A Delicious List of Writing Retreats for BIPOC Writers
(Yes, we’ve updated our list in January 2024. )
The beginning of the year always brings with it the potential for new possibilities. We resolve to do new things, try new things, or do old things better. As writers, our resolutions for the year often revolve around the latest creative project we’re determined to start or finish. Well, here’s another idea. Why not add, “attend at least one writers’ retreat” to your list of resolutions this year.
What Do You Do at a Writing Retreat?
Writing in beautiful locations is one of the benefits of a writing retreat.
Writing retreats offer amazing opportunities to deepen your writing practice, get feedback on your work, and build community in the writing world. Often held in beautiful locations away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, writing retreats can also provide the time and space for you to make significant progress on a work-in-progress. And most importantly, writing retreats can just be great fun. At least I think so. Especially when you really vibe with your fellow writers.
Why Writing Retreats for Writers of Color?
I compiled the following list of writing retreats that cater specifically to BIPOC writers because I know how important it is to be in a writing community that feels both safe and supportive around our racial identities. Some of these writing retreats are open to all BIPOC writers, while others are for specific ethnic groups only. Some of the retreats are based in the United States, while others take place in countries like Morocco, Costa Rica and Belize. Regardless of location, however, the retreats on this list all offer programming and instruction in English.
The RWC List of Writing Retreats for BIPOC Writers
Check out this list and hopefully find a retreat that speaks to your soul. I’ve ordered the retreats by date so you can find one that fits into your schedule.
WINTER -SPRING
The Roots. Wounds. Words. Annual Writers Retreat – Virtual
The Roots. Wounds. Words writers retreat was held in early January 2024 but this new-ish organization holds regular writing workshops and craft talks for writers of color and they are always amazing and centered on the work of marginalized voices. So bookmark the retreat for next year and make a note that applications for the January retreat usually open up in August.
From the website: “The Roots. Wounds. Words. Annual Writers’ Retreat for Storytellers of Color is a sacred space wherein BIPOC stories are celebrated, and BIPOC storytellers immersed in liberation. At the Writers’ Retreat, Storytellers receive literary arts instruction offered by award-winning BIPOC writers in the fields of nonfiction, fiction, poetry, speculative fiction, and young adult fiction.”
Wild Seed Writers Retreat Feb 22- 25, 2024, Virtual
From the Center for Black Literature Website, here’s what goes down during the retreat: “The Wild Seeds Retreat (WSR) workshop fellows will engage in daily writing, reading, and sharing sessions with workshop leaders and cohorts. Fellows will also have an opportunity for one-on-one sessions with their workshop leader (who will tailor the sessions to their genre). A detailed itinerary will be provided to accepted fellows. A limited number of scholarships are available. A written rationale is required in the cover letter that is required in the application.”
The 2024 workshop leaders are:
Breena Clark, Fiction Workshop Leader
Bridgett M Davis, Memoir Workshop Leader
Note the deadline to apply to this retreat is January 19, 2024 so get those applications in!
Island Scribe Writing Retreats. July 15 - July 20, 2024. Calibishe, Dominica.
This self-directed, Caribbean-based writing retreat is for “Black and racialized women writers.” In 2023 the retreat was held in Tobago, in 2024, the fun moves to Dominica. From the website: “Meet yourself rising with the sun over the sea before you set an intention for the day. Be nourished throughout the day by wholesome food prepared by local chefs. Feed your curiosity and be inspired with an occasional excursion beyond your island writing studio. Do all of this as you attend to your craft at your pace from the comfort of your well-appointed room (or the beach), knowing that you are in a writing community where you belong.”
Limited spots are available. To register: Email hello@islandscriberetreats.com with the subject line "I want to Island Scribe!
In-Community Retreats for Kid-Lit Writers and Authors (Black, Latinx, Asian-American, & Native American) Highlights Foundation, May - October 2024. Milanville, PA.
Do you remember your Highlights Magazine from when you were a kid? The Highlights Foundation was founded by the same family who created the magazine, and now functions as a peaceful writing retreat center all year long. These In-Community Retreats “offer reserved and respected spaces for children’s authors and illustrators in affinity groups to find connected care, learning, growth, and collaboration—together.” In 2024, there are In-Community retreats specifically for Black, Latinx, Asian American, and Native American kid-lit/YA writers. Check the website for the specific dates for each retreat. The first offering is for the Asian-American Retreat in May. Bonus, the food at the Highlights Foundation is amazing!
SUMMER
Anaphora Arts Writing Residency - June 6 - 15, 2024. Virtual.
Anaphora Literary Arts is a non-profit organization that supports writers and artists of color. Although this event is billed as a residency, I think it offers the same type of programing one would find at a summer writing retreat, so I’m including it on my list. The residency sounds amazing, with a fabulous line-up of speakers and instructors. From the website: “Anaphora Writing Residency is a ten-day program designed exclusively for writers of color. The residency offers workshops, readings, craft talks, and discussions with professionals from the literary and publishing industry. The goal of the program is to nurture emerging and established writers of color, to create opportunities for publication, and establish a wide network of support for writers of different backgrounds.” Partial scholarships are available. Applications to attend and for scholarships are open. Deadline to apply is March 10, 2024.
