The Writers Advance

Are you ready to move your project forward?

The biggest obstacle to your creative work is the incessant interruption of life. When you’re in the flow, you are the most creative and productive.

Invest in a weekend that will move your project ahead. No chores. No obligations. Plenty of time for writing. Optional group feedback and one-on-one coaching available.

This is not a “sit-and-listen-to-experts” conference. It’s not a “drink-wine-and-get-backpats-for-being-a-writer” retreat. The biggest need for most writers is not more training or inspiration or coaching. Most writers need time to write. This is a working weekend, in a comfortable environment, with a small number of other writers who also came to write.

Retreat from the distractions of your life. Advance your project.

Reviews of the 2025 Writers Advance

Marc creates an atmosphere to help you do the work of writing, not just talk about writing. I felt generously cared for throughout the weekend with many blocks of writing time, moments of relaxing and all without having to think about food, because there were great meals and yummy snacks and the writing ambiance was terrific. All supportive in me completing my manuscript. Win!

—Lori Mazenko LPC, Fall 2025

Writer’s Advance helped me jump start the next part of my writing journey. It was so extremely helpful to have designated blocks of time to write and create. I would bounce in my seat with joy after finishing a chunk of writing. It revived my spirit and gave me hope for the next step!

—Nikki D., Fall 2025

I have been to many writing events, retreats, etc. and what Marc has created here is superior to all. He has birthed – and fostered – an environment that is all about you as the writer and whatever it is you write and need. Wonderful, peaceful, thoughtfully done venue. Such a great weekend! First timer here. I will be back next year!

—Shirley B., Fall 2025

After spending a couple years writing circles around a memoir idea, Marc’s writing retreat launched my project in a clear direction. I was able to gain focus and perspective through personal mentorship and constructive feedback from other writers. In addition to brainstorming, meaningful conversations, quality meals and beautiful surroundings I was able to write nearly 10,000 words over the weekend and have doubled my writing productivity since attending. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to take their creative project to the next level. I’ll be back.

Astrid Melton, 2019 Spring Participant

Reserve Your Spot

Alton Collins Retreat Center

2026

$599-$989

November 19-22, 2026

The 2026 Writers Advance Alton Collins Retreat Center Eagle Creek, Oregon

November 19-22, 2026
All-inclusive event.
All meals (Options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, & allergies)
Snacks, coffee, tea, and fresh fruit available all day.
Hours and hours for writing.
Private coaching and group feedback.
Pricing Options include arriving Thursday evening (3 Nights) or Friday evening (2 Nights) and single, double, and triple occupancy rooms. Triple occupancy is by special arrangement only. Contact us first before registering (Marc@TheWritersAdvance.com).

Spaces are limited.

Reserve Your Spot

What to Expect

Time to Write

Unlike many writer’s events, you won’t sit and listen to experts teach. This weekend you will write. You’ll have the opportunity for optional supportive activities, but your main goal–and where you’ll spend the bulk of your time–is to write. Our goal is to support you so you can connect deeply with your project, make headway, and leave excited about your writing again.

A Flexible Schedule

Our schedule is built around our shared meals. Everything else is optional. Choose the activities that work for you. Rest, imagine, outline, write, edit. You’ll have the time and encouragement to attend to your creative work in the way that you need to.

A Reflective Atmosphere

We host the Writers Advance weekend at venues specifically chosen because they provide a rich atmosphere for focus, creativity, and deep work, like monastery guesthouses and forest retreat centers. In these places, you’ll often find art, quiet space, and a commitment to the intentionally slow and quiet pace of life. A perfect environment for reflection and creativity.

A Simple, Tested Process

Many writers struggle with both time management and staying focused. The weekend will begin with a brief tutorial on the Pomodoro technique, a simple but incredibly effective tool to support focus and creativity. With this process, participants have seen bursts of productivity that surprised them.

Circle Sessions

Each day, you’ll have the option to participate in smaller conversations called Circle Sessions. Check in with peers about what you’re working on, the headway you’re making, and the obstacles you’re facing. This optional small group will help you connect with other writers in a way that’s been fine-tuned for writers.

One-on-One Coaching

You’ll be able to take advantage of one-on-one coaching with writing coaches. These are working writers, editors, and creatives who bring a depth of experience and insight to the conversation. They can help you connect the dots, fine-tune your premise, iron out your logical and narrative flow, or work through obstacles to your project or writing process.

Great Food

Our venues are chosen because they offer excellent food and can accommodate various dietary needs. You’ll be served fantastic scratch-cooked meals for breakfast, lunch & dinner. In addition, coffee, tea as well as other beverages and snacks will be available throughout the day. If you need a little boost to keep the creative juice flowing, you’re covered.

