Creating the Lore: A Writers' Retreat
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— CREATING THE LORE: A WRITERS’ RETREAT —
A Fantasy Writing Workshop at Ancient Lore Village in Knoxville, Tennessee // Thursday, September 17 – Sunday, September 20, 2026
Step away from the noise of everyday life and enter a place where imagination has room to breathe.
Creating the Lore is a three-night immersive writers workshop designed for both first-time storytellers and experienced authors who are drawn to fantasy and fantasy romance. Set among the peaceful forests and whimsical dwellings of Ancient Lore Village, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to slow down, reconnect with creativity, and devote meaningful time to the stories waiting to be written.
Guided by award winning fantasy author, Cat Rambo, participants will gather for inspiring craft sessions, shared meals, and generous writing time in a setting designed to nurture imagination.
Whether you arrive with a fresh idea, a work in progress, or simply a love of storytelling, you will leave with new pages written and renewed confidence in your creative voice!
— THE RETREAT EXPERIENCE —
For a few quiet days in September, step away from deadlines, distractions, and the constant pull of everyday life to enter a place where your imagination has room to breathe.
Walk forest paths where stories begin to take shape. Sit beside a waterfall with your notebook open. Share meals and conversation with fellow writers who understand the pull of storytelling.
Creating the Lore is thoughtfully designed to balance inspiration, writing time, and community. Each day offers moments of guidance alongside protected time to focus on your work, whether you prefer to write beneath the trees or in one of the Village’s cozy gathering spaces.
The retreat includes:
• Two writing sessions led by Cat Rambo
• Dedicated writing time each day
• Evening gatherings and dinners with fellow writers
• All retreat meals prepared by the Ancient Lore Village culinary team [Meals begin with Thursday’s welcome dinner and conclude with a farewell brunch on Sunday]
• A thoughtfully curated swag bag with writing journal and creative prompts
• Access to the peaceful trails and gathering spaces throughout the Village
— MEET YOUR FACILITATOR: CAT RAMBO —
Award winning author Cat Rambo has spent decades helping writers develop their voices, build imaginative worlds, and bring stories to life.
Throughout the retreat, Cat will lead two immersive writing sessions focused on storytelling craft, worldbuilding, and creative momentum. These sessions are designed to spark inspiration while providing practical tools writers can continue using long after the retreat ends.
Outside of the sessions, guests will have opportunities to connect with Cat during shared meals and evening gatherings throughout the weekend.
— WHAT WRITERS WILL LEAVE WITH —
Creating the Lore is designed not only to inspire but also to help writers make meaningful progress on their work.
By the end of the retreat, participants can expect to leave with:
• New pages written in a focused and supportive environment
• Fresh ideas for worldbuilding and storytelling
• Practical writing techniques to continue their creative momentum
• Renewed confidence in their voice as a writer
• Connections with fellow writers who share a love of fantasy storytelling
• Most importantly, you will leave with the feeling that your story matters and deserves to be written.
— YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A PUBLISHED AUTHOR —
Many writers hesitate to attend retreats because they feel they are not far enough along.
Creating the Lore welcomes writers at every stage of their journey.
You might arrive with an idea you have been carrying for years, a few scattered pages of a story waiting to grow, a work in progress that needs fresh energy, or simply a love of fantasy and storytelling; all that matters is curiosity and the desire to write.
You will find encouragement, guidance, and a community of fellow storytellers who understand the joy and challenge of bringing imaginary worlds to life.
— RETREAT FLOW —
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
• Guest arrival + check-in
• Welcome dinner with fellow writers
• Opening gathering + retreat orientation
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
• Morning writing session with Cat Rambo
• Afternoon protected writing time
• Evening gathering + dinner with fellow writers
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
• Morning writing session with Cat Rambo
• Afternoon writing and creative exploration
• Closing evening celebration + dinner
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
• Farewell brunch
• Guest departures
— LODGING + TICKET OPTIONS —
Guests may choose from several retreat experiences based on their preferred level of privacy and style of lodging. Early bird pricing is available through June 30, 2026 after which standard retreat pricing will apply.