Cave Canem Poetry Retreat for Black Poets. June 9 - 16, 2024. The University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg.
This annual retreat is a mainstay of Cave Canem, an organization dedicated to the support and celebration of Black poets and poetry. From the website: “ Our Retreat residency offers an unparalleled opportunity to study with a world-class faculty and join a community of peers. Some fellows hail from the spoken word tradition, others focus on the text. Some are formalists, others work at the cutting edge of experimentation. All are united by a common purpose to improve their craft and find productive space, as Harryette Mullen says, “where black poets, individually and collectively, can inspire and be inspired by others, relieved of any obligation to explain or defend their blackness.” Doesn’t that sound delicious?
The Hurston/ Wright Writers Week Retreats Summer 2024. Various Locations + Virtual
From the website: “The Hurston/Wright Foundation’s mission is to provide services, supports and opportunities that mentor, recognize and provide community for professional and aspiring Black writers. Our Writers Week Retreat highlights include: 10+ Hours of writing instruction and craft-related discussions; One-on-one time with an award-winning writer; Constructive, guided feedback on your writing from your peers and workshop leader.” The Writers Week retreats generally take place in June and July and they offer tracks in fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting and poetry and are led by super-talented writers. Keep checking their website to find out when they announce 2024 Writers Week dates and application deadlines. From personal experience I can say that the Hurston Wright weeks are wonderful!
Vona Summer Writers Workshops. Virtual June 23 - 29, 2024
The Vona Summer Writing Workshops aren’t exactly retreats, but they are legendary. Check the website for updates on their summer workshop dates. From the website: “The premier multi-genre workshop for BIPOC Writers, VONA is a Home where writers of color come to hone their craft and be in community. VONA honors its writers' unique histories, traditions and aesthetics and provides a protected mentoring space for learning and fellowship. VONA fosters the development of personal and political writing and engages in the work of social justice as we build our global community of writers.” Application deadline has been extended to March 31, 2024.
The Kundiman Writers Retreat for Asian-American Writers. June 26-30, 2024. New York, NY
This is a retreat specifically for emerging Asian-American fiction and poetry writers. From the Website: “In order to mentor and build community among Asian-American writers, Kundiman sponsors an annual Retreat in partnership with Fordham University. During each Retreat, six nationally renowned Asian American poets and fiction writers conduct craft classes and mentorship meetings. Readings, writing circles, and informal social gatherings are also scheduled. Through this Retreat, Kundiman hopes to provide a safe and instructive environment that identifies and addresses the unique challenges faced by emerging Asian American writers. This five-day Retreat takes place from Wednesday to Sunday.” Please note, applications to attend this retreat close on January 15, 2024!
Kimbilio Retreat for Black Fiction. Taos, New Mexico. July 21 - 27, 2024
Kimbilio means “safe haven” in Swahili. From the website: “The annual Kimbilio retreat is held each July on the Taos campus of Southern Methodist University. Kimbilio’s signature program facilitates writers finding their voices and honing their craft through culturally responsive teaching, and through the nurturing support and mentorship of established writers. Previous Fellows have published over a dozen novels and short story collections and have been nominated for and have been awarded major literary prizes.” Applications to become a fellow (which means getting to attend the retreat for free, minus airfare and a minimal fee lodging) are open through March 15, 2024.
Torch Literary Arts Retreat. Austin, Texas. July 21 -28, 2024
This amazing retreat open to Black women writers of all genres is free to attend if selected, plus each fellow receives a $1,000 stipend! From the website: “Retreat fellows will stay at the beautiful Colton House Hotel. Accommodations include a private bedroom and bathroom in a two-bedroom suite with a shared living room and full kitchen. During your week-long retreat, you will receive dedicated writing time each morning, catered breakfast and lunch, and ample time during the afternoons and evenings to rest, recharge, enjoy the hotel amenities, or explore the city. The retreat will also include guest speakers and a public reading by fellows at the end of the week.” Applications will open on February 5, 2024.
Anaphora Arts Italy Retreat. Tuscany, Italy. August 10 - 19, 2024.
Anaphora Arts is an organization dedicated to supporting writers and artists of color, but this retreat is open to people of all backgrounds. But because it is being hosted by a BIPOC organization, we believe this retreat belongs on our list. In other words, you will be in good hands, especially considering who the guest lectures are for this retreat; Chris Abani, Kwame Dawes, and Laura Warrell. From the website: “This retreat is a unique program designed to brings together writers and artists working across different genres and disciplines, to create together in community in the backdrop of the stunning Tuscan countryside. The program will include talks and conversations; excursions to local sites; generative workshops; explorations of elements of craft across different genres; writing groups, and more.”
