Retreat 2026 Breakout Workshops
The Lord gives the command to take territory;
The women who proclaim the good news are a great army;
Psalm 68:11 AMP/PWP
The women who proclaim the good news are a great army;
Psalm 68:11 AMP/PWP
Breakout Workshops meet after each morning and afternoon instructional session. Participate in one or more groups each time they meet OR choose to enjoy some of the retreat features of Restoration Family Farm such as a visit with the animals, a few moments alone to pray and process your thoughts, or a stroll of the grounds in reflection.
BE AWARE: THERE IS NO OFFENSE IN MOVING FROM WORKSHOP TO WORKSHOP AS YOU DESIRE. For instance—spend 20 minutes taking in one workshop and 20 minutes taking in another and 20 minutes walking the grounds or praying alone outside. This is common practice at large writer conferences. Breakout Workshop time is YOUR time!
Each workshop is overseen by a Workshop Mentor who will teach or guide discussion according to the workshop topic and the specific needs of those participating.
Breakout Workshop 1: Manuscript Critique and Discussion
Mentor: Kathryn Ross—Main Room Head Table
Author, editor, and independent publisher Kathryn Ross will be available for manuscript critiques in a single or small group setting. You’ll gain clearer direction for how to polish your work or redraft with confidence and inspiration as well as advice on how to pursue publishing options. Bring a few short manuscript copies to share (as needed) and experience the sharpening power of manuscript critique and discussion.
Breakout Workshop 2: Built to Write: A Vision Board Breakout for Writers
Mentor: Lillian Baker—Main Room/back of room Workstation
In this breakout session, Lillian helps writers use vision boards as a tool for clarity, focus, and movement. Designed specifically for writers, this session will guide attendees in thinking through vision, purpose, and discipline so they can better define their message, writing assignment, and next steps. Ideal for anyone writing a Christian book, devotional, children’s book, or purpose-driven project.
Breakout Workshop 3: Find Your Voice--Pursue Your Calling
Mentor: Trish Weldon—Mid-Room Side A
Author Trish Weldon leads open discussion about finding your unique writing voice and moving forward to claim it and build your calling and writing assignment on it. Why what YOU have to say in YOUR unique way is critical to fulfilling your Kingdom purpose in the lives of those who will read and be touched by your words and life experience.
Breakout Workshop 4: The Place of Prayer in the Process and on the Page
Mentor: Linda Slomin--Playroom
God has called each of us to serve Him in this Kingdom era. There are great opportunities before us to use the gifts He has given us in pursuit of our writing assignments. So many ideas. So many “arrows” to shoot. But how do we know which to use? Only Holy Spirit can advise there—and that is the place of prayer. Intercessor and ordained minister Linda Slomin meets with you individually or in small groups to agree with you in prayer and help you aim your intercession on target so you can hear God’s voice for direction, enjoy His abundance for provision, and be inspired by His Words in your call to write and publish.
Breakout Workshop 5: Platform vs Branding--Who Am I & Where Can You Find Me?
Mentor: Pam Halter—Conference Room
It’s important for authors to establish their brand before they get published. But don’t worry if you’re already published. You can still work on your brand and/or platform. This breakout workshop will talk about the difference between branding and building a platform--plus touch on social media, and which one would be best for you. Pam will also work individually with attendees on a plan of action tailored to you and your writing project.
BE AWARE: THERE IS NO OFFENSE IN MOVING FROM WORKSHOP TO WORKSHOP AS YOU DESIRE. For instance—spend 20 minutes taking in one workshop and 20 minutes taking in another and 20 minutes walking the grounds or praying alone outside. This is common practice at large writer conferences. Breakout Workshop time is YOUR time!
Each workshop is overseen by a Workshop Mentor who will teach or guide discussion according to the workshop topic and the specific needs of those participating.
Breakout Workshop 1: Manuscript Critique and Discussion
Mentor: Kathryn Ross—Main Room Head Table
Author, editor, and independent publisher Kathryn Ross will be available for manuscript critiques in a single or small group setting. You’ll gain clearer direction for how to polish your work or redraft with confidence and inspiration as well as advice on how to pursue publishing options. Bring a few short manuscript copies to share (as needed) and experience the sharpening power of manuscript critique and discussion.
