let your imagination run wild
captain whidbey
whidbey island, wa
April 24th - 27th, 2025
Join the waitlist
Picture this.
You arrive at a historic inn nestled amidst Pacific Northwest forest, ready to cultivate creativity and help a new story unfold, all while surrounded by writers just like you.
Perhaps you’d like to spend the day writing quietly alone in a cozy nook with a warm bevy, or maybe you’d prefer to team up with a critique partner for a brainstorming session.
No matter what you choose, we know there is magic waiting for you at this enchanted fantasy writing retreat.
Photo credit: Wrong Way Campground
This retreat is for you if:
You want to connect with other women and queer folk who love to write fantasy and just get you
You need space to sit in a cozy nook, foster creativity, and let your imagination run wild with ideas
You would love some people to bounce ideas off of and give you constructive criticism
You have any level of writing experience, whether you’re brand new or a published author
You could use a quiet, relaxing getaway to just focus on yourself and the world you are building
You want to find your community of writers who can support you, and vice versa
You need time to yourself so you can decompress and create the space you need for your magical ideas to flow
You are 21+
what can i expect?
RESTORATION. RELAXATION. COLLABORATION. IMAGINATION.
DAY ONE:
Meet & Greet at 2pm
Check-In at 4:30pm
Get to Know Your Writing Group
Cozy Time by the Fire
DAYS TWO & THREE:
Writing Group Sessions
Free Writing Time
Workshops
Campfire, Storytelling, Open Mic
DAY FOUR:
Breakfast and closing circle
Check-Out at 11am
All meals will be included, and all activities are completely optional. Whether you want alone time for a few days just to write and relax, or to build community and find your new critique partner, this is for you.
Itinerary items are subject to change.
Take if from our past guests
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"If you’re asking yourself, should I buy this ticket and meet up with random people I’ve never met? The answer is 100% absolutely!! I have never experienced such an immediate connection. The level of enthusiasm, acceptance, and just overall ✨women supporting women energy✨ at this retreat has blown my mind. Days later I am still riding the high of this trip. From late night talks, wine tasting, and the best charades ever, this is not a trip you want to miss out on. Thank you to Sarah and Alli for putting together such an amazing event!"
-June Washington Retreat
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"What really made this retreat stand out was the women who attended and the activities. From TOG trivia and charades to spas and hiking, there was something for everyone to enjoy! Sarah and Alli were super passionate about the book series and had everyone laughing / debating during our book club and trivia sessions. It was so great to be surrounded by women who love the SJM universe just as much as I do! Overall, I would highly recommend Forest & Fawn to anyone looking for a fantasy book retreat. I truly feel I have made friends and connections for years to come! Thank you Sarah and Alli for an unforgettable experience!"
-June Washington Retreat
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"Without trying to sound dramatic this was life changing. Connecting with friends at camps is something we take for granted as kids and is so precious as an adult. Being surrounded by so many wonderful women, bonding over a shared interest, and existing in a beautiful location brought back a piece of magic in my life that I’d been struggling to find. I now have soul sisters that I will have for the rest of my life, you can’t put a price on that. This was my first time ever traveling for something where I knew nobody, it’s intimidating but so worth while. These girls will always be in my life and we’re all already planning our next adventure together. I’ve never had this type connection with a group of people before. I found my tribe."
-April Washington Retreat
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"This was, by far and away, one of the most memorable and fun trips I've ever taken. The accommodations, the itinerary, the gift bags, and the incredible friends made were top notch. I wish the weekend didn't have to end! I'm so glad I decided to join the first Forest and Fawn retreat and have not stopped telling everyone I know about it. This was the most comfortable I've been in a group/social setting in a long time. As a relatively quiet introvert, it was incredibly refreshing to connect with everyone right away and be able to talk books all weekend long. 11/10!"
-April Washington Retreat
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"Thank you Alli and Sarah for your devotion to bringing this vision to life! You held space for a whimsical, enchanted, delightful, this-feels-like-home, magical experience for all of us! Returning to fantasy reading in my 40s helped me fall in love with myself all over again, to feel brave, and curious, and look at the world as brilliant and expansive. This retreat was proof of how special it is share that experience with others. I will be back for many, many Forest and Fawn retreats...and if we're ever at Captain Whidbey Inn again, maybe we'll get another glimpse of the mermaid in the cove under the moon."
-April Washington Retreat
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Although I did do this retreat to meet new people and widen my circle, the main reason I did it was to do something new and exciting. I feel like we often get stuck in our routines as we age. It was fun to put myself out there, push myself and give room to grow. If you want to surround yourself with strong, body positive, smart, kind, supportive people who love books, this is the retreat for you.
-June Washington Retreat
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"This retreat was everything I hoped it would be! The accommodations were stunning, luxurious, and peaceful. I appreciate the camaraderie we built as a group and the amazing women I met. I will definitely do another retreat with Sarah & Alli again!"
-June Washington Retreat
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"The only trip I have ever booked because of Instagram and it was the best decision ever! I didnt expect such lasting connections with all of these amazing humans to be built in two days. Everyone was so open, kind, fun, smart and absolute book nerds in the best way 🫶🫶🫶 #smutconferenceinthewoods created a core memory for this millenial 😂"
-June Washington Retreat
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"This quite honestly was the most amazing experience I have ever had. I get socially drained quickly and I didn’t feel like this drained me much at all. Thank you for creating such a safe space for us to all get to know each other. ❤️"
-April Washington Retreat
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"This retreat was the perfect bookish weekend! Everything from the accommodations to the activities to the snacks were so beautifully planned to create a welcoming and inspiring space amongst new friends"
-April Washington Retreat
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"I had an incredible time. The retreat was a great balance of scheduled and non-scheduled time. The location was amazing, and the people really made this experience next level. I felt comfortable, welcomed, and just that I could generally be myself, and I cannot say enough amazing things about this community."
