Thriller Writers Retreat 2026
September 24-27 in Cerillos, NM
WOMEN’S THRILLER WRITERS RETREAT 2026
Give your story the time it deserves.
When the following spaces sell out, there will be more options added until we meet 10 participants.
Imagine waking up in historic Cerrillos, New Mexico, with nothing on your agenda but the story burning inside you. No meals to plan, no interruptions, no excuses. Just you, your words, and a writing coach in your corner whenever inspiration stalls.
| September 24–27, 2026 Cerrillos, New Mexico | 10 writers maximum All levels welcome | Arrive by 5 pm Thursday Depart no earlier than 11:30 am Sunday |
What these four days look like:
Stroll through magical Santa Fe, talk thrillers over dinner with writers who get it, and finally give your work the focused attention it deserves.
Thursday — Arrival – no earlier than 3 PM
| Evening | Welcome! 4:30 PM Arrival champagne or fizzy lemonade and charcuterie board. 7:30 PM Dinner – Spinach Pie, bright salad, BBQ chicken or veggie – Portobello Mushroom, homemade seasonal ice cream. Wine & beverages. Thriller book exchange Discussion of our favorite thrillers. Discussion of how we can translate that into our own work |
| Late night | Writing session with a prompt to get the words flowing. |
Friday
| Morning | Sonja will lead you into 8 moves that undo the harmful effects of sitting too long. 9:00 AM Continental Breakfast (coffee, tea, juice, fruit, pastries, bagels & whipped green chile & sundried tomato cream cheese, coffee, tea) A writing discussion Goal-setting for the day |
| Morning | Quiet writing time — your coach is available for questions and whatever inspiration you need. |
| Lunch | 1:00 PM Lunch – Creamed cumber salad, grilled London broil and or shrimp or veggie – zucchini over spinach salad with roquefort dressing, nuts, olives and white bean salsa. Wine & Fizzy Lemonade |
| After lunch | Group read and critique — specific, respectful, and genuinely useful. |
| Afternoon | Break — nap, double down on coffee, read, whatever you want. 3:00 PM Iced Coffee Break ( Organic coffee, tea drinks and patisseries) Sunset Cocktails/ Mocktails & charcuterie |
| Evening | Writing time, then dinner. Dinner: Charcuterie board |
| Late night | Writing session with a prompt. |
Saturday
| Morning | Sonja will lead you into 8 moves that undo the harmful effects of sitting too long. 9:00 AM Group country Breakfast – (Coffee, Tea, Juice, Pouched eggs, bacon, veggie sausage, pesto quinoa, black beans, salsa, fruit) A writing discussion Goal-setting for the day |
| Morning | Writing time |
| Afternoon | Optional Santa Fe excursion — lunch in Santa Fe, a short gallery walk for inspiration, then writing time at a coffee shop before returning to Cerrillos. |
| Afternoon | Break — a game of Clue, a nap, more coffee, whatever recharges you. |
| Evening | Writing time, then dinner. |
| Late night | Writing session with a prompt. |
Sunday — Closing Morning
| Morning | Sonja will lead you into 8 moves that undo the harmful effects of sitting too long. 9:00 AM Continental Breakfast A closing discussion to set you up for success long after the retreat ends. |
Cerrillos Manor
Our location for this retreat is in Cerrillos, just outside of Santa Fe, NM.
Property Amenities: Hot Tub, Fire Pit, 7 private shaded sitting and working areas, additional outdoor shower, access to the Cerrillos Hills State Park for hiking, and Broken Saddle Outfitters for Horseback riding the park, as well as walking to dining.
Our 1800’s adobe manor and guest houses are situated at the entrance to the Cerrillos Hills State Park. This tranquil and meditative location lends itself to creativity and peacefulness. The large private property, is surrounded by open space and magnificent views of the Ortiz Mountains and The Galisteo River Basin. There is Wifi throughout the property and seven private patios to linger in the shade or within our orchard. Hot tub, fire ring as well as an additional fun, outside shower, adult swings, and easy access to hiking trails make this a perfect location to focus and evolve.
Cerrillos Manor is owned by J.A. St. Thomas author of the thrilling, eat the rich series, the Stephanie Beroe Chronicles and her husband Thomas St. Thomas who is a fine artist. Their historic home is a unique New Mexico experience, transforming the creative process into an oasis in the desert.
Choose your room (Price includes meals, lodging, and event)
The Casita
Detached adobe carriage house.
- Queen bed,
- private walk-in shower,
- bathroom,
- couch,
- working area,
- wifi,
- fully stocked kitchen,
- full kitchen,
- covered patio w/rocker and
- patio table.
Click here:
$1,468 – The Casita Pay in full or 4 payments of $375
The Carriage House
Detached carriage guesthouse to the main house, Adobe & rock studio.
- Queen bed,
- chandelier,
- hand-carved Chinese doors,
- walk-in shower and bathroom,
- couch,
- eating/work space,
- fully stocked kitchen,
- shaded private rock patio with daybed.
Click here:
$1,468 – The Carriage House Pay in full or in 4 payments of $375
The Green Room
Inside the manor.
- Queen bed,
- antiques,
- east-facing windows,
- private full bath with claw-foot tub,
- desk,
- and wardrobe.
Click here:
$1,432 – The Green Room pay in full or 4 payments of $360
The Brighton Room
Inside the manor. Located off a small sitting room that is separated from the main living room with pocket doors for privacy. Inspired by the Brighton sunset over the English Channel.
- Single daybed
- Writing desk
- Reading chair
- Shares the manor’s main full bath with claw-foot tub
Click here:
$1,387 – The Brighton Room Pay in full or 4 payments of $350
Or Join us!
(This includes the event and meals, but not lodging!)
Click here:
$997 – pay in full or pay 4 payments of $250
WHO THIS IS FOR
This retreat is open to women writers of all levels — from those just beginning to find their voice to multi-published authors ready for their next breakthrough. No publication credits required.
Come with a project you’re burning to finish, or simply come with the desire to reconnect with your writing. What I ask is that you arrive ready to show up fully — for yourself and for the other writers in the room. The magic happens when everyone commits to it together.
YOUR HOST
Sonja Dewing is an award-winning author of both fiction and nonfiction who spent years as a National Novel Writing Month liaison. She helped hundreds of writers finish writing their 50,000 words in November. She’s also CEO of Women’s Thriller Writers Association and the author of “The Finishing Formula: Using the adventure method to finish writing your book” (coming soon).
She earned her degree at UNM, focusing on journalism and professional writing. She has been published in national magazines and was named Best Author in New Mexico by the New Mexico Entertainment Awards in 2024. She’s been a speaker and Emcee for a variety of national events, including InkersCon, Multiverse Con, and Killer Nashville.
Her latest memoir, “Chasing the Horizon: How I Built My Life on Courage, Coffee, and Saying Yes”, won the best nonfiction book from New Mexico Press Women and she’s currently working on “The Finishing Formula: Using the adventure method to finish writing your book.”
She’s been coaching writers for over 20+ years.
Sonja has been called “magical” in how she can inspire you, and she’s here to translate that magic into your writing breakthroughs.
CANCELLATION POLICY
More than 30 days before the retreat: Full refund minus the non-refundable deposit – $350.
Within 30 days: No refund, but you are welcome to sell or give your spot to another writer, subject to approval.
GETTING THERE
The nearest airport is Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ). It takes approximately 1 hour to drive from the airport to the venue at 39 Yerba Buena, Los Cerrillos, NM 87010.
Questions? Contact me! sonja@womensthrillerwriters.com
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