A Suspense & Thriller Writing Retreat
📍 Lincoln, Nebraska
📅 October 9–12
This October, step into the tension.
Dead of Autumn is a small, immersive writing retreat designed for writers who love suspense, thrillers, mysteries, and stories that linger in the dark corners of the imagination.
Set in Lincoln during peak autumn, this retreat blends focused writing time, craft workshops, wellness practices, and atmospheric experiences that will spark new ideas and deepen your storytelling.
Whether you're drafting a novel, revising a manuscript, or exploring darker themes in your writing, this retreat offers space to slow down, connect with other writers, and sink fully into your work.
This will be an intimate retreat limited to approximately 8-10 writers, ensuring plenty of creative space and meaningful conversation.
What Makes This Retreat Different
This isn't just a writing getaway.
It's an immersive creative experience designed to help you explore tension, character, and atmosphere through both writing and lived experiences.
Over the course of four days, you'll participate in a carefully balanced mix of:
✍️ focused writing time
📚 craft conversations and workshops
🧘 morning yoga to support creativity and nervous system regulation
🔍 a murder mystery dinner experience
👻 a ghost tour through Lincoln
📖 a visit to a local independent bookstore or shop
☕ community conversations with fellow writers
These shared experiences often spark unexpected story ideas, deepen your understanding of suspense, and create lasting creative connections.
Retreat Schedule Overview
Thursday – October 9
Arrival and welcome gathering
Arrival and room assignments
Welcome circle and introductions
Opening writing prompt to set the tone for the retreat
Cozy evening writing time
Friday – October 10
Craft, Crime, and Creativity
Morning
Gentle morning yoga
Breakfast and intention setting
Workshop: TBD
Focused writing sprint
Afternoon
Free writing time or optional one-on-one conversations
Group outing to a local indie bookstore or creative shop
Evening
Murder mystery dinner experience
Group reflection on tension, character motivation, and plot twists
Saturday – October 11
Exploring Darkness and Depth
Morning
Morning yoga
Breakfast
Workshop: TBD
Writing sprint
Afternoon
Solo writing time
Optional brainstorming or critique conversations
Evening
Ghost tour in Lincoln
Optional late-night writing sprint inspired by the evening
Sunday – October 12
Integration and Departure
Breakfast
Reflection circle
Optional sharing of writing excerpts
Departures
Who This Retreat Is For
This retreat is ideal for writers who:
Are working on suspense, thriller, mystery, or darker fiction, BUT writers of all genres are welcome
Want uninterrupted time to write
Enjoy small, supportive creative communities
Are looking for inspiration and new perspectives on their work
Value inclusive and affirming creative spaces
Writers at all stages of their journey are welcome, from early drafts to established authors.
About the Retreat Environment
This retreat will take place in a comfortable Airbnb-style home or a centrally located hotel in Lincoln, Nebraska, creating a relaxed and welcoming space for writing, conversation, and connection.
Participants can expect:
shared creative spaces
quiet writing time
cozy evening conversations
a small group atmosphere that encourages genuine connection
Morning yoga sessions are gentle and accessible for all levels.
The retreat is LGBTQ+ affirming and inclusive, and all participants are expected to contribute to a respectful, supportive environment.
Interest List
Because this retreat will be intentionally small, I am currently gathering interest before finalizing the venue and opening registration.
If you're interested in attending, join the interest list below.
Those on the list will:
Receive first access to registration
Receive early pricing information
Have the opportunity to secure spots before the retreat is publicly announced
Join the Interest List
If this retreat speaks to you, I would love to hear from you.
Spots will be limited, and those on the interest list will receive priority access once registration opens.
About the Organizer
Meet Arden Coutts
This retreat is hosted by Arden Coutts, founder of Wandering Creative Life and a queer author of romantic suspense, horror, and speculative fiction.
Arden creates writing retreats and creative spaces designed to support writers through community, craft conversations, and meaningful creative experiences.
Their retreats focus on helping writers reconnect with their work while building lasting creative relationships.