Register for MANA's Motivational Weekend Writers' Retreat In 2026

If you have a manuscript that has been sitting untouched for months, you may not feel motivated to finish your work. Maybe you're uncertain that you can write a book, but you know that your dream has always been to become a published author.

If you need encouragement to keep moving forward, then MarketingNewAuthors.com (MANA) is here to help. MANA will hold its Motivational Weekend Writers’ Retreat from Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Weber’s Boutique Hotel in Ann Arbor, MI.

Writers of all stages are encouraged to register. All morning sessions will meet from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. All afternoon sessions will meet from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Writers' Retreat Highlights

The retreat will include a group for writers who have a manuscript and need professional guidance to develop it into a book. There will also be a group for writers who don't have a manuscript but have an idea and need assistance in developing it into a full manuscript.

Sessions will be held each day of the retreat. The sessions will cover topics such as:

• How to Become Published

• Be Aware of A-I

• How Do You Promote Your Book?

• Do You Need and How Do You Obtain A Literary Agent

• How Much Money Will I Really Receive?

Retreat Features Published Authors and Professional Writers

Attendees will be able to connect with professionals who understand the unique challenges of writing, such as how to get started, silencing the inner critic, and battling rewriting struggles.

Guest speakers and group guides include:

1. Cherisa Allen—Speaker, Trainer, Transformational Life Coach, and author of Revelation, Resignation, Restoration: A Woman’s Story of Triumph For All Women (self-published with MANA).

2. Dr. Nora Martin—Professor Emeritus and Education Consultant at Eastern Michigan University, and author of A Widow’s Sharing and Guide: Forever With Me, and Effective Team-Building Activities For The Pumpkin And/Or Sweet Potato Pie Lovers (both self-published with MANA).

3. Linda M. Otterbridge—Founder of Hook a Sista Up (HASU), an online membership-based community for women entrepreneurs; Business Relations Representative with the Better Business Bureau, business owner, and podcast host.

4. Dr. Fairy Hayes-Scott—Owner of MarketingNewAuthors.com and Robbie Dean Press, author, and retired professor of English at Mott Community College.

5. Dr. Gregory Shafer—Professor of English at Mott Community College, and author of several books published by Robbie Dean Press, including Nick Christopher: Time Traveler, Propaganda—American Style: A Textbook For Critical Thinkers, and Process And Voice In The Writing Workshop.

6. Holly Taylor—Professor of English at Jackson College, teaches fiction and writing courses, as well as poetry, drama, and other classes.

Retreat Costs

• A full non-refundable cost without hotel accommodations: $1,750.

• A full non-refundable cost with hotel accommodations: $2,500 (MANA will make the hotel reservations): $2500

• A non-refundable down payment registration of $250 is due before or by Nov. 10, 2025.

Take advantage of the $1,500 one-time Early Bird Special:

• The first five people to pay $250 on or before Nov. 10 only pay a remaining $1,250.

or

•The first five people who make a one-time payment of $1,500 on or before Nov. 10, 2025, will receive a $100 Weber's food voucher.

Register sooner than later!

Visit MANA's Website For More Information

The goal of the retreat is not just to provide participants with tools and tips, but also to build a writing community, foster courage, and help them rediscover their passion for writing.

If your story has grown silent, if you long to connect with other writers, or if you simply need a jolt of motivation to keep going, MANA’s Motivational Weekend Writers' Retreat is for you.

For more information or to register, visit the  Motivational Weekend Writers' Retreat page on MANA’s website HERE.