BEYOND THE BREAKOUT:
Small Group Workshop & Retreat

“A very big thank you for the past eight days of Beyond the Breakout. I really found it very worthwhile, and I can honestly say I’ve never experienced a writing event like that. It has, I believe, helped me significantly and certainly opened my eyes to new elements of the craft.”

— M. Dawe

Imagine lively, intimate classes for a small group; cozy, communal meals; one-on-ones with industry pros who dig into your work with you in a supportive and challenging way; movie nights in a 20-person theater; laughs, connection, and astonishing growth in your craft.

KISSIMMEE, FL

Session 1: October 3 - 6, 2026
Session 2: October 8 - 11, 2026

Combined session available!

Join literary agent, Donald Maass, author/editor Lorin Oberweger, writer/director Roman White, and author/editor Brenda Windberg for an immersive, individualized mentorship over the course of four days. (Or eight, should you choose!)

Limited to twelve participants only.

In this highly personalized, hands-on workshop and retreat, you’ll learn the keys to writing timeless fiction, finding and keeping your audience, and drawing from personal experience to speak universal truths. With new material and a sneak peek from Donald Maass’s upcoming craft book, BONES OF THE GODS.

We’ll also talk about elevating and deepening one’s voice, crafting an immersive viewpoint, understanding and deepening theme, employing advanced narrative strategies, enacting smart revision techniques; crafting expert queries, and more.

This intensive offers:

Deep-dive craft instruction with Donald Maass, tailored to participants’ needs, with generative writing exercises, group brainstorming, and lively discussion.
A private thirty-minute consultation with Donald Maass, who’ll read fifty pages of each student's manuscript and other supporting material. (Or 100 pages for those who sign up for both sessions.)
Private thirty-minute consultations with editors/authors Lorin Oberweger and Brenda Windberg, who’ll read and offer editorial feedback on twenty-five pages of each student’s manuscript and other supporting material. (Or 50 pages for those who sign up for both sessions.)
Brainstorming sessions with Emmy-award winning director and writer Roman White.
Staff-led critique groups with rotating faculty moderators.
Cozy, high-end accommodations in an upscale AirBnB with pool, spa, and nearby clubhouse with fitness facilities and more.
Wonderful, communal atmosphere with private room and bath for solitary time and work.
Catered breakfast and dinner each day. (Supplies on-hand for make-your-own lunches, or you can order and stock your own items.)
Group dinner out midweek for those staying for both sessions.
Post-workshop assignments and check-ins.