Black Pens Writing Retreat, Wasing, UK. Summer 2024 DATES TBD
The First Black Pens Writing Retreat took place in the summer of 2022 in Wasing, England. Stay tuned to the website for updates about the 2024 retreat. From the Black Pens founder, Onyi Nwabineli: “Black Pens is a writing retreat for Black womxn and femmes. It’s an opportunity for us to convene, build community, learn from each other and from industry experts, rest, relax and work. All in a safe and encouraging environment. It also provides attendees with the chance to access opportunities that might not have been available to them otherwise, such as exclusive submission prospects, advice from industry contacts, and even discounted software. A one-of-its-kind event in the UK.”
Lighthouse Writers: Writing in Color Retreat. Denver, Colorado. 2024 Dates TBD
From the website: “Join us for days specifically designed to welcome, celebrate, and amplify the voices of writers of color. Whether working on a novel, memoir, short fiction, poetry, or hybrid/interdisciplinary forms, our experienced faculty and guest instructors will work closely with you to support your writing process. The workshops will focus on the creation of new works, connecting writers and their work to social movements and larger audiences, and amplifying narratives of often unheard and marginalized voices to build more equitable, just, and sustainable communities. Writers will have the opportunity to study and create with our faculty, guest instructors, and a community of peers. Writers identifying as people of color are welcome to join the classes.”
FALL
La Maison Baldwin James Baldwin Centennial Festival - September 9 - 13, 2024. Paris, France
The Maison Baldwin will be celebrating what would have been James Baldwin’s 100th birthday this year with a festival in his honor in Paris, France. In addition to keynotes, speakers, panel discussions and a gala celebration, there will also be writing workshops for participants as well. Check the website regularly for updates and information on how to register.
The Writing Sisters Summit Merida, Mexico. September 26 - 30, 2024
In 2023, this retreat was in Belize and I heard it was heavenly. This year the fun moves to Mexico. From the website: “The Writing Sisters Summit will spur your creativity and comfort your soul, featuring masterclasses focusing on the craft and the business of writing, and featuring guided experiences to help hone your creativity.
The Writing Sisters Summit Writing and Yoga Retreat brings together writers, male and female, who want to hone their craft with and learn from other writers. Curated by best-selling author and Yoga Teacher, Nina Foxx, the faculty lineup is filled with best-selling authors from across the diaspora in an intimate setting. Days start with meditation and yoga suitable for all levels, and end with a Sister Circle chock full of sharing and personal revelation.” This year, Deesha Philyaw will be one of the guest instructors at the retreat so you know it’s going to be good.
The Black Women Writers in Europe Workshop. Agen, France. September 27 - 30, 2024
Launched in 2023, this retreat and this organization were created to create a supportive community for Black women writers who reside in Europe. A truly diverse community of writers from across the diaspora, this affordable retreat provides an opportunity for writers to meet in community, have time to write in a peaceful setting, and workshop their writing. From the website: “ Though our surroundings will be beautiful, please note that this is not a luxury writing retreat. Writing and honing our craft together takes precedence over gorgeous photos for social media (though there will be time for that too!).” The deadline to apply is April 30, 2024.
The Writers and Readers Escape Cruise, Sets sail from Miami. October 6 - 11, 2024.
I don’t know if you can call a cruise a writing retreat, but fun fact, writing retreats on cruise ships are definitely becoming a trend. And this one, while it doesn’t bill itself as a Black people-only event, is run by a Black woman and all of the guest authors coming to teach the amazing masterclasses are melanin-rich. The line-up of literary talent on the cruise includes Lauren Francis-Sharma, Tina McElroy Ansa, and Bernice L. McFadden, just to name a few. From the website: “Let's ESCAPE aboard Virgin Voyage's Valiant Lady! Get ready to fully immerse yourself in "all things writing" as we cruise for 6 days/5 nights across the Caribbean Sea with port stops in Miami, Costa Maya, and Bimini! Our roster of award-winning authors continues to grow for this opportunity to relax, have fun, and engage you in the art of writing!”
REWRITE Writing and Wellness Retreat for Black Women & Women of Colour. Playa Negro, Costa Rica. October 20 - 27, 2024.
REWRITE is a UK based organization that supports and celebrates Black and other WOC writers around the world. They hosted a similar retreat in Costa Rica last year, that based on the feedback, sounded amazing. From the website: “ Join us for an enriching week in Costa Rica’s lush Caribbean jungle, just moments away from the vibrant Puerto Viejo beach town! Each morning will begin with yoga, quiet time, writing workshops, and a delicious healthy breakfast. Afternoons will be dedicated to writing, exploration, and most importantly relaxation. Whether you are a published, or agented, writer in need of dedicated writing time to work on your manuscript, or you want to explore your creative side in an encouraging environment, this retreat is for you.” This retreat is open to all Black women and WOC from around the world.
Invest in Yourself and Your Writing
I hope one or more of these writing retreats sounds exciting to you, and worth the investment for your writing life. There are plenty of options to choose from, and of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list. Remember, as a writer you need to invest in improving your craft, and writing retreats are a wonderful way to do just that. They also help keep you motivated and inspired to write.
If you know of a writing retreat specifically for BIPOC writers, please let me know about it so I can add it to this list.
Happy Writing!