in adult and YA commercial fiction, especially women’s fiction, romance, mysteries, and thrillers, as well as select non-fiction titles. She is an editorial agent with a strong interest in developing fulfilling and long-lasting careers for her authors.
Instagram: @laurenjpkhan
X: @laurenjpkhan
Included in your experience:
ALL MEALS, SNACKS, & DRINKS
WELCOME GIFT
LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS
No matter which room you book, you're guaranteed comfortable accommodations and a private bathroom.
BOOK EXCHANGE & PJ PARTY
Back by popular demand. A perfect opportunity to get cozy with your new friends and come away with a new book.
FREE TIME OPTIONS
With two pools, a lazy river, and plenty of space, our venue is a great spot to hang out. Plus, Universal City Walk, Disney Springs, and more are just a short Uber ride away.
GROUP SESSIONS WITH LITERARY AGENT LAUREN KAHN
Lauren will be leading group casual deep-dive sessions. This is a rare chance to get your industry questions answered in an intimate setting and gain the confidence to take your manuscript to the next level—no matter what publishing path you plan on taking.
HOT TUB & POOL ON-SITE
Between drafting sessions, take a quick dip in the pool or hot tub to get your creative energy flowing again.
ADD-ONS FOR EVEN MORE OPTIONS
Want to really lean into the whole relaxation thing? Book an add-on massage and get the rest you deserve.
EXCLUSIVE RETREAT ATTENDEE DISCORD CHANNEL
This group will start before the retreat and will be left open afterward for you to continue chatting with the new friends you make.
Photos by Kym Dehoney
WHAT OUR PAST ATTENDEES ARE SAYING
If someone is debating whether a writing retreat would be beneficial to them the answer is a definite yes. We learned and discussed so many different aspects of writing that no matter where you’re at as a writer there was room for growth and time to develop those skills.
Dessie S.
I loved making new friends, I loved talking to people about my book and seeing how excited people were about what I was writing—it was just such a breath of fresh air and such a nice, welcome respite from being a very solitary person in my day-to-day life.
Landry P.
It was a phenomenal, life-giving experience. It was so impactful getting to connect with so many creative, kind, welcoming folks and have the opportunity to grow as a writer.
Colleen M.
SURROUNDED BY SUN AND PALMS, THERE'S A SPACE FOR EVERYONE.
Twin Bed Room
A twin-sized bed in a shared room.
$990
OR
2 installments of
$495
*NovelBound members receive a $50 discount
You and a roommate
Twin bed
Private bathroom + linens
King Bed Room
A king-sized bed in a single room.
Bring a friend for just $500 more! Have a writer pal? Share the king room (one bed) and split the cost.
$1700
OR
2 installments of
$850
*NovelBound members receive a $50 discount
Make it a shared room with your bestie for +$500
King bed
Private bathroom + linens
Double Bed Room
A double-bed in a shared room.
$1200
OR
2 installments of
$600
*NovelBound members receive a $50 discount
You and a roommate
Double bed
Private bathroom + linens
Every room is comfortable, clean, and comes with a private bathroom.
At this sprawling sanctuary, the noise of daily life fades away to leave you with nothing but space for your manuscript. Whether you’re finding focus in one of the many quiet nooks, sparking inspiration with a swim in the private heated pool, or connecting with fellow writers in our shared lounge areas, this lakefront estate provides the perfect balance of luxury, solitude, and community.
Want your own space? Choose a king room. You can also book a king room with a friend for only $500 more. That's two spots for just $2200!
Open to sharing? Book a shared room. After securing your spot, you can let us know if you have a preferred roommate.
Please note: Due to the nature of our venue, this particular retreat is only open to those who identify as women.
Keep scrolling for more room info!
The Twin Room
Two twin beds in a shared room. Come with a friend or we'll match you with a roommate. Almost all our attendees come without knowing anyone—that will change within the first day of the retreat :)
All linens and towels included
Private bathroom
Welcome gift
All food, drinks, and snacks included
*Pictured is an example of one possible room; actual rooms may vary slightly. Please note: all twin rooms are lightly themed. Variations include: nature, Marvel, and sea creatures. Please reach out if you have a preference.