Retreat experiences begin at $895 for the Day Scribe Experience at early bird pricing with lodging packages also available. Guests may reserve their place with a $300 deposit and the remaining balance will be automatically collected 60 days prior to the retreat.
STORYKEEPER SUITE: Most Immersive Experience
• Private dwelling for one or two guests.
• Includes retreat access and three nights of private lodging within one of the Village’s whimsical dwellings or treehouses.
• Ideal for guests who prefer their own quiet space for rest and writing.
GUILD CHAMBER
• Private bedroom within a larger shared dwelling.
• Includes retreat access and three nights of lodging in a private bedroom, while shared living spaces may be used by other retreat guests.
• A comfortable option for writers who enjoy community while still having a private place to recharge.
SCRIBE’S QUARTERS
• Shared lodging within one of the Village’s larger dwellings.
• Includes retreat access and three nights of lodging in a shared sleeping space with fellow retreat participants. This may be a bunk bed or pull-out sofa within a larger dwelling.
• A wonderful choice for writers who enjoy the camaraderie of a shared creative adventure.
DAY SCRIBE EXPERIENCE
• Retreat access without lodging.
• Ideal for local guests or those who prefer to stay at nearby accommodations while still enjoying the full retreat experience.
• Includes all retreat programming, meals, and gatherings throughout the weekend.
— WHO THIS RETREAT IS FOR —
This retreat is designed for writers who:
• Love fantasy or fantasy romance
• Want dedicated time to focus on writing
• Are seeking inspiration and creative momentum
• Enjoy connecting with fellow storytellers
Writers at all stages are welcome, from first-time storytellers to experienced authors.
Note: Space for this retreat is intentionally limited in order to preserve an intimate and supportive creative environment.
A Fantasy Writing Workshop at Ancient Lore Village in Knoxville, Tennessee // Thursday, September 17 – Sunday, September 20, 2026
Step away from the noise of everyday life and enter a place where imagination has room to breathe.
Creating the Lore is a three-night immersive writers workshop designed for both first-time storytellers and experienced authors who are drawn to fantasy and fantasy romance. Set among the peaceful forests and whimsical dwellings of Ancient Lore Village, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to slow down, reconnect with creativity, and devote meaningful time to the stories waiting to be written.
Guided by award winning fantasy author, Cat Rambo, participants will gather for inspiring craft sessions, shared meals, and generous writing time in a setting designed to nurture imagination.
Whether you arrive with a fresh idea, a work in progress, or simply a love of storytelling, you will leave with new pages written and renewed confidence in your creative voice!
— THE RETREAT EXPERIENCE —
For a few quiet days in September, step away from deadlines, distractions, and the constant pull of everyday life to enter a place where your imagination has room to breathe.
Walk forest paths where stories begin to take shape. Sit beside a waterfall with your notebook open. Share meals and conversation with fellow writers who understand the pull of storytelling.
Creating the Lore is thoughtfully designed to balance inspiration, writing time, and community. Each day offers moments of guidance alongside protected time to focus on your work, whether you prefer to write beneath the trees or in one of the Village’s cozy gathering spaces.
The retreat includes:
• Two writing sessions led by Cat Rambo
• Dedicated writing time each day
• Evening gatherings and dinners with fellow writers
• All retreat meals prepared by the Ancient Lore Village culinary team [Meals begin with Thursday’s welcome dinner and conclude with a farewell brunch on Sunday]
• A thoughtfully curated swag bag with writing journal and creative prompts
• Access to the peaceful trails and gathering spaces throughout the Village
— MEET YOUR FACILITATOR: CAT RAMBO —
Award winning author Cat Rambo has spent decades helping writers develop their voices, build imaginative worlds, and bring stories to life.
