# A Reason to Write

> A Reason to write, writers retreats in West Virginia


## Pages

- [Kathy Fish 2025 Workshop](https://areasontowrite.com/workshops/kathy-fish-2025-workshop/): A Residential & Generative Flash Workshop with Kathy Fish in Charles Town, WV Monday Oct. 20 – Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 We will be staying at this beautiful “Almost Heaven” home in the Eastern Panhandle of beautiful West Virginia on the outskirts of Charles Town (not to be confused with Charleston on the other side of the state).The registration fee covers workshop costs, one individual session with Kathy Fish, workshop materials, private room with bedding and towels, continental breakfast, lunch, dinner, light snacks, parking, and welcome gift. Writing spaces abound in the nooks and crannies and porches of this amazing […]
- [A Reason to Meet](https://areasontowrite.com/a-reason-to-meet/): Introducing A Reason to Meet Looking for a peaceful and professional meeting space in Harpers Ferry, WV? A Reason to Meet offers a calm, fully equipped environment ideal for strategy sessions, workshops, team retreats, and small group gatherings. Host your next meeting or offsite event in a thoughtfully designed space that supports focus, creativity, and connection. Just minutes from downtown Harpers Ferry and nestled near the Shenandoah River, A Reason to Meet provides a quiet, natural setting where meaningful conversations and productive collaboration can thrive—without the usual office distractions. What We Offer Private Meeting Rooms Two comfortable, fully equipped meeting […]
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- [Rooms and Rates](https://areasontowrite.com/rooms-and-rates/): A Reason to Write Retreat Rooms & Rates Zafris Room – A Spacious Retreat for Writers Named in memory of Nancy Zafris, this private and comfortable room offers the perfect space to stretch out, write, and unwind. Enjoy a peaceful retreat with plenty of room to focus on your craft, while sharing access to the bathroom, kitchen, and communal areas. Room Details & Views Rate: $135 USD per night (single occupancy) / $160 USD per night (double occupancy) Minimum Stay: 2 nights Apply Now Bausch Room – A Cozy Affordable Retreat Named in honor of Richard Bausch and in memory […]
- [Things to Do](https://areasontowrite.com/rooms-and-rates/things-to-do/): Things to Do in the Harpers Ferry, Shepherdstown & Charles Town Area When you’re ready to take a break from writing, the Harpers Ferry, Shepherdstown, and Charles Town area offers a mix of outdoor adventure, rich history, and unique local experiences and fare. Whether you want to explore scenic trails, dive into the region’s past, or enjoy a night out, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful nature walk, a bit of historical inspiration, or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, the Harpers Ferry area has something to offer. Take time to explore, recharge, and return to your writing with […]
- [Apply for a Retreat](https://areasontowrite.com/rooms-and-rates/apply-for-a-retreat/): Apply Now to Reserve a Spot Make sure you read over the both the Workshop and Retreat Space Requirements and the Retreat FAQ’s before applying. By applying you are agreeing to abide by the rules. Requirements Retreat FAQ’s Fill out the form below to apply to A Reason to Write Retreat! AR2W Retreat ApplicationMake sure you read over the Workshop and Retreat Space/Rules before requesting registration. By registering you are agreeing to abide by the rules.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name * FirstLast LayoutEmail *Phone *LayoutWhat […]
- [Online Workshops](https://areasontowrite.com/workshops/online-workshops/): Upcoming Online Workshops Online Workshop: Let’s Start At The Very Begining: The First Two Pages And Beyond With Art Taylor Tuesday June 24th – 7:00 – 8:30 PM EST Via Zoom Beginnings maybe the hardest thing to write… except for endings… and then there’s the middle, of course. But building a strong opening can not only engage readers and editors quickly but also lay the foundation for richer plots and ultimately provide the key to more rewarding endings. With an emphasis on short stories but attention to novels aswell, Art Taylor will offer insights and approaches, drawing on “The First […]
