Write Spirit Workshop - Orlando, Florida

Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort

ENROLLMENT DEADLINE MAY 9, 2025

RESTARTING TRULY “CREATIVE” WRITING:
Crafting Stories that are Fresh and Life-giving

Another Amazing Write Spirit Workshop

May 19 – 22, 2025

At Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Orlando, Florida

Enjoy a fantastic getaway – mornings of brilliant and inspiring writing workshops, and then afternoons and evenings of fun in the beautiful Florida sun all just before Memorial Day when the crowds pour in. And the best is, it’s all tax deductible!

THE WORKSHOP:

Geared to helping storytellers get out of the creative rut and move their short story, novel, play, of screenplay to the next level, this will be a fun week in the company of amazing writers. There will be special content for writers who are Christian who want to truly infuse their work with a transcendent theme. Bring a developed treatment, outline or script for thoughtful notes from our team of professional writers and long-time college-level educators.

Workshop sessions:

May 19: 4:00 - 6:00 pm

May  20 - 22:  8:30 am - 12:30 pm

May 22:  6:00-8:00 pm

INSTRUCTORS:

Dr. Barbara Nicolosi, PhD
Screenwriter of Fatima (2020) and executive producer of The Last Supper (2025)​

Karen Hall 
Multi-award winning television writer of Judging Amy, The Glades, The Good Wife; author of the biography of Fr. Paul Mankowski, The Sound of Silence (Sophia Press, 2024)​

Angela Andrews
MFA, former Adjunct Professor of Screenwriting, Regent University

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DAILY SCHEDULE:

Monday, May 19 – Day I: Arrivals and Evening Orientation at 6pm

Tuesday May 20 – Day II – Falling Back in Love With Your Story Idea
Session I - 9:00-945 - Why YOUR Story Matters
Session II - 10:00-10:45 - Reimagining Your Story Arena
Session III - 10:45-11:30 - Really Knowing and Loving Your Characters
Session IV - 11:45- 12:30 - Complications for Your Plot that will Enhance Your Theme
12:30pm - Dismissal to Have Fun in Orlando

Wednesday, May 21 - Day III – Aristotle and Stories That Truly Work

This morning will draw from Aristotle's Rhetoric and Poetics and apply his classical wisdom to the different elements of contemporary storytelling, especially plot,character, arena, dialogue, and visual quality.

9:00am-9:30am - Adding Smartness to Your Story
9:30am-10:00am - Adding Emotion to Your Story
10:45am-11:15am - Creating a Distinct Style and Aura for Your Story
11:30am-12:30pm - Whole, Harmonious, Radiant: How to Push Your Story Into the Realm of the Beautiful
12:30pm - Dismissal to go out and explore Orlando, especially Universal Studios new attraction: Epic Universe!

Thursday, May 22 - DAY IV – The Vocation of the Christian Storyteller
9:00am-9:30am –Holy Goals for The Believing Artist
9:30am – 10:00am –Flannery O’Connor’s Brilliant “Writing from Our Own Country”?
10:15am-10:45am – The “Chosen Effect” and the Challenge/Opportunity of Extra-Biblical Material
10:45am – 11:15am – Truth-telling in Historical Drama
11:30am – 12:00pm – What is a Redemptive Story?
12:00pm-12:30pm – The Sufferings of the Faithful Artist: Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones?

THE COST:

$580 for Catholic Art Institute Members 

$600 for Non-Members

Workshop includes 15 total hours of workshops  plus lots of downtime with the instructors!

(Price doesn’t include hotel but we have secured a special rate for the first 12 rooms.)

THE VENUE:

We have a block of rooms set aside at a special rate at the amazing Cabana Bay Resort at Universal Studios. Enjoy vibrant, retro-style with rooms and suites brilliantly designed for fun and affordability.

Here, you’ll relax with a splash, surrounded by amazing iconic architecture inspired by classic Florida beach resorts of the 1950s and 60s. There are a variety of options in the incredible food court.

Every day comes with fun for all ages with two massive pools, a lazy river, a bowling alley and more.

Plus, you’ll enjoy the exclusive theme park benefits of staying at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

CONFERENCE INQUIRIES: infowritespirit@gmail.com

To secure a room at our special rate, please email our Write Spirit Travel Agent Elizabeth Brahman at: elizabeth.braman@wanderingwandstravel.com

(Include your full name, and phone number, and if they have a person they want to room with or if they are requesting a single room.)

Rooms are limited! Book your spot today!  See you in Florida!!!!