The Writer’s Weekend Retreat Lineup & Schedule
Schedule coming soon
Jeff Belanger
We are excited to welcome Jeff Belanger, an accomplished author, researcher, and veteran storyteller, to our event. Jeff spent 17 years as the researcher and writer for Ghost Adventures and has authored more than a dozen books published in six languages.
With over 25 years of experience investigating paranormal claims—beginning with his early work in journalism—he has contributed to hundreds of hours of primetime television and shared his research with audiences around the world.
Friday Session:
The Backstory: Researching the History In this in-depth session, Jeff will guide participants through the process of uncovering the full history behind a location or story.
Topics include researching land records, newspaper archives, census data, and ancestry resources; working with historical societies; conducting effective witness interviews; and organizing findings for investigation and storytelling.
Jeff will also explore how to adapt research for different mediums—including books, television, and digital platforms—and how to strike the right balance when incorporating history into your narrative.
This session is ideal for investigators, writers, and anyone interested in digging deeper into the stories behind paranormal claims.
Saturday Session:
The Writer’s Life This interactive workshop explores the creative process across today’s diverse media landscape.
Jeff will help writers overcome the blank page, develop their voice, and determine the best format for their story—whether that’s a book, article, podcast, or film.
Drawing on more than 20 years as a full-time writer, he offers practical insight for crafting compelling nonfiction and memoir, with valuable takeaways for fiction writers as well. Whether you’re researching your next investigation or shaping your story for publication, Jeff’s sessions offer practical tools and expert guidance to elevate your work.
Varla Ventura
We are delighted to welcome Varla A. Ventura, an acclaimed author known for her work in folklore, mythology, and the supernatural, to our event.
Varla is the author of numerous books exploring fairy tales, legends, and the darker side of storytelling. With a passion for the strange and unusual, she brings a creative and imaginative approach to both writing and teaching, inspiring writers to tap into their unique voice and ideas.
Friday Session:
Prompts to Make Your Story Come Alive
Join Varla for a dynamic, generative workshop designed to spark creativity and keep your words flowing. Using prompts that include questions, single words, phrases, and images, this fast-paced session will help revive your writing and push past creative blocks. Think of it as speed dating for writers! Participants are encouraged to bring a notebook or laptop and be ready to write.
Saturday Workshop: Clean Cup, Move Down! A Wonderland-Inspired Writing Workshop
Step into a whimsical, collaborative writing experience inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Participants will begin a story using unique prompts, then rotate seats at the sound of a bell—continuing each other’s work as they go. By the end, you’ll return to your original piece, complete the story, and share it aloud in a fun and engaging group setting.
Whether you’re looking to reignite your creativity or try something entirely new, Varla’s sessions offer an imaginative and interactive experience for writers of all levels.
Richard Estep
We are excited to welcome Richard Estep, an accomplished author, paranormal investigator, and television personality, to our event.
Richard is the author of more than 40 books spanning paranormal nonfiction, true crime, and history. His book *The Horrors of Fox Hollow Farm* was a basis for the Hulu docuseries *The Fox Hollow Murders.* Richard is widely recognized for his appearances on television programs including Haunted Hospitals, Paranormal 911, and Haunted Case Files, and is a frequent speaker at events across the country.
With decades of experience investigating the unexplained and writing about his findings, Richard brings a unique perspective to both storytelling and the craft of writing.
Friday Session: Getting from “Word One” to “The End”
Richard will guide writers through the process of starting, developing, and completing a manuscript—offering practical insights to help you move from idea to finished work.
Saturday Session: Traditional vs. Self-Publishing
Explore the key differences between traditional and self-publishing, including the benefits, challenges, and considerations of each path, to help you determine the best route for your work.
Whether you are just beginning your writing journey or deciding how to publish your manuscript, these sessions offer valuable tools and insider knowledge to help you take the next step.
Kat Neff
We are pleased to welcome Kat Neff, Senior Publicist at Llewellyn Worldwide, to our event.
With more than 20 years of experience in the publishing industry, Kat has built a career spanning sales, marketing, and publicity. She brings a wealth of knowledge in book promotion and media relations, along with a practical, insider perspective on how authors can successfully position themselves and their work.
Friday Session: How to Write a Compelling Book Proposal
What is a book proposal, and how do you create one that stands out? In this session, Kat will walk you through the essential components publishers are looking for and show you how to present your book idea in the strongest, most compelling way possible.
Saturday Session: Connecting with Media
Discover how to build relationships with media professionals, secure coverage, and present yourself and your book in a compelling way. This session will provide valuable guidance on navigating publicity opportunities and increasing your visibility as an author.
Whether you are preparing to pitch your first book or looking to expand your reach, Kat’s sessions offer essential tools to help you succeed.
Amy Glaser
We are pleased to welcome Amy Glaser, Paranormal Acquisitions Editor at Llewellyn Worldwide, LLC, to our upcoming event.
With more than 25 years of experience in the publishing industry, Amy has progressed through every stage of the editorial process—from assistant to acquiring editor—and has been a valued member of Llewellyn for the past 16 years.
In addition to her work in paranormal nonfiction, Amy also has extensive experience editing fiction. She previously worked on multiple mystery series under Llewellyn’s Midnight Ink imprint and continues to edit for several authors, making her well-equipped to provide feedback on both fiction and nonfiction projects.
During the event, Amy will be offering manuscript reviews and professional feedback. Participants are invited to submit the following for consideration:
10 pages of sample writing
A synopsis
An outline of the full manuscript