Working Writers Weekend
Because it IS possible to make a living with your words
Join us November 14th to 16th, 2025 in Waterloo, Iowa
Brought to you by your Working Writers Mastermind Coaches
CHRISTOPHER D. SCHMITZ - T R NICKEL - A. G. WEDGEWORTH - JERI RED SHEPHERD
Join a team of professional working writers for a 3 day retreat with expert coaches guiding you through setting up your business systems, marketing strategies, writers model, & more!
What Are You In For?
Get ready for an immersive, energizing, and practical weekend built for writers, by writers. The Working Writers Weekend is not your average retreat—this is a hands-on, deep-dive experience designed to equip you with the tools, support, and space you need to take your writing and publishing goals to the next level.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
✍️ Daily Structure That Works ✍️
Each day is carefully planned to balance learning, writing, collaboration, and real connection. With twenty-five hours of sessions over the course of the weekend for instruction, writing time, and coaching, you'll make real progress from the moment you arrive.
Business Deep Dives — From time management to marketing strategies, learn how to navigate and thrive in the business of being an author.
Creative Craft Workshops — Explore structure, voice, and storytelling with hands-on sessions from experienced authors and coaches.
Surprise Topic Sessions — Expect fresh, high-impact topics that meet you where you are—from mindset to mechanics.
Writing Sprints & “Writing Lengths” — Put your knowledge into action immediately with guided sprints, collaborative writing spaces, and quiet time for deep focus.
One-on-One Coaching Opportunities — Personalized sessions with our expert coaches to support your customized path forward.
🏰 A Unique & Supportive Setting 🏰
We’re transforming a stunning mansion space into an active writers’ hub for the weekend. Every room is designed with intention:
Throne Room / Social Writing Space — Share, chat, or just vibe while you write with others.
Dining Room / One-on-One Coaching Space — Cozy, focused, and quiet for meaningful conversations with coaches.
Living Room / Silent Writing Room — Need quiet and no distractions? This space is for you.
Foyer / Author Storefront — Browse the coaches’ offerings at the pop-up shop featuring books, games, and resources.
👥 Designed for Writers Like You 👥
Whether you're indie or traditional, brand-new or multi-published, the Working Writers Weekend is for career-minded writers ready to do the work. Learn from experienced coaches, authors, and game writers Jeri Shepherd, T.R. Nickel, Christopher D. Schmitz, and AG Wedgeworth, each with unique specialties to support every aspect of your writing career.
🛍️ The WWM Author Booth 🛍️
All weekend long, attendees can explore the Author Booth—a shared space where our coaches will be showcasing up to 12 of their individual titles, plus the collections they are in together. Great reads, resources, and digital offers. No flashy banners here—just a curated “WWM Library” setup that lets great work shine equally. You’ll have the opportunity to purchase or browse anytime, no pressure.
🍕 Friday Night “Whine & Wine”🍷
Let loose, laugh, and enjoy community. After a full day of learning and writing, we’ll gather for pizza, real and mock wine spritzers, and relaxed conversation. Come as you are—we’ll be celebrating the wins, the work, and the words. And, yes, maybe some whining, but only if we also bring solutions!
💻 Flexibility + Focus 💻
We’ve thought through the logistics so you don’t have to. Coaches rotate between rooms so attendees can stay settled in their writing zones (or choose to switch up spaces if that’s your preference). There's space to write, collaborate, or sneak away for quiet reflection. On-site snacks, drinks, and boxed lunches keep you fueled without interrupting your flow.
⏰ Sunday Wrap-Up & Next Steps ⏰
We’ll close the weekend with a forward-focused session packed with practical resources, mentorship opportunities, and real-world next steps—because the work doesn’t stop when the weekend ends . . . and neither does our support.
✨ Maximum Capacity, Maximum Value ✨
This event is designed to be intimate yet impactful. With a grand total capacity of 43 ATTENDEES, you’ll get real face time with coaches and other writers without feeling lost in the crowd. But the cap means you should get your ticket right away!
Whether you’re revising a manuscript, launching your next book, or trying to get back into a creative rhythm, this weekend is for you. Come ready to work—and leave recharged, inspired, and motivated to write.