Comfortable Accommodations

All our venues have comfortable on-site accommodations so you can give your full focus and attention to your work. All venues have single-occupancy rooms with private bath. Some offer double occupancy at a lower cost. See the details for each retreat location.

Real Feedback on the Last Event

Fabulous weekend! I made tremendous progress on my writing projects. The Writer’s Advance provides the perfect combo of time, quiet environment, and snacks to be productive. I’ll be back!

—Anonymous, Fall 2025

Anyone who has a writing project they want to work on will find this to be the ideal retreat for getting stuff done, connecting with other writers, and getting great encouragement and feedback from Marc and the coaches. Worth every penny!

—Anonymous, Fall 2025

Every writer who finds it hard to take time out of life to focus on writing should attend this event. You will walk away having met the goals or intentions you lay out each day of the retreat, because there isn’t anything else to distract you. There aren’t a crazy amount of classes or lectures. There isn’t even any pressure to attend the few helpful (and brief) seminars or classes that are oered. You are free to write as much as you want and ignore everything else. I think my favorite part was that I walked away with a sense of community. I hope to stay in touch with some of the attendees, but even if I don’t, I know that I have a group of people I can now “come home to” if I am able to attend future events.

—Anonymous, Fall 2025

This writer’s retreat delivers on what it promises: a relaxing, focused environment to do creative work at your own pace, without interruptions. Participants have access to excellent coaches and have the option of reading their work to an encouraging and supportive audience. Getting to hang out with writers from a variety of genres with varying degrees of development and experience is a priceless bonus. I cannot recommend this conference highly enough!

—Anonymous, Fall 2025

All levels of experience are welcome! I came into the weekend without any idea of how to start my book project; I le with some amazing tools and the beginnings of an actual book!

—Sherida E., Fall 2025

The weekend was a beautiful space to remember my voice, no matter how long it may have quieted and that finding it truly matters.

—Anonymous, Fall 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Why not book a hotel and do this on your own?

That’s a great idea! You should do it. Seriously. But you know what? Most of us don’t. Maybe it seems self-indulgent. Maybe because we’re not famous writers we don’t feel like we’ve earned it. I don’t know why but most of us don’t do it. So, if that idea works for you, please do it. It will be an incredible investment in your writing life.

But there is something the Writers Advance offers that going to a hotel on your own can’t. The Writers Advance is a writer retreat with a small group of other writers. You won’t be alone. You’ll be with people who get the struggle. You’ll be able to get feedback on your work. You’ll be able to get one-on-one coaching. And best of all, you’ll be handed a simple structure that can help you keep moving forward, and gentle accountability to spend your time writing. No hotel room can give you that!

Will this work for my genre?

The focus of this weekend is to encourage you to write. The tools we provide are chosen because they work for most writers. The style or genre of writing doesn’t matter at all! We’ve had folks who write non-fiction, essay, literary short story, children’s literature, poetry, self-help, science fiction, epic fantasy, memoir, and family chronicles. Regardless of the kind of work you do, you’ll find a supportive environment, and helpful insight.

Where is Alton Collins Retreat Center?

Our 2024 venue is the Alton Collins Retreat Center outside of Eagle Creek, Oregon. You can learn more about the retreat center at their website.

Alton Collins is less than an hour or so outside of Portland, about a 45 minute drive from Portland International Airport. Find directions here. The retreat center address is 32867 SE HWY 211, Eagle Creek, Oregon 97022.

What does the cost include?

This is an all-inclusive retreat. Registration includes your room with a personal bathroom and shower, linens and towels, delicious natural meals made from scratch on-site for every meal, all the coffee, tea, and snacks you need to sustain you. All optional support activities, like Coaching and Circle Sessions, are included.

What if I’m flying in?

That’s exciting! Here’s the information you need. Alton Collins is located about a 45-minute drive from Portland International Airport (PDX). It’s easy to get a rental car, cab, Uber, or Lyft at the Airport.

What about carpooling? That’s a possibility. People will be arriving at different times, but everyone will be leaving near the same time, and since some participants are from the Portland area, getting a ride back to the airport should not be a problem. If you are flying in and would prefer to carpool, email me. While we can’t guarantee a ride solution, we’ll see what we can arrange.

What kind of dietary needs or preferences can be accommodated?

Almost any need can be met! Alton Collins Retreat Center takes pride in creating high-quality fresh menus for every meal. During the registration process, you will indicate if you have dietary needs or preferences. Then, about two months before the event, we will contact you for detailed information about your needs and preferences. From this information, the chef curates a menu that will wow and nourish everyone, including vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, acid-free, gluten-free, allergy restricted dietary needs. Not only that, but you can even indicate preferences (I like blueberries! More potatoes, please.), and the chef does her best to make sure people are getting meals they enjoy.

What’s the difference between the 2-day or 3-day option?

