FALL RETREAT - If you’re looking for dedicated writing time surrounded by other creatives passionate about their craft, set in a venue dedicated to the heritage of literature, look no further. Join us as we spend a weekend away from the distractions of everyday life and put words on the page. Targeted for authors and illustrators who want to gift their projects what is needed most: TIME. October 16 - 18, 2026 at Hotel Garber in Red Cloud, Nebraska.
Registration closes September 16, 2026. Space is limited!
This fall, we’re inviting you to get away from all the things that prevent you from finishing that project. Join us for an inspiring weekend in the heart of Willa Cather country. Bring your work-in-progress, that idea you’re anxious to start, or the draft that needs intense revisions. You’ll have plenty of time to write, revise, or experiment.
To keep inspiration flowing, Nebraska author Tonya Kuper will give an inspirational presentation on craft.
Bio: Tonya Kuper
Tonya Kuper's love of literature began as a child, spurring her to pursue a BA in elementary education with a minor in art, as well as a MS in Reading Education K-12. Once she started writing her own stories, Tonya interned for a literary agency and eventually became the author of the young adult science-fiction duology Scrodinger's Consortium: Anomaly and Enigma. Tonya has been adjunct faculty in the Writer's Workshop department at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the University of Nebraska at Omaha MFA program. She enjoys creating art, traveling, hiking, and laughing as much as possible. Tonya lives in Omaha with her husband and has two sons.
Additional Details:
WHEN
Friday, October 16 - Sunday, October 18.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Friday night dinner, Saturday lunch, Saturday faculty presentation, Saturday evening dinner and bowling, community, networking, and endless time to write. *Email [email protected] with food allergy questions and accommodations.
Saturday and Sunday breakfast is included with hotel accommodations.
WHERE
The retreat will take place at Hotel Garber at 346 North Webster Street in Red Cloud, Nebraska.
Attendees are responsible for booking their own rooms at Hotel Garber. Click here to make reservations and view room rates.
SCBWI cannot promote or facilitate carpooling or roomsharing. If attendees choose to roomshare, let Hotel Garber know when making reservations. Each attendee must individually register for the retreat regardless of reservation status.
*To note, staying at Hotel Garber is not a requirement for the retreat. If attendees choose to stay somewhere else, they are responsible for their own breakfast.
RETREAT COST
Premium member pricing: $250
Non-Premium member pricing: $300
REGISTRATION CONFIRMATIONS
Event registration confirmations are no longer emailed. Go to your Member Home and click on My Events under the black bar at the top of the page. All events you have registered for will be displayed on this page.
Refund Policy
SCBWI is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. SCBWI Regions are managed by unpaid volunteers. Region funds support programs that benefit SCBWI members.
As part of the event planning process, Regional Advisors must sign contracts with venues and speakers who will provide services during the event. Registration fees collected for an event must cover the cost of these contracts; therefore, refunds are the exception rather than the rule. In the rare case a refund is granted, it will always be less any credit card processing fees and any other expenses that cannot be recouped by the region. Requests for refunds will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Questions about this event? Contact Jennie Gollehon, Regional Advisor, SCBWI Nebraska: [email protected]
