Our purpose is to allow you to be spiritually renewed and refreshed as a writer and/or speaker in your calling, and even to discover your calling.

We are not seeking to be a typical writing and speaking conference which is often fast-paced and intense. However, we do provide teaching to improve your skills, and an opportunity to build community and network, as well as celebrate you as a writer/speaker.

One of the unique features of reNEW is allowing you time to write! In fact, we want you to spend time writing on your current project, preparing your next talk, and even begin writing your first few words. To enable this, we provide you with a dedicated writing desk!

All levels of writers and speakers attend, both men and women over the age of 18.

No. Although many published authors do attend, who you can learn from.

Almost half of our attendees chose to register for the Thursday pre-retreat. This is a good time to meet the faculty and other attendees, have additional time to write, and relax before the main retreat begins.

Thursday: Arrival and check-in are 2-5 p.m. The earlier you arrive, the more time you have to write, rest, and meet the faculty and other attendees.

Friday: Arrival and check-in are 2-4 p.m. to allow you to settle in.

See the sample schedule for details.

Yes, all meals and lodging are included in the price!

When you book your reservation, let the Front Desk staff know your needs and they will communicate with the culinary team on your behalf.

We do not have formal appointments with publishers and agents. However, if publishers and agents are present, you may find there are informal opportunities to talk.

Both faculty and attendees are invited to sell their books at our reNEW Book Store located in the back of the auditorium and open for sales at specific times during the weekend.

If you are interested in selling your books, please write to info@renewwriting.com subject line BOOK STORE requesting more information.

Our event kicks off on Friday afternoon at 4 pm with a “Book Celebration.” All attendees who have a book published in 2022 or 2023 are welcome to take part.

You will have 2-3 minutes to talk about your book and all present will have a chance to share your joy in this accomplishment and purchase a signed copy. If you have a qualifying book write to info@reNEWwriting.com subject line BOOK CELEBRATION.

We suggest wearing comfortable outdoorsy clothes for late spring weather in the Adirondacks. Bring layers, a raincoat, and walking shoes.

You are welcome to dress up a little for Saturday night’s celebration banquet.

Bring workout wear if you want to participate in physical activities on offer.

We do not arrange one-to-one meetings with faculty. Faculty are always available to chat as you attend their workshops, before and after keynotes.

At Friday dinner, Saturday lunch, and the Saturday banquet dinner we will assign faculty tables that allow you to sit and eat with a faculty member during those meals. Nearer the event, we will post other potential offerings.

There will be optional one-on-one paid critiques, coaching, and/or spiritual direction opportunities. We will update the website with more information about this in the next few months!

Bring whatever technology you need to write and to take notes during workshops and keynote sessions.

Unfortunately, we do not allow spouses and children to attend.

The nearest airport is Albany NY - ALB

If you are traveling from out of state and flying into Albany airport, a shuttle will be provided from and to the airport on Thursday and Sunday. Please be advised that spots are limited. The round-trip cost is TBD.

Arrivals:

Thursday, April 25 – COTW pickups at the Albany airport: TBD

Departures:

Sunday, April 28 – COTW returns will arrive at the Albany airport: TBD

Please plan your flights accordingly.

To book a seat on the shuttle, please email info@reNEWwriting.com with the subject line, SHUTTLE.

Deposits are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Balances are due 4 weeks prior to arrival and are also nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Refund requests are on a case-by-case basis according to each extenuating circumstance. Email registrar@cotw.org explaining the circumstance and request a refund.