The Writers Advance is designed as a 3-day weekend. You’ll arrive on Thursday before Dinner and stay through Sunday Lunch. However, you can choose a 2-day option, arriving on Friday afternoon. While you’ll have less time to write, this option works well if your schedule can’t accommodate the longer weekend. It’s also a good way to lower the cost.

How does multiple occupancy work?

Alton Collins offers single, double, and triple occupancy rooms. This creates a lower-cost option for participating in the Writers Advance and an option for sharing the weekend with a friend. In all three configurations, everyone gets their own bed.

Indicate which occupancy you’re selecting in your registration. If you chose more than single occupancy, in the registration survey you’ll be asked to identify your roommate, if you have one in mind. What if you don’t have a roommate? You can still register for double occupancy. If someone else of the same gender registers for double occupancy, you’ll be paired with them. If no one else of the same gender registers for double occupancy, you will not be charged extra for the room.

The Triple-occupancy option is available only by special arrangement. You will be responsible for arranging two roommates who are interested in the event and willing to do triple occupancy. The triple-occupancy room is tight for three people, but workable. It includes two normal twin beds and a very sturdy bunk for the third bed. This bunk is adult-appropriate, accessed by a very sturdy ladder. This room has a private bath to be shared by the three roommates. All three parties must register at the same time. If you are interested in the triple-occupancy option, email us at Marc@TheWritersAdvance.com.

What is the refund policy?

Plans change. Life happens. That’s all understandable. You’re considering registering for an expensive event. Undoubtedly, you want to know what happens if you can’t attend. So, here’s the policy and options.

1. Due to the nature of events like this, your participation fees are non-refundable.

2. If your plans change more than thirty days prior to the event, we can roll your registration forward to a future event. Let us know that your plans have changed as soon as you know. We will lock in your registration for the following year’s Writers Advance and apply all your fees to your account for that event. Note that if the cost of the event increases for the following year, you may have an additional balance due at the time of the event. In that case, you’ll get an email. This change can be made, at no cost, up to 30 days before the event.

3. If your plans change less than thirty days before the event, you have two options. First, we can transfer your registration and balance to someone else. This can be a friend you choose to take your place. Second, you can designate your registration and balance-on-account as a scholarship. We always have a list of worthy authors who would like to come but can’t afford the event, and we’d be happy to invite one of them in your name. You let us know which option you want to go with.

4. What about sickness? If you are unable to attend due to COVID, or another transmissible disease, we can roll your registration forward to a future event at no cost.

5. What if we have to cancel the event? If something happens outside of our control that forces the event to be canceled, we will notify you as soon as possible and give you the option to roll your registration & deposit forward to any future event at the current rate.

Is this a religious retreat?

This question usually comes up like this: “Wait, I know you! You’re a pastor.” They’ve seen me posting online, or read one of my books, or, in some other way, know that I’m a Christian pastor. So, the question is a reasonable one.

The short answer is no.

The long answer? It can be if you want it to be. Hosting the Writers Advance weekend is a way that I use my gifts and experience to encourage and empower writers. For me, that’s a ministry, but the retreat itself is not designed as a religious retreat, and there is no religious content or programming. The sole aim of the weekend is to help you take tangible steps forward on your writing project.

Is this only for Christian authors?

No. Most of the authors I personally know and work with are Christians, and many of them write for Christians, but the focus of the weekend is to help you–whoever you are–take concrete steps forward in completing your project. The process we use will work for any genre, style, or audience. Past participants have been from a wide variety of backgrounds, writing in diverse styles and genres. The environment is positive and encouraging, and any writer who wants to focus on their writing with our support is welcome.

More Endorsements from Real Participants

The Writer’s Advance is a terrific experience where I get to step away from the demands of life and get quiet and focused on getting writing done. Not just talking about writing as at other conferences. I leave every year with advancement of projects, and that feels amazing!

—Lori M., Fall 2024

Just wanted to comment on the excellent care made by the venue kitchen staff. The number of modifications they were willing to make for people’s dietary needs and preferences was amazing.

—Anonymous, Feedback Survey, Fall 2024

I got a wonderful boost for my writing project with the long stretches of unstructured writing time, a choice of cozy or social places to write, and having someone else provide good meals for me so I didn’t have to waste writing time! I also benefited from excellent coaching and networking opportunities with other writers.

—Anonymous, Feedback Survey, Fall 2024

The care and attention given to all the details that created a space for writing to emerge was a beautiful gift!

—Anonymous, Feedback Survey, Fall 2024

This was such a wonderful event! It really allowed me to get away from all the little distractions and just focus on developing my writing. I loved all the time to write and the helpful tips and encouragement available to support me in the work I was doing. I can’t wait to go again!

—Anonymous, Feedback Survey, Fall 2024

This weekend helped me so much with learning how to relax and write, breaking bad habits, and creating new ones. The coaching was amazing…If you have anything you want to write or are already a writer, this is for you.

