When famed fiction writer Harlan Ellison told a woman that he was a writer and she said, "I wanted to be a writer once, I just don't know how you do it," he responded, "Writers write. That's what they do." And during the Writing to Be Read retreat, streaming live from Omega's Rhinebeck campus, that is what we do, too.

Throughout the weekend, seasoned Medium.com writers and editors Susan Brearley, Gary Chapin and Tony Stubblebine, and more will guide and encourage you to write, offering whatever support you may need. Engage with prompts, provocations, feedback circles, games, and challenges. Share your writing and give and receive feedback. Brearley and Chapin also offer advice to get your writing published, on Medium.com or elsewhere, or to get your writing read in whatever way you would like.

Come with an open mind, ready to write, read, share, and write some more. Because that is what we do.

Want to attend this program in person at Omega’s beautiful campus in Rhinebeck, New York? Book your experience here.

You don't have to travel far to change your life. Join Omega's virtual community trusted by more than 36,000 learners and enjoy all of the self-discovery and learning of an in-person Omega workshop from the comfort of your home or office.

See what you missed or relive your Writing to Be Read experience on demand until Dec. 27, 2024.

FRIDAY

8:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Welcome/Kickoff - Keynote Speaker, Susan Brearley
In this welcoming address, Susan speaks and engages with the audience, encouraging and setting the tone for the weekend via thought-provoking exercises.

9:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Blitz Writing Activity with Gary Chapin
Gary Chapin launches us into a fast, wildly creative hour of activity that has you creating an instant first draft—and getting feedback on it. Lots of movement. Lots of synaesthesia. Brain spinning. Writing, doing.

SATURDAY

9:00 a.m.-9:45 a.m.
A Conversation with Tony Stubblebine
Join CEO of Medium, Tony Stubblebine, and visionary Susan Brearley for an inspirational conversation about how community forms around writing. Writers have the ability to shape and reframe stories with our words and perspectives, and when we do it in community, we can shift how people view the world. Tune in to hear updates on the future of Medium and its community of creators.

10:00 a.m.-10:45 a.m.
So That Happened: How To Make A Comedy/News Love Child with Kent Jones
In this workshop, we examine how to mine the daily news cycle for rich veins of comedy gold. We break down actual stories and ask: Is this funny? Why is this funny? What are some ways to make this REALLY funny?

11:00 a.m.-noon
Discover Your Writing Ritual with Emily Kimelman
Geared toward fiction authors, we explore practices that make it easier to immerse yourself in your writing. How do you write a novel that grabs you immediately, takes you on a ride, throws in a bunch of excitement and suspense, and leaves you happy and satisfied? The plot moves like a steam engine, and the characters are all people you want to spend time with (except the villain who … booo, hissss). Also, the dog does not die. Emily Kimelman, author of the Sydney Rae mystery series, lets us in on her process and method, and provides comfort, insight, and inspiration to aspiring novelists.

2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m.
Writing Funny with Scott Dikkers
Join the founding editor of The Onion and author of the How to Write Funny book series to learn about, and practice, polishing your humor and comedy writing to level up the laughs and reads. Scott is a seasoned writer, editor, teacher, and performer. Lean in and learn from the best.

3:30 p.m.-4:15 p.m.
Managing the Chaos in Your Writer's Brain with Shaunta Grimes
Shaunta has developed a set of systems over the past 20 or 30 years that has helped her to manage what she learned in 2022 (at age 50) is severe ADHD. Shaunta shares three systems that can help anyone (trust me, Anyone) manage chaos in their brain, stick with long-term projects (like writing novels), and hold themselves accountable.

4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
My AI Collaborator with Anne Jennings Paris
My AI Collaborator: Using generative AI Tools for fun, profit, and creative transcendence.

SUNDAY

9:00 a.m.-9:45 a.m.
Quaker Comedy with Susan Brearley and the MuddyUm Team
The Quaker Comedy Service is a tradition stretching back one whole year. In such a service, any participant speaks their funny thought or idea as it occurs to them. Who knows what will happen? Not us! Join us for this celebratory and irreverent hour.

10:00 a.m.-10:45 a.m.
Calibrating Your Editorial Compass with Lisa Cooper Ellison
Many first drafts contain unvarnished, powerful truths that get dismissed, deleted, or overwritten during the revision process, either because writers fail to recognize their importance or work to please beta readers instead of going with their guts. This session uses meditation, generative writing exercises, self-assessments, and opportunities to share to help you build the creative intuition needed to self-edit well, maximize the benefits of feedback, and capitalize on your early draft’s most powerful moments.

11:15 a.m.-noon
Send-off and Goodbye with Susan Brearley
Hugs, farewells, and a send-off with this inspirational message from Susan, to keep you focused on your new writing goals, projects, and newly adopted momentum.

The above schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the faculty.