Tuition for Mackinac Island Retreat 2025
2025 Finding Your Voice Mackinac Island Writing Retreat
Retreat Dates: September 14th - Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Our Finding Your Voice Retreat brings together poetry, fiction and nonfiction writers for an intensive week of workshops, craft seminars, one-on-one conferences, and in-depth discussions on the craft and business of writing. Our program is inclusive, intentionally small, and will take place on the shores of Lake Huron on an island set between Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsulas with breathtaking views and the peace of a locale free of motor traffic and metropolitan noise.
This intimate writing retreat is open to all writers who want to strengthen their voice, develop a greater understanding of craft, and forge a path to publication along the way. We take your writing seriously and place the highest importance on teaching the craft of writing so that students can produce meaningful and memorable work that has the opportunity to find a readership beyond the workshop. Our mission is to bring your writing out of the wilderness and into community, and for a week this fall, we think there is no better place to do this than on the sunrise side of a peaceful Midwest island that has been an historic landmark since the 19th century, at our writers retreat.
Workshop Faculty:
Instructor Lynne Golodner is the author of 11 books and thousands of articles and a marketing entrepreneur, writing coach and host of the Make Meaning Podcast. After working as a journalist in New York and Washington, D.C., Lynne returned to Detroit. She helps authors create writing careers, book marketing strategies and finish book projects. In 2023, Lynne founded Scotia Road Books, an independent publishing imprint for women over 40. Lynne’s writing has appeared in 45th Parallel, Moment Magazine, Great Lakes Review, Saveur, the Chicago Tribune, Better Homes and Gardens, Midwest Living, the Detroit Free Press, Porridge Magazine, the Jewish Literary Journal, The Good Life Review, Hadassah Magazine, The Forward, Valiant Scribe, Story Unlikely, The Dillydoun Review, QuibbleLit, bioStories and YourTango, among many more publications. Plus, one of her essays was a finalist in the Annie Dillard Creative Nonfiction contest at Bellingham Review.
Lodging at Mission Point Resort
The retreat takes place at Mission Point Resort, and we have a block of rooms reserved for our participants to book discounted accommodations by April 16, 2025 should you decide to stay there. Mackinac Island is home to many bed-and-breakfasts, inns and the famed Grand Hotel, so where you stay is up to you!
Please note: there is no motor vehicle transportation on the island; people get around via horse-and-buggy, bicycle and on foot. Most places are no more than a 20-minute walk from Mission Point Resort.
Class Size
This retreat is limited to 15 writers.
2025 Workshop Schedule
Welcome reception 7-8:30 p.m.
Monday, September 15th - Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Mornings: Writing instruction and workshopping in the morning, 9AM - 12PM. Breakfast is included Monday through Thursday at 8AM. Lunch is also included Monday through Thursday at 12PM. Instructor one-on-ones are included throughout the week.
9AM - 12PM: Writing instruction.
1PM: Retreat concludes.
Mackinac Island Testimonials
"Lynne is one of my favorite people in the world. She is a patient, intuitive, knowledgable and talented teacher. We don't just learn craft from an expert, we learn everything else about what makes the person wonderful. Lynne is my writing coach, friend and role model. I am grateful to have her in my life." -Liwen L.
"This was an outstanding retreat. Lynne is a masterful teacher. She is prepared, yet flexible enough to pivot with class as needed. Furthermore, she has a depth of knowledge that allows for free discussions that were of high value. She also has excellent moderation skills which allow for all voices to be heard and a balanced discussion." -Kate M.
"Lynne is a very committed creator and provides incredible inspiration for those in her classes and retreats. Lynne provides an example of how to create the life you want and covers all aspects of a creative life in her teaching. From the creation of the art to the business side of being a creator." -Stephanie R.
"Lynne Golodner is brilliant. I have taken several classes from her and each time I am so appreciative of her straightforward feedback. She provides value by being encouraging yet honest and that has made me a better writer. She challenges writers and does not hesitate to share her ideas for improvement as pointing out our strengths." -Laura J.
"I treasured the hike and the kayaking we did on the island. I will always remember the scenery I captured. The designated group learning in the Friendship Altar was rich with information. Lynne’s expertise and perspective on the literary world and literature in itself was enticing. I overwhelmingly enjoyed learning about my work from Lynne’s critique. Maybe one of the best thought out critiques I have ever received in my writing journey." -Enrique E.
"Meeting Lynne has truly motivated my pursuit of writing. I am encouraged to be myself unapologetically and to trust my creativity. She not only teaches you the craft of writing but she addresses the mental or emotional blocks that keep us from pursuing our writing practice." -Michaell C.
“One of the best weeks I have ever spent.” -Barbara G.
“Lynne is a perfect combination of professional polish combined with down-to-earth accessibility. She is clear, engaging, and offered inspirational thoughts and suggestions in the one-to-one that directly benefited my specific project. Her combination of indoor and outdoor activities made for both productive work sessions and fun adventures.” -Dana P.
Tuition
- Round-trip ferry transportation to Mackinac Island from Mackinaw City, Michigan
- Breakfast and lunch are included Tuesday - Friday.
- 4-day generative writing retreat, led by Lynne Golodner
- Critical feedback on one writing submission of up to 3K words
- Craft of writing and/or business of writing lectures
- One-on-one conference with Lynne Golodner
- Optional afternoon activities including bicycle tour, island hike, and private kayaking excursion.
