During our four days together, Rowan will do a deep dive into “Origins and Openings,” which will center on beginnings—the foundation of any piece of fiction, whether that means giving writers an opportunity to start something new or to bring a fresh perspective to existing work. What’s Included: Private room and bathroom, daily craft sessions led by accomplished writing instructor Rowan Beaird, three meals a day - 2 provided by Ragdale’s own Chef Linda - and plenty of space and time to create.NOTE: If the retreat sells out, priority will be given to first-time attendees; previous participants may apply for the waitlist. ABOUT ROWAN BEAIRD: An award-winning writer whose debut novel, The Divorcées, was named a best book by Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, People, The Independent, and the Chicago Review of Books, she worked at the literary nonprofit GrubStreet as program manager. She's taught English as a second language, helped teen writers find their voice at 826CHI, and facilitated countless brand workshops for companies and nonprofits. She has received scholarships from the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference and StoryStudio, and her short stories have appeared in Ploughshares, The Kenyon Review, and The Southern Review, among others. She currently works at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her second novel, Tenderness, will be published in July 2026.
During our four days together, Rowan will do a deep dive into “Origins and Openings,” which will center on beginnings—the foundation of any piece of fiction, whether that means giving writers an opportunity to start something new or to bring a fresh perspective to existing work.
What’s Included: Private room and bathroom, daily craft sessions led by accomplished writing instructor Rowan Beaird, three meals a day - 2 provided by Ragdale’s own Chef Linda - and plenty of space and time to create.
ABOUT ROWAN BEAIRD: An award-winning writer whose debut novel, The Divorcées, was named a best book by Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, People, The Independent, and the Chicago Review of Books, she worked at the literary nonprofit GrubStreet as program manager. She's taught English as a second language, helped teen writers find their voice at 826CHI, and facilitated countless brand workshops for companies and nonprofits. She has received scholarships from the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference and StoryStudio, and her short stories have appeared in Ploughshares, The Kenyon Review, and The Southern Review, among others. She currently works at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her second novel, Tenderness, will be published in July 2026.
