 | Join us for a spooky, fun-filled writing retreat where you’ll write and revise a short ghost story in the company of other writers.
What’s it all about?
For over a decade, Wordcrafters has hosted the bewitching Ghost Story Weekend. Created by the illustrious Elizabeth Engstrom, this generative writing retreat is a must for anyone who loves a good ghost story.
Picture this: four days at the Oregon Coast, crafting ghostly tales, and sharing them with fellow writers. You’ll enjoy good company, good chocolate, and good stories. From Thursday evening to Sunday morning, you’ll dive into the art of ghost story writing and emerge with a tale to tell of your own.
This fun, generative writing retreat takes place in Newport, Oregon at the newly renovated Hotel Sylvia, and welcomes writers of all levels.
“Don’t be intimidated by writing a story in 24 hours! It’s a no-judgement-zone and everyone is so kind and supportive. 100% Recommend! Thank you so much for another wonderful story weekend!!!” -Annie
What you’ll get at Ghost Story Weekend
-Instruction on how to write short stories
-Knowledge about ghost stories
-Daily writing time
-Opportunities to share your story-in-progress and receive feedback
-Time to revise your short story
-A bag of inspiration, filled with goodies like tarot cards, haunted places, strange recipes, and love letters
-A Wordcrafters short-story guidebook filled with prompts and information
-A 30-minute one-on-one story session with the instructor to help you with plot, structure, and character development
-Delicious chocolate and snacks
-Camaraderie with fellow writers
What you’ll take home with you
-A finished short story that you’ll write and revise throughout the long weekend
-Information on where you can submit your story for publication
-An experience of community with like-hearted writers
-The knowledge of how to craft short stories
-A deeper understanding of the ghost story genre
Your Spirit Guide
Our Ghost Story spirit guide is Portland-based author Erick Mertz. He’ll inspire you with talks on ghost stories, story structure, and how to feed your monster. Throughout the weekend, Erick will be available for one-on-one guidance, sharing his story wisdom during meals and gatherings, while writing his own story alongside you.
A NOSTALGIC, LITERARY-THEMED RETREAT
Step into a space designed for reflection, where you can reconnect with yourself and rekindle old passions. The literary-themed rooms at Hotel Sylvia in Newport, Oregon, celebrate authors and genres that have shaped storytelling. Each room has its own character, filled with books and details that invite you to unplug and experience a different time, sparking your curiosity. Find comfort in a quiet corner where you can read, rest, and recharge.
What to expect
-Thursday evening: optional dinner (not included), speculative story discussion and instruction, and the official start of writing
-Friday: dedicated writing time, group meals, a craft talk, and small-group critique of your first draft.
-Saturday: dedicated writing time to work on your draft, group meals, and, in the evening, gathering around the fire to share your fantastical story.
-Sunday morning: light feedback session to help you further refine your tale.
Don’t be scared!
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned writer, you’ll find a supportive community here.
Details
Participants stay in their own private room at the newly renovated Hotel Sylvia (unless you want to find a fellow writer to share with) and come to the Wordcrafters Haunted Library in the same location for meals, community, and writing time.
You’re welcome to join in as many (or as few) group activities as your possibly introverted writer heart desires.
Tuition: Includes all instruction, five meals (breakfast daily and lunch on Friday and Saturday, and plenty of treats. Register for your room separately. Rooms are $199 and up/night.
Attendance: Limited to 16 participants, plus the instructor.
Register here: https://wordcrafters.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F22556
Dates: Thursday-Sunday, Oct 23-26, 2025
Times: 4 pm Thursday-12 pm Sunday
Location: Hotel Sylvia, Newport, OR
Price:
Access: $337 – if you have limited access to funds
Sustainer: $449 – the actual cost of this program
Patron: $559 – if you have more access to resources and can support others who need to pay less
Choose the ticket price that best reflects your financial capacity. We trust you to discern your level of need or ability to help others with less access to wealth.
Learn more about our Pay From Your Heart Pricing: https://wordcrafters.org/pfyh/
Scholarship info: We want everyone to have access to our writing programs. If you need additional support, please complete our scholarship request form: https://wordcrafters.org/scholarships/
About the instructor
Erick Mertz (he, him) is an author, born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, a place he is still lucky enough to call his home.
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