May 9-10, 2025
Writers Supporting Writers Retreat
Join us for a weekend of inspiration, learning, and connection. Whether you’re looking to refine your craft, gain new insights from experienced authors, or simply find time to write in a peaceful setting, this retreat is for you!
Registration & Pricing
Expect a weekend filled with engaging workshops led by accomplished authors, insightful panel discussions on the writing process, and valuable networking opportunities. Enjoy social activities that foster connections with fellow writers while also carving out dedicated time to focus on your craft in the peaceful, nature-filled surroundings of Springbank Retreat.
- Both Days-Residential Stay (Includes single room, all meals, reception, and all sessions): $280
- Both Days-Non-Residential (Includes meals, reception, and sessions): $220
- Friday Only (Includes reception, meal, and Friday sessions): $125
- Saturday Only (Includes lunch and Saturday sessions): $125
Event Schedule
Registration and Explore Grounds
Check in, settle in, and take a moment to explore the peaceful, nature-filled grounds of Springbank Retreat before the retreat begins.
Introductions
Meet your fellow writers, connect with presenters, and set the stage for a weekend of learning, creativity, and collaboration.
Terry Friedman: Things That Go Bump in the Night
Description Coming Soon
Reception & Dinner
Unwind and enjoy a delicious dinner with fellow attendees, presenters, and writers. This is a great opportunity to relax, network, and continue the conversations sparked throughout the retreat.
Alex Rath: Working Without an Outline
Join Alex Rath as he shares his process for writing without pre-planning, allowing stories to unfold naturally. Through interactive exercises, you’ll develop a story sketch using provided or personal elements, gaining insights into character-driven storytelling.
Social Activity
TBD
Panel Discussion: Adventures in Writing
Gain insight from experienced writers as they share their journeys, challenges, and successes in the world of writing. This interactive discussion will offer inspiration, practical advice, and a chance to ask your burning questions.
Susan Zerenda: The Role of Thresholds in Successful Stories
Explore the power of threshold moments in storytelling and how they drive character transformation. In this workshop, Susan Beckham Zurenda will guide participants through the key elements that make these scenes compelling, using examples and hands-on exercises to enhance your own writing.
Lunch & Writing Time
Enjoy a relaxing lunch, then take advantage of quiet, dedicated time to write, reflect, or explore the peaceful surroundings of Springbank Retreat.
Craig Ferris: Creative Suspense Writing
Description Coming Soon
Open Mic: Share Your Work
Step up to the mic and share a piece of your writing in a supportive and encouraging environment. Whether it’s a work in progress or a finished piece, this is your chance to celebrate your creativity with fellow writers.
Closing Remarks & Evaluations
Wrap up the retreat with final reflections, share your feedback, and connect with fellow writers as we celebrate a weekend of growth, creativity, and community.
Register for the Writers Retreat
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the Writers Supporting Writers Retreat at Springbank. Secure your spot today and embark on a transformative journey of creativity and connection. Whether you’re looking to refine your craft, network with fellow writers, or simply find inspiration, this retreat offers the perfect setting to achieve your goals. Click the button below to register and take the first step towards enhancing your writing journey.
Meet the Presenters
Terry S. Friedman
Terry S. Friedman began her writing career freelancing for a small newspaper outside Philadelphia. She earned an M.F.A. and two thumb surgeries from Wilkes University and also graduated from the FBI Citizens Academy. Twenty-four of her fiction and non-fiction articles have been published, and she co-edited Delaware Valley Mystery Writers’ short story anthology, Death Knell V. She is a Pennwriters Board member and a longtime member of Sisters in Crime. Her paranormal thriller, BONE PENDANT GIRLS, was published by CamCat Books in January 2024. Research for this novel introduced her to a medium for spirit releases, FBI agents, a paranormal investigator, and a South Carolina Chief of Police.
A Northern Transplant in the land of fabulous fried foods, snakes, and gators, she writes from coastal South Carolina with yellow lab Fiona and tuxedo cat Antigone, keeping an eye on the process. Terry does not miss the Pennsylvania winters, but in October every year, she reconciles hurricane season as the price you pay for living in paradise. Currently, she writes from coastal South Carolina. She has traveled the world from Fiji to Delphi and brings to her writing a solid respect for things that go bump in the night.
Alex Rath
Alex Rath is a published author of science fiction and post-apocalyptic fiction, known for crafting immersive worlds, compelling characters, and thought-provoking narratives. With a focus on rich storytelling and deep character arcs, Alex explores the resilience of the human spirit, the possibilities of the future, and the triumph of hope even in the face of adversity.
Drawing inspiration from classic and modern science fiction, as well as many and varied role playing games, both tabletop and video games, Alex weaves tales that challenge perspectives, ignite the imagination, and delve into the complexities of human nature. Whether exploring distant galaxies, near-future dystopias, or the uncharted territories of the mind, his stories offer a mix of adventure, mystery, and optimism about what lies ahead.
When not writing, Alex enjoys video games, attending his daughter’s gymnastics competitions, and building Star Wars Lego sets. Alex believes that great science fiction is not just about the unknown—it’s about the strength of the people who dare to explore it.
Susan Beckham Zurenda
Susan Beckham Zurenda taught English for 33 years on the college level and at the high school level to AP students. Her debut novel, Bells for Eli (Mercer University Press, March 2020; paperback edition March 2021), was selected the first place winner for Best First Book—Fiction in the 2021 IPPY (Independent Publisher Book Awards), a Foreword Indie Book Award finalist, a Winter 2020 Okra Pick by the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance, a 2020 Notable Indie on Shelf Unbound, a 2020 finalist for American Book Fest Best Book Awards, and was nominated for a Pushcart Prize for 2021. Susan has won numerous awards for her short fiction, including winning the South Carolina Fiction Prize twice. . Her second novel, The Girl From the Red Rose Motel (Mercer University Press, September 2023), was the recipient of the 2024 Patricia Winn Award in Southern Fiction, Gold Medal winner in the 2024 IPPY Awards for Southeast Fiction, a 2024 Pushcart Prize nominee, a Shelf Unbound 2023 Notable 100 books, and a finalist in the American Book Fest Awards. The author lives in Spartanburg, SC. Learn more at susanzurenda.com. The author lives in Spartanburg, SC. Learn more at www.susanzurenda.com.
Craig Ferris
Craig Faris is a forty-five-time award-winning author of short fiction, non-fiction and one-act-play, including four Best of Issue awards in the 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2003 editions of the South Carolina Writers Workshop anthology. He has won twenty-five literary awards in regional, national and international competitions, eight of which were first place awards. His short story, House of Ruth, won fourth place in the 80th Annual Writers Digest competition, and won first place in the 2010 Carrie McCray Literary Award before going on to be a short-list finalist in the 2010 and 2012 William Faulkner Pirates Alley International Writing Competitions. His second novel, The Spectrum Conspiracy, has won eight literary awards and has 94% combined five-star reviews online on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and Goodreads.com.
Craig served on the Board of Directors of the South Carolina Writers Workshop (now
Association) from 2000 until 2006. He also was the Vice-President of the Southeast
chapter of the Mystery Writers of America from 2001-2006. He currently serves on the South Carolina Writers Association Board of Directors as an advisor and is a member of the Rock Hill Chapter of the SCWA’s Critique group.
Craig’s latest published book is called A Den of Rhyme Short Story Collection which
contains twenty of his best short stories including three one-act plays. This book is also available online on Amazon.com. Craig and his wife Deena live in Rock Hill, South
Carolina.