-April Washington Retreat
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"Book the retreat! I was not prepared for how amazing this weekend was. The book chat, the new friends, the location, the events, the food (omg the food!)-- all 10/10. Forest & Fawn have created the warm, cozy book sisterhood we all need. Thank you!"
-April Washington Retreat
Photo credit: Captain Whidbey
What’s included?
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The historic Captain Whidbey rests on Whidbey Island, Washington. With your own private room decorated to make you maximum amounts of cozy, this will be the perfect place to unwind and create space for creativity.
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All meals are included starting with dinner on Thursday night and ending with breakfast Sunday afternoon. Coffee and tea will be provided throughout the days to keep you cozy.
Have an allergy or other kind of food restriction? You’ll have an option at checkout to tell us what your specific needs are!
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Throughout the weekend, you will have the option to gather in small groups to discuss your current project, go over your creative process, and maybe even learn about growing your career as an author!
All workshops are optional and subject to change.
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Throughout your stay, there will be cozy crafting supplies available for you to drop in and use whenever you'd like.
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Because no retreat is complete without a few things for you to take home that will serve as reminders of your magical time with Forest & Fawn retreats. Whether this weekend brings you a new critique partner or simply a much needed break from a hectic day-to-day so you can create room for creativity, we want you to remember this time forever.
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You’ll have access to a private group forum before and after your retreat. This is a great chance to connect with other fantasy-lovers (if you choose) and keep in touch once the retreat is over. Say hello to your new writing besties!
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It’s all taken care of! All you have to do is book your travel, then sit back and relax!
accommodations
Sitting on the shores of Penn Cove on Whidbey Island, Captain Whidbey is a historic lodge built in 1907 that offers the coziest rustic nautical vibes, perfect for a weekend exploring your imagination.
Rooming options include a King Suite, Queen Room, or Shared Lagoon Room.
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King Suite
$2,450
Enjoy a luxurious King Suite in the Historic Lodge building. Note: all historic lodge rooms share bathrooms that will be exclusive to Forest & Fawn guests for the weekend.
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Queen Room
$2,350
This ticket is for a Queen Room in the Historic Lodge.
Notes: all historic lodge rooms share bathrooms that will be exclusive to Forest & Fawn guests for the weekend.
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Shared Lagoon Room
$2,050
This ticket is for Queen Bed in a double Lagoon Room. This is perfect for those traveling with a friend or those who are looking to have more quality one on one time with another writer.
This room has a private bathroom.
meet your hosts
Forest, Fawn, & Fern
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Alli
"FOREST"
Co-Founder of Forest & Fawn, Fantasy Writer, and Storytelling Extraordinaire.
Also the President of All Things Cozy and can definitely communicate with woodland creatures (might even be one).
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Sarah
"FAWN"
Co-Founder of Forest & Fawn, Bookish Content Creator, and Romantasy/Fantasy Connoisseur.
Can and will be found yapping about a shadow daddy somewhere (don't bother trying to stop her, it's like waking up a sleepwalker).
Getting there
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE: Check in starts at 2:00 pm on Thursday, April 24th, 2025. Check out is at 11:00 am on Sunday, April 27th, 2025.
Plane: The closest major airport to Whidbey Island is Sea-Tac International Airport. There are also a number of smaller airports closer to the island if you wish to take that route.
Car: If you are driving from the South, note there is a ferry crossing. As we get closer to the retreat dates, you can access ferry schedules here.
You can access Captain Whidbey’s travel recommendations here.
FAQs
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Nope! Whether you're a published author, seasoned writer, or trying it out for the first time, this retreat is for you. All experience levels are welcome!
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Our retreats are created to serve women and queer folk who love to read and/or write fantasy/romantasy. We work hard to make sure our events are inclusive, safe spaces.
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There will be a maximum of 18 guests.
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Yes! Alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase at the inn bar, but if you prefer herbal tea, that will be available all day at no extra cost!
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Ticket prices include a $250 non-refundable deposit. A refund on a ticket (minus $250 deposit) is contingent on whether or not Host can fill the Participants slot within 60 days before the event, for sold out events only. For non-sold out events there are no refunds on payments made, and you are responsible for the entirety of your payment plan.
In the rare case of a retreat cancellation by the Host (Forest & Fawn), The Host will offer a transfer to another retreat (if possible) or a full refund of your payment within 14 days. The Host is not responsible for any expenses or damages incurred as a result of retreat cancellation including preparation costs, airline tickets, travel documents or other expenses.
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Lagoon Rooms are a shared accommodation. If you have a specific roommate you’d like to be paired with, please give their name at checkout! Otherwise we will pair you with another guest.
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Yes! Well, as long as you take breaks to eat and use the restroom. This retreat is made for YOU. All activities are optional.
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We collect food restrictions before the event and do everything we can to be sure you are taken care of. If you have a severe allergy, please notify us so that we can plan accordingly.
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Yes! You can choose to check out with AfterPay at checkout for orders up to $2,000.
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This retreat is for YOU. That means that nothing is mandatory. If you want to curl up and write in your luxurious bed all day, go for it. If you want to take your lunch on the road and see the natural wonders of the area, by all means. Our activities are solely here as options to enhance your experience.
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Due to the capacity of our venue, daypasses are not available for this retreat.