—Anonymous, Feedback Survey, Fall 2023

There has been a part of me that knew I was supposed to write for years. I have tried to work at it and made some progress. But I credit the two Advance weekends with Marc and the other great coaches with my finally owning that I AM A WRITER and coming up with the workflow and confidence to do the work.

—Mark M., Fall 2023

I was able to pull from within myself and write. My favorite part was being around writers. Creative people should come to this event.

—Anonymous, Feedback Survey, Fall 2023

The Writers Advance Workshop taught me valuable tools that I can take home and use. Clear presentations on tools to stay focused and able to create were priceless for me as I am easily sidetracked…Having the option for one-on-one coaching from editors and seasoned writers was another gift. Thank you for a great weekend.

—Anonymous, Feedback Survey, Fall 2023

I’ve been to the Writer’s Advance multiple times, and it never fails to inspire! I always get meaningful input on my writing and process. I feel valued as a human and writer throughout the whole weekend.

—Andrea H., Fall 2023

Most productive writers’ conference I’ve experienced. A full weekend of uninterrupted writing time is a dream; totally worth the investment!

—Anonymous, Feedback Survey, Fall 2023

I am a seasoned writer and I wasn’t sure how or what I would write about this weekend. What I came away with was so much more than I expected, not so much in the writing process but in validation for the guidance and direction of my work. That was worth gold!

—Anonymous, Feedback Survey, Fall 2022

This was my third time attending The Writers Advance! The weekend provided the space and feedback to move my novel forward. I am thrilled with the support I received and the progress I made! The participants are always amazing, and the environment supportive.

—Andrea H., Fall 2022

I came to Writer’s Advance to be productive and reach a writing goal – and I managed to write more words than ever before during this brief retreat. Every aspect of retreat was geared toward providing me and my fellow participants with focused writing time and support as a writer. I feel like I got more than I paid for, to be honest. The space was beautiful and inspiring. I had time and space to work. I got coaching that is helping me forge a writing career. And I connected with new, delightful friends. I cannot thank Marc enough for his hard work in putting this invaluable retreat together.

—Julie S., Fall 2022

For most of my life I have thought I had a story that wanted to be written. However, although I had written a great many words, I had a lot of difficulty getting traction. Having two excellent coaches…allowed me to find a work flow that gave me the confidence that I can do this. It was especially helpful to have the time to do the work as we talked about sculpting the methodology. I would not have found the right balance between structure and intuition if I hadn’t been able to see how it worked in practice and then come back and talk to my coaches yet again to refine it…

—Anonymous, Feedback Survey, Fall 2022

Going into the writer’s advance weekend, my project had fallen to the back burner. I felt stalled out and unfocused. This weekend helped me refocus, prioritize, and get moving again. I moved through some personal hurdles and some project blocks and ended up with an additional 8000 words when it was all done. I love the environment Marc creates and will be back again.

—Anonymous, Feedback Survey, Spring 2022

Marc creates a space in which writers can create and collaborate. He provides meaningful feedback to support the writing process and individual pieces. I have participated twice now. Both times I have grown as a human and writer!

—Andrea H, Fall 2021

What a joy and gift to experience a pastor’s heart through Marc & The Writers Advance Weekend. I’ve never experienced anything like it in its unique and gifted delivery of wisdom, nurture & sacred space.

—Raynna M, Fall 2021

The event was a gift to myself. I needed the focused time, and also found direction from the coaching. I came away with a renewed passion for the stories I am writing for my family and some concrete ways to move forward.

—Carol H., Fall 2021

A beautiful, spacious environment for words to find their way to the page. The wisdom, encouragement, and experiences of all those who gathered were truly inspiring!

—Lani K, Fall 2021

This Writers Advance was just what I needed to move a project forward that has been in the making for over a decade. The coaching I received helped me really overcome some major emotional barriers to progress, the practical guidance from Marc helped me really have a clear path forward and the emotional support of the group provided a thoroughly safe and enjoyable weekend. As an introvert, I wondered if having a retreat would lead me to feel I had to be interacting with people too much and take away from my writing time, but it was the perfect balance of connection and utter freedom to just write. The setting of the Abbey is serene and the food is delicious.

—Anonymous, Feedback Survey, Fall 2021

I’ve come to see Writer’s Advance as a gift I can’t afford NOT to give myself. I got more work done this weekend than I have in months, and to do it in a gorgeous, peaceful, comfortable location in the company and support of smart, quality people like Marc attracts? Invaluable. I’m deeply grateful.

—Tara R, Fall 2021

This weekend re-energized my commitment to my writing craft. It was an excellent blend of accountability, flexibility, creativity, and guidance. I felt supported as a human and writer throughout the whole time there.