A weekend-long getaway or a Saturday excursion at Lake Anna in Mineral, Virginia for readers and writers to spend time immersed in stories and craft. Whether you're looking for a whirlwind trip filled to the brim with activities, or just for a beautiful escape and some time to write- this can be a place for you. We have some rooms with private balconies, well suited to the writer looking to spend most of their time on their current project, and some with bunk beds galore, a cheaper alternative for those who plan to spend most of their time out and about with the activities of the weekend. The itinerary is all pick and choose plus some activities that will be available the full weekend - you're welcome to spend the whole weekend in a book or attend every event!
Itinerary At-A-Glance
You can find details for each activity below.
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Arrival no earlier than 5pm
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6pm - Dinner and Ice Breakers
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7pm - Bookish Game Night
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9pm - Ghost Stories and S'mores
Looking for something to do on the way?
Consider stopping by Book People on your way to the lake! It's likely to be right along your route, at 10464 Ridgefield Pkwy, Henrico, VA 23233.
Taking the whole day off work?
Check out Lake Anna State Park, about twenty minutes from our venue on the north side of the lake!
Friday
Saturday
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6am - Sunrise Reads
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8am - Breakfast (8am-10am)
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9am - A Morning Meditation for Writers
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10am - Fantasy Heroine Inspired Workout Class
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11am - Silent Reading or Writing Sprint Round One
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12pm - Lunch
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1pm - Perspectives on Plotting Presentation
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1:30pm - Book Rebinding/Notebook Binding Class
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4pm - Silent Reading or Writing Sprint Round Two
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6pm - Dinner
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7:30pm - Book Club: Starter Villain by John Scalzi
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9pm - Fireside Reading and Writing
TIME TBD - Livestream workshop with Charlotte Donlon, author of Spiritual Direction for Writers
Sunday
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6am - Sunrise Reads
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8am - Breakfast (8am-9am)
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Checkout by 10am
Day-Pass: What's Included?
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Saturday programming from 9am-7pm including two meals (lunch and dinner), snacks, and all events during that time.
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Includes retreat-logo totebag (design to be revealed!) and all weekend-long activities like book swap, pool and lake access, bookish crafts, etc.
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Does not include breakfast, Sunrise Reads, Book Club, or Fireside Reading and Writing.
The Venue and Rooms
You can check out the venue listing on VRBO here. The exact address will only be shared with registered attendees after verification (so that no one can buy a spot and immediately see the address).
The only option for a private room and bathroom is bedroom 6 by paying for the equivalent of two spots. If you are interested in this, please email us at rvareaders@gmail.com. All other rooms have at least one roommate and share a bathroom with at least one person. Bedrooms 7 and 8 share a bathroom between them and have access to another separate full bathroom on the same floor.
Notes on Rooms:
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Bedroom 7 is fully booked, all others have at least one bed open as of 10/6/26.
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Bedroom 5 is the only one open to men at this time, unless you are signing up for bedroom 6 with a friend or partner.
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CPAP machines:
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Bedrooms 4 and 8 are not open to CPAP machines.
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Bedroom 2 is open to CPAP machines.
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If you are interested in another room and need a CPAP machine, you need to reach out to us prior to registration.
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Available spots are viewable on the registration page. If you are unsure which is right for you, please reach out to us.
Scheduled Activities
Sunrise Reads
Relax by the waterside with a good read or your current project. Text us your order and location and we'll bring you a freshly crafted coffee, tea, or smoothie of your choice before breakfast between 6am and 8am.
Bookish Game Night
A full-group game of literary jeopardy with prizes like box sets of John Scalzi's The Interdependency trilogy, followed by smaller group games like a custom Dungeon Crawler Carl inspired Cards Against Humanity, Ransom Note Poetry, and more.
Ghost Story Bonfire
Grab a skewer and some marshmallows and join us at the fire pit to share ghost stories. Writers are invited to bring a short story or snippet that suits the theme. to share (<20 minute read time) with the group. Gluten free options provided!
Morning Meditation for Writers
A guided exercise for writers hosted by Breelyn on the main floor patio (off the kitchen). Bring your breakfast and a notebook!
Fantasy Heroine Inspired Workout Class
A workout inspired by your favorite heros and heroines from fantasy novels, led by instructor and trainer Emma Winstead on the dock (to be relocated if more space is needed). Bring your energy and comfortable clothes! No experience is necessary and all physical ability levels are welcome.
Silent Reading
Self explanatory, I think.
Writing Sprint
If you'd like to share your word count or a specific goal post you're working toward with the group, you're welcome to do so! This is the time to set your sights on what's ahead, and to focus in beyond distractions and expectations of self.
Perspectives on Plotting Presentation
Brief, member-led presentation from John Wimbish, followed by a group discussion of methods.
Book Rebinding or Notebook Binding
All supplies provided, including a new book or the inner paper for a notebook, specialty paper, foiling, and more. If you have a specific book that you want to re-bind or paper you want to use, you are welcome to bring it. Otherwise, we'll have plenty to choose from. You'll take home a finished product, the basic tools for your next project, alongside the skills necessary to complete the next one on your own.
Book Club
We'll be discussing Starter Villain by John Scalzi, a perfect piece for dissection from the perspective of both consumer and creator from a prolific SFF writer.
Anytime Activities
Book Swap
Bring the books you've read and exchange for something new! We'll have bookmarks you can fill out if you'd like to leave a note for the person taking home your old book, and you can even leave your contact information if you'd like to give them the option to let you know what they thought of the read!
Acrylic Bookmarks
Decorate an acrylic bookmark with something as simple as a few stickers or go all-in and paint a custom design using stencils or by hand!
TBR Jars
Decorate a jar and fill it with your future reads. Do you have what it takes to follow the lead of this whimsical decision maker? We'll have some pre-made slips including past and present book club reads to add to the mix!