Kiss the Dragon or Slay It? | A Virtual Writing Retreat on Romantasy vs. Fantasy
Kiss the Dragon or Slay It?
A Virtual Writing Retreat on Romantasy vs. Fantasy
Are you writing a sweeping fantasy epic—or a love-soaked romantasy—and not quite sure where the line is?
Kiss the Dragon or Slay It? is a virtual writing retreat designed to help authors understand the key differences between fantasy and romantasy, how reader expectations shape story structure, and how to intentionally build a novel that delivers on the promise of its genre.
Whether your story leans toward epic quests, emotional bonds, or somewhere deliciously in between, this retreat will help you decide:
Are you here for the dragon… or the kiss?
Self-Publishing 101
Ready to publish without the overwhelm? Spend a day with an affirming, practical community and walk away with a clear, step-by-step plan to self-publish your book—plus templates you can reuse again and again.
Dead of Autumn
Dead of Autumn is a four-day, in-person suspense and thriller writing retreat held in Lincoln, Nebraska. Designed for emerging and established writers, the retreat blends structured writing time, craft workshops, wellness practices, and immersive local experiences to support creative development and community connection.
Programming includes facilitated writing workshops, daily writing sprints, morning yoga for nervous-system regulation, a murder mystery dinner, a guided ghost tour, and a visit to a local independent bookstore. The retreat prioritizes LGBTQ+ writers and allies while remaining open to all participants who value inclusive, affirming creative spaces.
Holiday & New Year Planning Virtual Writing Retreat
As the year winds down, take a moment to reflect, reset, and set yourself up for a successful writing year ahead! Join us for a Holiday & New Year Planning Virtual Writing Retreat, designed to help you map out your 2026 writing goals and master time management strategies to stay on track.
A Spooky Virtual Writing Retreat
Join us for a virtual writing retreat!
Unlock Your Writing Potential: Virtual Writing Retreat for Indie Authors on October 25, 2025.
Unleash your inner storyteller in this Spooky Virtual Writing Retreat, a hauntingly fun escape into the eerie, the mysterious, and the macabre! Whether crafting ghost stories, gothic romance, or spine-chilling horror, this retreat offers a supportive, creative space to ignite your imagination.
SCHOLARSHIPS
SCHOLARSHIPS
Need a Scholarship?
Dreaming of attending a writing retreat but facing financial barriers? Apply for a scholarship and join a supportive, mindful space where you can focus on your craft, connect with community, and share your story. Your voice matters—don’t let cost hold you back!
Meet the Sponsors
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M.A. Wardell, Author
Writing as M.A. Wardell, LAMBDA Literary Award nominee Matt writes spicy queer rom-coms.
His goal is to tell adult gay love stories with a diverse representation of flawed and damaged characters who find healing through love.
Matt loves rom-coms and has always wished for better representation, so he's writing the stories he wishes existed. The queer men in his stories are flawed and messy. Helping them find their HEA is Matt's passion.
Website: www.mawardell.com -
SMUT LOVERS
Smut Lovers~For Writers, Readers and Kinksters
Smut Lovers is the largest educational event for romance authors and readers you have ever seen!
Our goal is to bring together the lovers of all things smutty, in a safe and loving environment, to learn from each other and share what we know.
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LAVENDER CONSULTING
Mo Massa is the founder of Lavender Consulting, a boutique marketing studio helping mission-driven organizations grow and connect through strategic branding, design, and storytelling. With a background in marketing, event management, and a passion for visual communication, Mo brings a values-driven, community-focused approach to every project. Lavender Consulting's mission is to uplift queer businesses and organizations for success through intentional, inclusive digital marketing.
Website: https://www.lavenderconsultingllc.com/
Ongoing promotion: All queer owned & operated organizations and nonprofits receive 10% off services.
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LEFT OF STRE8 MEDIA & CONSULTING
Scott Fullerton: Youngstown, Ohio, "Left of Str8 Media and Consulting"
As a passionate advocate for storytelling and community connection, Scott Fullerton founded Left of Str8 Media and Consulting as a creative hub dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and helping individuals and brands tell their stories authentically and positively. With a unique blend of media production and marketing expertise, He specializes in crafting compelling narratives and resonating strategies.
At the intersection of creativity and strategy, I offer consulting services that guide authors, creatives, and small businesses in building their brands, expanding their reach, and navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape. Through podcasts, content strategy, and tailored marketing solutions, I empower clients to move their message “just left of straight”—unconventional, unapologetic, and unforgettable.
You can find me at my website, Left of Str8 Media and Consulting | LGBTQ, or email me at scott@leftofstr8.comYou can also find me socially on LinkedIn as Scott Fullerton, Instagram, and X as @leftofstr8