Gather together with fifteen other writers for a weekend of science fiction and fantasy writing.

From high fantasy sword and sorcery, to the dark realms of Twilight Zone-ish work, to elves, gnomes, and trolls of all imagination, you’ll write a complete short story over one weekend.

What’s it all about?

For over a decade, Wordcrafters has hosted the beguiling and bewitching Sci-Fi Fantasy Story Weekend. Created by the illustrious Elizabeth Engstrom, this generative writing retreat is a must for anyone who loves a beguiling story of worlds futuristic and fantastical.

Picture this: four days on the Oregon coast, crafting fantastical tales, and sharing them with fellow writers. You’ll enjoy good company, good chocolate, and good stories. From Thursday evening to Sunday morning, you’ll dive into the art of sci-fi and fantasy story writing and emerge with a tale to tell of your own.

This fun, generative writing retreat is held at the stunning Oregon coast at the Adobe Resort in Yachats, Oregon, and welcomes writers of all levels.

“Don’t be intimidated by writing a story in 24 hours! It’s a no-judgement-zone and everyone is so kind and supportive. 100% Recommend! Thank you so much for another wonderful story weekend!!!” -Annie

What you’ll get at Sci-Fi Fantasy Weekend
-Instruction on how to write short stories
-Knowledge about speculative stories
-Daily writing time
-Opportunities to share your story-in-progress and receive feedback
-Time to revise your short story
-A bag of inspiration, filled with goodies like tarot cards, haunted places, strange recipes, and love letters
-A Wordcrafters short-story guidebook filled with prompts and information
-A 30-minute one-on-one story session with the instructor to help you with plot, structure, and character development
-Delicious chocolate and snacks
-Camaraderie with fellow writers

“This is what I look forward to every year.” -Becky Youtz

What you’ll take home with you
-A finished short story that you’ll write and revise throughout the long weekend
-Information on where you can submit your story for publication
-An experience of community with like-hearted writers
-The knowledge of how to craft short stories
-A deeper understanding of the speculative story genre

“I loved hearing everyone’s stories and making personal connections with other writers.” -Anon

Your Spirit Guide

This year’s Sci-Fi Fantasy Story spirit guide is the incomparable Nina Kiriki Hoffman. She’ll inspire you with talks on speculative stories, story structure, and how to feed your monster. Throughout the weekend, Nina will be available for one-on-one guidance, sharing her story wisdom during meals and gatherings, while writing her own story alongside you.
One-on-one consults

Each participant at Sci-Fi Fantasy Weekend has the opportunity for a 30-minute craft session with instructor Nina Kiriki Hoffman.

She’ll unstick your story stuckness, help you with your writing process, share advice and knowledge on craft in general, or help with whatever your writing-related need is!

Don’t be scared!

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned writer, you’ll find a supportive community here. This retreat is a fantastic way to dive into short story writing and connect with others who share your passion.

Meals

Seven meals are included in your registration: breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Friday and Saturday, as well as breakfast on Sunday. On Thursday, we plan to go to the Adobe Resort Restaurant and each pay for our own meals.

Meals will be simple and nourishing, fueling your creative self and taking the stress out of having to plan, cook, and clean to let you focus on your writing.

About the instructor

Over the past four decades, Nebula- and Stoker Award-winning writer Nina Kiriki Hoffman (she/her) has sold adult and young adult novels and more than 350 short stories. Her works have been finalists for the World Fantasy, Mythopoeic, Sturgeon, Philip K. Dick, and Endeavour awards.

Nina does production for the The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. She teaches writing through Fairfield County Writers’ Studio and Wordcrafters in Eugene. She lives in Oregon. For Nina’s publications: ofearna.us/books/hoffman.html

Register here: https://wordcrafters.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/wordcrafters/eventRegistration.jsp?event=2986&

Date: Thursday-Sunday, April 24-27, 2025

Time: 5 pm Thursday to Noon Sunday

Location: Adobe Resort, Yachats, OR

Price:
Access: $337 – if you have limited access to funds
Sustainer: $449 – the actual cost of this retreat
Patron: $559 – if you have more access to wealth/resources and can support others who need to pay less

We trust you to discern your financial situation and your level of need or ability to give to others with less access to wealth.

Learn more about our Pay From Your Heart Pricing: https://wordcrafters.org/pfyh/

We want everyone to have access to our writing programs. If you need additional support, please complete our scholarship request form: https://wordcrafters.org/scholarships/