FOURTH LAKE WRITING RETREAT

“It was a glorious three days, full of inspiration, support, and teachings. I'm grateful to Susanna Daniel and Michelle Wildgen, the forces behind the MWS, for organizing such an empowering event.”

—Patricia M, 2024

June 20-22, 2025

An intimate, 3-day creative writing retreat

During our 4th annual weekend gathering, we’ll help you generate new work, deepen your creative goals, and connect with a community of writers.
**June 20-22, 2025 at the** **Madison Concourse Hotel**
**Instructors** **Deshawn McKinney**, **Christopher Chambers**, **Michelle Wildgen, &** **Susanna Daniel**
**Cost: $595.** **Pre-register here.**

Craftwork

Every writer will work with each of our four award-winning instructors.
Every day, we’ll meet in small groups for craft talks and focused feedback, then meet as a larger group to foster connections and investigate creative questions.
We’ll also block out time for independent writing and offer prompts. Our cross-genre workshops will explore craft issues including character, structure, scene building, dialogue, point of view, plotting, and more.

“The retreat was very important to me as a person and as a writer. I learned so much and met so many wonderful writers. A really special experience.”

— PS

““I was so happy with the experience! I loved learning about form with Deshawn and using time effectively with Chris. I received extremely helpful feedback on my stories with Susanna and Michelle, and I loved reading my cohorts’ work.””

— CB

Creative Restoration

We believe that inspiration and energy come from feeding ourselves creatively.
Whether you’re between projects, just starting, or well into a draft, our retreat will offer support, sacred time, stimulation, and shared wisdom.

Community

We’ll give out retreat packets at our first meeting on July 19. Writers should set aside the weekend, Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon.
You’ll have time to explore downtown Madison restaurants and out-of-towners can arrange to stay in one of a number of nearby hotels (see list below). We’ll provide breakfast and lunch on site Saturday, and breakfast Sunday.

“I learned so much and began applying all I learned to my writing right away.”

— CB

“I really enjoyed it! I left with new ideas and inspiration. I loved the book exchange!”

— PZ

“I had a great time flexing my writing muscles and getting some different perspectives.”

— RO

Weekend Schedule

All four of our inspiring instructors will lead four workshops over the course of the weekend, on Friday evening, Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday morning.
We’ll also foster community conversation in panel discussions on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and around the breakfast table on Saturday and Sunday.
Friday and Saturday evening will close with casual gatherings on site at the Madison Concourse Hotel.

Where to Stay

The Madison Concourse Hotel has reserved a block of rooms for Fourth Lake writers, which are available until rooms run out, or until June 19. Reserve here.
There are also a number of locations in reasonable walking distance from the Concourse. If you have questions about staying in downtown Madison or wonder how close another location may be, just let us know.
Here’s a list of downtown Madison hotels.

“I felt entirely in my comfort zone. The topics covered in the breakout sessions were all new to me, and I’ve been to many similar writer’s workshops, eg, Write by the Lake. I came away from FLWR with solid craft tips (thanks, Deshawn! thanks, Chris!). Grateful!”

— AT