Upcoming In-person Workshops
In-Person Flash Fiction Workshop with Tommy Dean - October 2026 - Harpers Ferry, WV
Saturday, October 4th – Thursday, October 9th, 2026
In-Person Generative Flash Workshop with Tommy Dean
Join us for an inspiring weekend of flash fiction with Tommy Dean, author of Hollows and recipient of the 2019 Lascaux Prize in Short Fiction. This in-person generative workshop in Harpers Ferry, WV is designed to help you start as many stories as possible through focused craft lessons, writing exercises, and community connection.
The workshop will run 9am–4pm each day and is capped at 12 writers to ensure personalized attention and meaningful feedback. After the farewell dinner, all participants are invited to share a 3-minute reading from work created during the workshop—a voluntary but highly encouraged celebration of your creative progress.
Location: The workshop space is located in the outskirts of Harpers Ferry, WV, with ample free parking onsite. (Approximately one hour from Northern Virginia and 1 hour 15 minutes from Washington, DC.)
Accommodations: Lodging is not included in the registration fee, but Ellen can provide a list of nearby hotels and Airbnbs upon request.
Transportation: Not included. Free parking is available onsite for those driving.
Residential Flash Fiction Workshop with Kathy Fish - November 2026 - Charles Town, WV
Monday, November 2nd – Friday, November 6th, 2026
Residential Generative Flash Workshop with Kathy Fish
Join us for an unforgettable week of writing, learning, and creative connection at the 2026 Kathy Fish Residential Workshop in beautiful West Virginia. This year, we’re excited to welcome special guest workshop leader Sarah Freligh for an enhanced learning experience.
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)
Build Your Author Brand and Get Ready to Launch Your Writing Career with Industry Experts
Fall 2026 – Harpers Ferry, WV
- A query letter critique and workshop
- A first chapter critique and workshop
- A synopsis review and workshop
- An elevator pitch review and workshop
- A Professional Headshot
- A Bio critique and workshop
- A Website evaluation
- Classes on the publishing journey
- Tips for building a committee
- And much more
(travel is not included)
More details are coming soon. Reach out to Ellen for more information.
Past 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)
In-person Generative Flash Workshop With Tommy Dean Harpers Ferry, WV - Lodging Not Included
Tuesday May 13th – Thursday May 15th 2025
This in-person workshop will be capped at 12 writers.
The workshop is generative and the goal is to help you start as many stories as possible.
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.)
Lodging is Not included
Residential Short Story Workshop With Richard Bausch and Lisa Cupolo
Charles Town, WV - Lodging Included
Wednesday April 9th through Sunday April 13th
The workshop will be capped at 12 writers. This will allow all writers to get feedback
from and workshop with Richard, Lisa, and Ellen. We will all meet together and four stories will
be workshopped each morning. We will have craft lessons/generative sessions each afternoon.
Emily Chiles will be a guest instructor for one afternoon for a guest workshop and
everyone will be included in that session as well.
All attendees will be invited to submit one short story of up to ten pages for workshop.
These are due NO LATER THAN: March 1, 2025
A residential workshop with Kathy Fish - Charles Town, WV
October 2024
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.