Breakout Workshop 2: Built to Write: A Vision Board Breakout for Writers
Mentor: Lillian Baker—Main Room/back of room Workstation
In this breakout session, Lillian helps writers use vision boards as a tool for clarity, focus, and movement. Designed specifically for writers, this session will guide attendees in thinking through vision, purpose, and discipline so they can better define their message, writing assignment, and next steps. Ideal for anyone writing a Christian book, devotional, children’s book, or purpose-driven project.
Breakout Workshop 3: Find Your Voice--Pursue Your Calling
Mentor: Trish Weldon—Mid-Room Side A
Author Trish Weldon leads open discussion about finding your unique writing voice and moving forward to claim it and build your calling and writing assignment on it. Why what YOU have to say in YOUR unique way is critical to fulfilling your Kingdom purpose in the lives of those who will read and be touched by your words and life experience.
Breakout Workshop 4: The Place of Prayer in the Process and on the Page
Mentor: Linda Slomin--Playroom
God has called each of us to serve Him in this Kingdom era. There are great opportunities before us to use the gifts He has given us in pursuit of our writing assignments. So many ideas. So many “arrows” to shoot. But how do we know which to use? Only Holy Spirit can advise there—and that is the place of prayer. Intercessor and ordained minister Linda Slomin meets with you individually or in small groups to agree with you in prayer and help you aim your intercession on target so you can hear God’s voice for direction, enjoy His abundance for provision, and be inspired by His Words in your call to write and publish.
Breakout Workshop 5: Platform vs Branding--Who Am I & Where Can You Find Me?
Mentor: Pam Halter—Conference Room
It’s important for authors to establish their brand before they get published. But don’t worry if you’re already published. You can still work on your brand and/or platform. This breakout workshop will talk about the difference between branding and building a platform--plus touch on social media, and which one would be best for you. Pam will also work individually with attendees on a plan of action tailored to you and your writing project.
Breakout Workshop 6: Holding It Down with a Core-4* Practical Daily Plan
Mentor: Stacy Lee Flury--Mid-Room Side B
Learn to Connect, Clarify, Create, and Cultivate whether it is in your writing or as an artist. More than just organizing, it is a simple, spirit-led intentionality every single day to keep you committed to what God is calling you to do: Align your heart with God, see your intentions with purpose, show up and make what matters, and lastly, nurture relationships and connections that grow your impact. This practical daily plan keeps you centered in God’s presence and focused on God’s assignment. Through it all, you will flow in peace, purpose, and momentum.
*Material shared is drawn from Matt Tommey Mentoring
Mentor: Stacy Lee Flury--Mid-Room Side B
Learn to Connect, Clarify, Create, and Cultivate whether it is in your writing or as an artist. More than just organizing, it is a simple, spirit-led intentionality every single day to keep you committed to what God is calling you to do: Align your heart with God, see your intentions with purpose, show up and make what matters, and lastly, nurture relationships and connections that grow your impact. This practical daily plan keeps you centered in God’s presence and focused on God’s assignment. Through it all, you will flow in peace, purpose, and momentum.
*Material shared is drawn from Matt Tommey Mentoring
PIONEERS WITH PENS RETREAT WORKSHOPS MISSION STATEMENT:
Under the umbrella of Pageant Wagon Publishing, Christian writers in Southern New Jersey gather at the annual
Pioneers with Pens Retreat and Workshop swhere they can quiet their souls and enrich their spirits
in a restful and creative atmosphere, to secure God’s vision for their work,
hone writing and communication skills, and critique multi-genre manuscripts for publication.
Learn how to tell His Story through your story, and bring the Light of God’s salty Good News
to the mountains of social and cultural influence.
Kathryn Ross, Retreat Director
Under the umbrella of Pageant Wagon Publishing, Christian writers in Southern New Jersey gather at the annual
Pioneers with Pens Retreat and Workshop swhere they can quiet their souls and enrich their spirits
in a restful and creative atmosphere, to secure God’s vision for their work,
hone writing and communication skills, and critique multi-genre manuscripts for publication.
Learn how to tell His Story through your story, and bring the Light of God’s salty Good News
to the mountains of social and cultural influence.
Kathryn Ross, Retreat Director