*Pictured is an example of one possible room; actual rooms may vary slightly
The Double-Bed Room
Two double beds in a shared room. Come with a friend or we'll match you with a roommate. Almost all our attendees come without knowing anyone—that will change within the first day of the retreat :)
All linens and towels included
Private bathroom
Welcome gift
All food, drinks, and snacks included
The King-Bed Room
A king bed in a private room (no roommate!)
Bring a friend for just $500 more! Share the king room (one bed) and split the cost. Great way to make your experience fit a budget.
All linens and towels included
Private bathroom
Welcome gift
All food, drinks, and snacks included
*Pictured is an example of one possible room; actual rooms may vary slightly
This retreat is for every writer.
Self-publishing? Querying? Not quite sure what your plan is yet? No worries. NovelBound retreats are open to every kind of writer, whether writing is a career or a hobby.
We believe everyone deserves space to step away and lean into their creativity alongside others who understand. Consider this retreat a chance to invest in yourself and the story you want to tell.
FAQs
You can work on any genre or project you choose! Whether it's a novel, memoir, short stories, poetry, or a non-fiction work, the dedicated time and supportive environment are designed to help you make progress on your unique project.
NovelBound Retreats are designed to be community-focused and accessible. While you'll gain valuable industry knowledge and dedicated writing time, a core component is fostering real-life friendships and a supportive network, without the often high price tag or overly prestigious atmosphere of some other retreats.
We aim to keep our groups intimate to foster strong connections and ensure personalized attention. The exact number may vary based on the retreat, so our attendance ranges from 10-30 participants.
Our retreats are for writers of all levels—from aspiring authors just starting out to those deep into a manuscript. Some NovelBound retreats may have different focuses, but in general, our retreats are for those looking for focused writing time, valuable learning, and a supportive community.
Our retreats are all-inclusive! This typically covers comfortable housing, delicious meals and snacks, valuable learning experiences, industry discussions, and a special gift bag. Please check the specific retreat page for exact inclusions, as they may vary slightly.
Airfare/transportation to and from the retreat location is not included. However, depending on the location, we sometimes offer a shuttle service from the airport. Personal expenses, extra snacks or beverages outside of scheduled meals and provided snacks (though don't worry––we provide PLENTY), and any optional excursions not listed as included would also be your responsibility.
Absolutely! We strive to accommodate all dietary needs. Please let us know about any restrictions or allergies when you register so we can make the necessary arrangements with our caterers.
We prioritize comfortable and conducive environments for writing and connection. Accommodations may vary by location (e.g., private rooms, shared rooms with private baths), but will always be clean, comfortable, and designed to enhance your retreat experience. Specific details will be provided on each retreat's individual page.
Not at all! Whether you're brainstorming a new idea, working on a first draft, or polishing a manuscript, our retreats are designed to support you at any stage of your writing journey.
A detailed packing list will be provided upon registration. Generally, you'll want to bring your writing tools (laptop, notebooks, pens), comfortable clothing, personal toiletries, and any specific materials related to your writing project.
Attendees must be at least 18 years old to participate in NovelBound Retreats.
All initial deposits are non-refundable. If you cancel at least 30 days before the retreat, you'll receive a 50% refund on any additional installment payments (excluding your deposit). Cancellations made within 30 days of the event are non-refundable in full. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for unforeseen circumstances.
While we encourage participation to get the most out of the community and learning experiences, all activities are optional. This is your retreat, and you are welcome to choose what best supports your writing and well-being.
Many of our attendees come solo and leave with new, lasting friendships! The community-focused nature of our retreats makes it easy to connect with others, whether you arrive alone or with a friend. But we definitely encourage you to bring a friend if you have one!
Depending on the retreat, yes! Our retreats often include industry discussions and opportunities to connect with facilitators or guest speakers who can offer valuable insights and connections.
Yes! Our schedule balances structured learning and communal activities with ample dedicated quiet time for you to focus on your writing projects without distraction.
The connections you make at a NovelBound Retreat are often just the beginning! We encourage you to stay connected through NovelBound membership, our discord, and our social media channels.
NovelBound writing retreats are changing the narrative.
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