Welcome to WestWord!
Retreat West has merged into WestWord as of 2025
After thirteen wonderful years of supporting writers through Retreat West (2012-2025), I've brought together these two creative ventures here at WestWord.
What you loved about Retreat West lives on and continues to flourish here:
Writing Courses & Workshops - The same high-quality online fiction workshops, and craft development sessions you've come to expect, now available through WestWord's Substack platform.
Writing Community - Our supportive online community of writers continues to gather at the workshops and writing session.
Publishing Excellence - While Retreat West Books published 24 acclaimed titles from 2018-2023 (including our 2020 Saboteur Award for Most Innovative Publisher), WestWord now focuses on our thriving literary magazine, publishing exceptional micro fiction, flash fiction, and short stories.
Competitions & Opportunities - The WestWord Prize and themed submissions continue our tradition of celebrating outstanding short fiction and providing platforms for emerging voices.
The Same Dedication - I’m continuing to bring the same passion for helping writers develop their craft, find their voice, and get published.
Whether you're here for workshops, community, or to submit your work, you'll find everything you need to grow as a writer. Welcome to the next chapter of our story together.
Explore WestWord | Join our community
If you’re interested in taking a course with me, I am now teaching my courses at my other creative venture, The Mindful Writer.
With love
Amanda 💙