Throughout the retreat, Cat will lead two immersive writing sessions focused on storytelling craft, worldbuilding, and creative momentum. These sessions are designed to spark inspiration while providing practical tools writers can continue using long after the retreat ends.
Outside of the sessions, guests will have opportunities to connect with Cat during shared meals and evening gatherings throughout the weekend.
— WHAT WRITERS WILL LEAVE WITH —
Creating the Lore is designed not only to inspire but also to help writers make meaningful progress on their work.
By the end of the retreat, participants can expect to leave with:
• New pages written in a focused and supportive environment
• Fresh ideas for worldbuilding and storytelling
• Practical writing techniques to continue their creative momentum
• Renewed confidence in their voice as a writer
• Connections with fellow writers who share a love of fantasy storytelling
• Most importantly, you will leave with the feeling that your story matters and deserves to be written.
— YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A PUBLISHED AUTHOR —
Many writers hesitate to attend retreats because they feel they are not far enough along.
Creating the Lore welcomes writers at every stage of their journey.
You might arrive with an idea you have been carrying for years, a few scattered pages of a story waiting to grow, a work in progress that needs fresh energy, or simply a love of fantasy and storytelling; all that matters is curiosity and the desire to write.
You will find encouragement, guidance, and a community of fellow storytellers who understand the joy and challenge of bringing imaginary worlds to life.
— RETREAT FLOW —
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
• Guest arrival + check-in
• Welcome dinner with fellow writers
• Opening gathering + retreat orientation
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
• Morning writing session with Cat Rambo
• Afternoon protected writing time
• Evening gathering + dinner with fellow writers
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
• Morning writing session with Cat Rambo
• Afternoon writing and creative exploration
• Closing evening celebration + dinner
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
• Farewell brunch
• Guest departures
— LODGING + TICKET OPTIONS —
Guests may choose from several retreat experiences based on their preferred level of privacy and style of lodging. Early bird pricing is available through June 30, 2026 after which standard retreat pricing will apply.
Retreat experiences begin at $895 for the Day Scribe Experience at early bird pricing with lodging packages also available. Guests may reserve their place with a $300 deposit and the remaining balance will be automatically collected 60 days prior to the retreat.
STORYKEEPER SUITE: Most Immersive Experience
• Private dwelling for one or two guests.
• Includes retreat access and three nights of private lodging within one of the Village’s whimsical dwellings or treehouses.
• Ideal for guests who prefer their own quiet space for rest and writing.
GUILD CHAMBER
• Private bedroom within a larger shared dwelling.
• Includes retreat access and three nights of lodging in a private bedroom, while shared living spaces may be used by other retreat guests.
• A comfortable option for writers who enjoy community while still having a private place to recharge.
SCRIBE’S QUARTERS
• Shared lodging within one of the Village’s larger dwellings.
• Includes retreat access and three nights of lodging in a shared sleeping space with fellow retreat participants. This may be a bunk bed or pull-out sofa within a larger dwelling.
• A wonderful choice for writers who enjoy the camaraderie of a shared creative adventure.
DAY SCRIBE EXPERIENCE
• Retreat access without lodging.
• Ideal for local guests or those who prefer to stay at nearby accommodations while still enjoying the full retreat experience.
• Includes all retreat programming, meals, and gatherings throughout the weekend.
— WHO THIS RETREAT IS FOR —
This retreat is designed for writers who:
• Love fantasy or fantasy romance
• Want dedicated time to focus on writing
• Are seeking inspiration and creative momentum
• Enjoy connecting with fellow storytellers
Writers at all stages are welcome, from first-time storytellers to experienced authors.
Note: Space for this retreat is intentionally limited in order to preserve an intimate and supportive creative environment.
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Where is it happening?
7107 Sevierville Pike, Knoxville, TN, United States, Tennessee 37920
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherAncient Lore Village