- Opening night reception
- Final night dinner and reading
- The time of your life
- Expanded FAQ at the bottom of this page.
Application & General FAQ
What is your COVID policy?
Though there are no active COVID restriction in Michigan (as of February 2025), it is the responsibility of attendees of the Mackinac Island Retreat to have the appropriate documentation required and to meet any COVID vaccination requirements implemented by the state of Michigan. If the state of Michigan or the United States government forbids entry to the state of Michigan, or if Mission Point Resort closes, for the dates of September 14 - 18, 2025, Writing Workshops will offer a full refund for program fees. Writing Workshops will not reimburse for any airline tickets or additional trip-related expenses incurred. If the Mackinac Island writing workshop takes place on the dates planned, no program fees will be reimbursed, regardless of attendance.
How much does it cost?
Tuition is $1,995. If your application is accepted, full tuition is due within ten days. Upon acceptance, you will have the option to pay your tuition in full or opt for a payment plan by selecting Affirm or Shop Pay at checkout.
Are Payment Plans Available?
Yes. Accepted writers will have the option to pay their tuition in full or opt for a payment plan divided into equal monthly payments by selecting Shop Pay or Affirm (for U.S. & Canadian residents) at checkout.
What does tuition include?
Breakfast and lunch are included Tuesday - Friday.
4-day generative writing retreat, led by Lynne Golodner
Critical feedback on one writing submission of up to 3K words
Craft of writing and/or business of writing lectures
One-on-one conference with Lynne Golodner
Optional afternoon activities including bicycle tour, island hike, and private kayaking excursion.
Opening night reception
Final night dinner and reading
The time of your life
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Note: accepted writers will have the option to pay their tuition in full or opt for a payment plan divided into equal monthly payments by selecting Shop Pay or Affirm (for U.S. & Canadian residents) at checkout.
What is tuition payment schedule?
If your application is accepted, full tuition is due within 10 days of acceptance confirmation. You can pay your tuition in full or opt for a payment plan by selecting Affirm or Shop Pay at checkout.
What is your refund policy?
There are no tuition refunds after May 1st, 2025. If a refund is requested prior to May 1st, 2025, all but a $750 deposit will be refunded.
Where is the hotel and workshop venue?
Immerse yourself in both comfort and inspiration for 5 days, 4 nights on Mackinac Island. The retreat takes place at Mission Point Resort, where accommodations are available at special rates through April 16th, 2025, although participants are invited to stay anywhere on the island that they choose.
Can I share a room with another writer?
If you and another writer are interested in sharing a room, please let Mission Point Resort know and they will be able to accommodate your request.
What will you do with my email?
We respect your privacy. We will only use your email to send you information about Writing Workshops. We won't sell or rent your email to other organizations.
I have a question not answered here.
Please contact us and we’ll reply promptly. You can also Chat with us (lower left of your screen).
Terms & Conditions
During in-person sessions, WritingWorkshops.com expects all attendees to adhere to public health guidelines relevant to safety, hygiene, and any identified pandemic-level communicable illnesses (including COVID-19), such as social distancing, hand washing, staying home if feeling unwell, and other disease prevention measures. Should you observe or experience a violation of this Code of Conduct, please contact WritingWorkshops.com. WritingWorkshops.com is committed to assessing the situation and responding promptly. Notifying WritingWorkshops.com does not substitute for notifying local law enforcement of suspected violations of the law. All such suspicions should be reported to local authorities. For emergencies, dial the local emergency number immediately. For non-emergencies, local law enforcement contact details will be provided in the workshop materials. By registering for the workshop, participants agree to abide by these terms and contribute to a welcoming and productive environment for all.
By participating in the WritingWorkshops.com September 2025 In-Person Writing Workshop on Mackinac Island for fiction and nonfiction writers, you waive all rights you may have to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with any use, exhibition, streaming, webcasting, televising, or other publication of these materials, regardless of the purpose or sponsoring of such use, exhibiting, broadcasting, webcasting, or other publication, irrespective of whether a fee for admission or sponsorship is charged. You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video, or audio recording taken by WritingWorkshops.com or the person or entity designated to do so by WritingWorkshops.com. You have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release before participating in the WritingWorkshops.com September 2025 In-Person Writing Workshop on Mackinac Island. By registering for this workshop, you agree to these terms.
By paying your tuition to attend the September 2025 Writing Workshop on Mackinac Island, hosted by WritingWorkshops.com, for fiction and nonfiction writers, you hereby acknowledge your participation in the event. You understand and agree that WritingWorkshops.com, its organizers, affiliates, and agents (collectively, the "Organizers") are not responsible for any injuries, illnesses, damages, theft, or loss of life that may occur during the workshop or as part of any related activities. You recognize that participation in the workshop involves certain risks and you engage in these activities voluntarily, at your own risk. You hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue the Organizers from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, rights, or causes of action that arise from or are in any way related to any injuries, death, or damages, both physical and emotional, that may occur during or as a result of your participation in the workshop. You have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release before entering and participating in the Writing Workshop on Mackinac Island, September 2025, organized by WritingWorkshops.com. By paying your tuition, you explicitly agree to these terms. For more information or inquiries, please contact WritingWorkshops.com.