Together, Fall Retreat 2025
Sep 26, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
Pecos Monastery, 16 Guadalupe Lane, Pecos, NM
Being a kid lit creator can be lonely. The Together Retreat will give you a chance to connect, build new relationships with other writers and illustrators, and reinforce relationships you may have had for years. With in-person agent Laurel Symonds of KT Literary, you will also have a chance to hear from an established industry professional. Written/In-person critiques are available. This retreat will encourage quiet working time with private rooms and baths. You will also have access to the lovely grounds of Pecos Monastery, the gateway to spectacular hiking paths and mountains of the Pecos Wilderness.
What's Included
- A private room and bath for Friday, September 26, and Saturday, September 27. Linens provided. Please bring toiletries.
- Dinner Friday; breakfast, lunch, and dinner Saturday; light breakfast Sunday.
- One-hour workshop/presentation by Laurel Symonds, literary agent at KT Literary.
- An abundance of time to work, reflect and visit.
Optional Add-ons
- Thursday, September 25 stay with Friday workday.
- Written and verbal critique by Laurel Symonds. Quantity is limited.
About Laurel Symonds
Laurel began her publishing career in the editorial department of HarperCollins Children’s Books. She also worked in the marketing department at a small publishing house, in a library, and as a bookseller at one of the nation’s best independent bookstores. She began agenting in 2018 and joined KT Literary in 2022, representing picture books, middle grade and young adult novels, graphic novels, and select nonfiction. When Laurel is not reading, she enjoys baking, hiking, and spending time with her dog, Sherlock. Raised in rural New England and having spent a decade in New York City, London, and Chicago, she’s thrilled to have settled in the Pacific Northwest. Laurel will be open to submissions to Together Retreat participants for two months after the event, through November 27, 2025.
Pecos Monastery, Gateway to the Pecos Wilderness
Thirty minutes east of Santa Fe, the Pecos Monastery is a welcome retreat from the world. This quiet location features private rooms with desks and private baths, ample meeting space, a well-equipped kitchen, walking paths, chapels, a gift shop, and a library. WiFi is also available.
Registration Fees and Add-ons
$395 SCBWI Member
$450 Non-member
$130 Additional Thursday Night
$80 Laurel Symonds Critique with Feedback
100% refund (minus $15 processing fee) with cancellation through June 27.
50% refund (minus $15 processing fee) with cancellation through August 8.
No refunds from August 9 onward.
Getting There
Take I-25 N and NM-50 to Guadalupe Ln in San Miguel County
Continue on Guadalupe Lane (63)
Turn left to
Our Lady of Guadalupe Abbey
Pecos Monastery
16 Guadalupe Ln, Pecos, NM 87552
Contact: [email protected]