- [Writing Fellowships](https://areasontowrite.com/writing-fellowships/): Learn More About Our Writing Fellowships There is little writers need more than dedicated time and quiet space to capture and nurture their best ideas and stories. A Reason to Write provides just that in a natural setting along the banks of the Shenandoah River on the side of a craggy mountain near Harpers Ferry, WV. To support writers on this journey, A Reason to Write is offering 7-day fellowships of free accommodations at our retreat space for 5 separate writers. You’ll have your own private room, shared bathroom, shared kitchen, and plenty of indoor and outdoor writing spaces. (Please […]
- [Cookie Policy](https://areasontowrite.com/cookie-policy/): Last updated January 10, 2025 This Cookie Policy explains how A Reason to Write LLC (“Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our“) uses cookies and similar technologies to recognize you when you visit our website at https://areasontowrite.com (“Website“). It explains what these technologies are and why we use them, as well as your rights to control our use of them.In some cases we may use cookies to collect personal information, or that becomes personal information if we combine it with other information.What are cookies?Cookies are small data files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. Cookies […]
- [Tommy Dean In-Person Workshop](https://areasontowrite.com/workshops/tommy-dean-inperson-workshop/): In-person workshop with Tommy Dean in Harpers Ferry, WV(Lodging Not Included) May 13th through May 15th, 2025 The workshop will run from 9am – 4pm each day The workshop space is in the outskirts of Harpers Ferry, WV. There is ample free parking onsite. (This is about an hour from Northern Va and about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Washington, DC.) Tommy Dean Tommy Dean is the author of two flash fiction chapbooks Special Like the People on TV (Redbird Chapbooks, 2014) and Covenants (ELJ Editions, 2021). Hollows, A collection of flash fiction is forthcoming from Alternating Current Press. He lives in Indiana where he currently is the […]
- [Bausch Cupolo Residential Workshop](https://areasontowrite.com/workshops/bausch-cupolo-workshop/): A residential Short Story workshop with Richard Bausch and Lisa Cupolo (Lodging Included) Charles Town, WV April 9th through April 13th, 2025 We will be staying at this beautiful “Almost Heaven” home in the Eastern Panhandle of beautiful West Virginia on the outskirts of Charles Town (not to be confused with Charleston on the other side of the state).The registration fee covers workshop costs, one individual session with Kathy Fish, workshop materials, private room with bedding and towels, continental breakfast, lunch, dinner, light snacks, parking, and welcome gift. Writing spaces abound in the nooks and crannies and porches of this […]
- [Marijean Oldham Online Workshop](https://areasontowrite.com/workshops/online-workshops/marijean-oldham-online-workshop/): Marijean Oldham Marijean (Jaggers) Oldham is a public relations consultant and writer. Marijean has written three editions of the guidebook 100 Things to Do in Charlottesville Before You Die (Third Edition, 2022, Reedy Press) and Secret Charlottesville, a Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure (2021, Reedy Press.) Her work has appeared in The Maine Review, Delmarva Review, The Dead Mule School of Southern Literature, Burningword Literary Journal, On the Run Literary, The Lindenwood Journal, Sad Girls Club Literary Blog, and the Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review, and is forthcoming in Midwest Review, Streetlight Magazine, and Halfway Down the Stairs. […]
- [Shared Amenities](https://areasontowrite.com/rooms-and-rates/shared-amenities/): Shared Amenities Amenities Details While you will have your own private bedroom, there are other amenities that might be shared like the bathroom, kitchen, and living and outdoor spaces
- [Retreat FAQs](https://areasontowrite.com/rooms-and-rates/retreat_faqs/): Retreat FAQs Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions… 1. Watercraft and Flotation devices are Not allowed Use of watercraft and floatation devices is not allowed on the property for insurance purposes. 2. Are meals provided ? No. There is a fully-equipped kitchen that you have access to for the meals you want to prepare. For those you don’t want to prepare, there are a number of restaurants within 10-15 minutes of the retreat space. 3. Okay then – how far is the closest grocery store? You’ll be within 10 – 15 minutes (driving) distance […]
