Retreat 2026 Attendee Checklist
To get the most out of this year’s workshop, come prepared with the following:
MOST IMPORTANT: A Sample of Your Writing
What are you writing? Have you ever had it reviewed in a critique format so you could get constructive feedback to help make your work the best it can be? We can’t help if you don’t bring more than your ideas and good intentions to write. Bring a few copies of something you have written such as:
In addition to your writing samples, be sure to pack the following:
Notebook, Paper, and Pen--We’ve planned a 2-day retreat/workshops event chock full of valuable instruction and information to help you advance in your calling to write His Story through your story. Plan to take lots of notes!
Journal, Sketching Pad, Camera--Restoration Family Farm provides a picturesque setting to inspire writers and artists. There will be time during the Breakout Workshops and Free Time to wander the grounds or get aside for a few minutes of reflection, journaling, or art and inspiration.
Business Cards--If you don’t have a business card with your contact info, make a few copies of your name, phone, email, and social media locations to exchange with others. Networking at writing retreats and workshops builds a like-minded community to encourage one another on their Pioneer with Pens writing journeys.
Meals--This year, NO LUNCHES WILL BE SERVED—BRING YOUR OWN LUNCHES!! The Contenential Breakfast PLUS DINNER is included in the Registration Fee. Eggs and yogurt parfaits for breakfast. Dinner will be a choice of soups, chili, and chicken Ceasar salad with both sourdough and cornbread selections. Gluten Free options are available. Snacks and beverages available throughout the day.
Bookstore--The Pageant Wagon Publishing Bookstore will be set up with publications from our network authors available for sale—plus other gifts. Come prepared with spending money.
Love Offering--We are delighted to partner with Restoration Family Farm and the ministry of Pastor Rob and Jen Schwing as facility hosts for our Retreat and Workshop this year—and hopefully for many years to come. We will be taking a Love Offering on both Friday and Saturday for the family and the ministry of Restoration Family Farm’s vision to be God’s heart in the lives of others for healing and hope on their restoration journey. Please visit Restoration Family Farm on Facebook or online at www.restorationfamilyfarm.com.
Comfortable Clothes--Hopefully crisp October mornings and evenings will give way to a slice of sunshine and temps in the 60s-70s. That is best case scenario so let's pray it in! Keep a watch on the weather, pray NO RAIN, and plan to wear appropriate, comfortable clothes—jeans and sensible shoes. Remember—you will be on a farm!
What are you writing? Have you ever had it reviewed in a critique format so you could get constructive feedback to help make your work the best it can be? We can’t help if you don’t bring more than your ideas and good intentions to write. Bring a few copies of something you have written such as:
- Notes and Ideas—of course . . .
- Poetry or Song lyrics
- Stage play or screenplay
- Short devotional—100 words Note: Word counts are suggested, not required.
- Long devotional—300-500 words
- Personal testimony—300-500 words
- Essay on a topic important to you—about 300-500 words
- Non-fiction magazine article—about 300-500 words
- Non-fiction book—proposal or manuscript—Introduction, Table of Contents, and first chapter
- Fiction short story—proposal or manuscript with average word count 7,500 words or less; flash fiction is 500 words or less.
- Fiction novel—proposal or manuscript including synopsis and first chapter
- Manuscript Proposal—lay out the idea and plan for what you want to write. Download the PDF of a Sample Manuscript Proposal HERE. Follow the format layout with your own manuscript information.
In addition to your writing samples, be sure to pack the following:
Notebook, Paper, and Pen--We’ve planned a 2-day retreat/workshops event chock full of valuable instruction and information to help you advance in your calling to write His Story through your story. Plan to take lots of notes!
Journal, Sketching Pad, Camera--Restoration Family Farm provides a picturesque setting to inspire writers and artists. There will be time during the Breakout Workshops and Free Time to wander the grounds or get aside for a few minutes of reflection, journaling, or art and inspiration.
Business Cards--If you don’t have a business card with your contact info, make a few copies of your name, phone, email, and social media locations to exchange with others. Networking at writing retreats and workshops builds a like-minded community to encourage one another on their Pioneer with Pens writing journeys.
Meals--This year, NO LUNCHES WILL BE SERVED—BRING YOUR OWN LUNCHES!! The Contenential Breakfast PLUS DINNER is included in the Registration Fee. Eggs and yogurt parfaits for breakfast. Dinner will be a choice of soups, chili, and chicken Ceasar salad with both sourdough and cornbread selections. Gluten Free options are available. Snacks and beverages available throughout the day.
Bookstore--The Pageant Wagon Publishing Bookstore will be set up with publications from our network authors available for sale—plus other gifts. Come prepared with spending money.
Love Offering--We are delighted to partner with Restoration Family Farm and the ministry of Pastor Rob and Jen Schwing as facility hosts for our Retreat and Workshop this year—and hopefully for many years to come. We will be taking a Love Offering on both Friday and Saturday for the family and the ministry of Restoration Family Farm’s vision to be God’s heart in the lives of others for healing and hope on their restoration journey. Please visit Restoration Family Farm on Facebook or online at www.restorationfamilyfarm.com.
Comfortable Clothes--Hopefully crisp October mornings and evenings will give way to a slice of sunshine and temps in the 60s-70s. That is best case scenario so let's pray it in! Keep a watch on the weather, pray NO RAIN, and plan to wear appropriate, comfortable clothes—jeans and sensible shoes. Remember—you will be on a farm!
We look forward to seeing you soon!
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 Workshops where 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 Workshops where 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