- [Workshop & Retreat Requirements](https://areasontowrite.com/workshops/requirements/): Workshop FAQs No one dislikes rules more than Ellen, but it’s critical to have a shared understanding about expectations….so…. when you book a workshop slot and/or a writing retreat space, you agree to the following: Abide by Laws You’ll abide by all the laws of the State of West Virginia, Jefferson County, and Shannondale/Harpers Ferry. A Lifejacket is Required You agree that you’ll wear a life jacket (provided) while in the river. Water shoes/old tennis shoes are not provided but are a very good idea. Assumption of Risk You assume all risk for your activities while attending workshops/retreats. Damage to […]
- [Kathy Fish 2024 Workshop](https://areasontowrite.com/workshops/kathy-fish/): A residential workshop with Kathy Fish in Charles Town, WV Monday Oct. 21 – Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 We will be staying at this beautiful “Almost Heaven” home in the Eastern Panhandle of beautiful West Virginia on the outskirts of Charles Town (not to be confused with Charleston on the other side of the state).The registration fee covers workshop costs, one individual session with Kathy Fish, workshop materials, private room with bedding and towels, continental breakfast, lunch, dinner, light snacks, parking, and welcome gift. Writing spaces abound in the nooks and crannies and porches of this amazing home. And when […]
- [Workshops](https://areasontowrite.com/workshops/): Upcoming In-person Workshops A residential Flash workshop with Kathy Fish – Charles Town, WV – Lodging Included Monday October 20th – Friday October 24th 2025 Residential Generative Flash Workshop with Kathy Fish Join us for an unforgettable week of writing, learning, and creative connection at the 2025 Kathy Fish Residential Workshop in beautiful West Virginia. The registration fee includes lodging, all meals and snacks, workshop materials, and parking. You’ll enjoy a private room (with either a shared or private bath), cozy amenities, and access to peaceful writing spaces—perfect for sparking new stories. (travel is not included) Learn More & Apply […]
- [About](https://areasontowrite.com/about/): About Your Host Ellen is a former adjunct writing and literature professor at George Mason University, a current creative writing adjunct at Frederick Community college, a conference planner, and a workshop attendee/coordinator – the perfect combination to understand just what you need to stretch your proverbial writer wings. A writer herself, Ellen’s work has been published by the Saturday Evening Post, the Kenyon Review (KRonline), Hunger Mountain, Liars’ League NYC, the Hong Kong Review, Crack the Spine, Stonecoast Review, and others. She’s the recipient of the George Mason 2019 Outstanding Graduate Student Award (MFA Fiction), the Porches Writing Fellowship, the […]
- [Home](https://areasontowrite.com/): Welcome to A Reason to Write Inspiring Writing Retreats & Workshops in West Virginia About A Reason to Write Retreats Nestled on the side of a craggy mountain in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, A Reason to Write offers quiet retreat spaces so that you can capture your best stories without distraction. We also periodically offer classes and editing services by some of the finest writing teachers and scholars. Additionally, we are located on ten private acres along the banks of the Shenandoah River. Come join us! Book Your Retreat Today – Step away from the distractions and immerse […]
- [Privacy Policy](https://areasontowrite.com/privacy-policy/): Last updated January 10, 2025 This Privacy Notice for A Reason to Write LLC (“we,” “us,” or “our“), describes how and why we might access, collect, store, use, and/or share (“process“) your personal information when you use our services (“Services“), including when you: Visit our website at https://areasontowrite.com, or any website of ours that links to this Privacy Notice Use A Reason to Write LLC. Nestled on the side of a craggy mountain in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, A Reason to Write offers quiet retreat spaces so that you can capture your best stories without distraction. We also […]


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