Unlock Your Creativity with Risian Retreats
Join our unique hybrid writing retreat/workshops
Unlock Your Creativity with Risian Retreats
Join our unique hybrid writing retreat/workshops
Discover Risian Retreats
Our Mission
At Risian Retreats, we aim to provide an encouraging environment for science fiction writers. Our mission is to foster creativity and inspire new ideas through a combination of workshops, quiet time to write and talks from published writers and other industry professionals.
About Us
Your host - Sarah Margree (she/her)
Sarah is a lifelong science fiction reader and writer. She is currently a creative writing PhD student looking at the influence of science fiction on the decision to study STEM subjects. She has an MA in Creative Writing and has attended many writing workshops. She is the submissions manager and a first reader for James Gunn's Ad Astra magazine.
Image: Sarah with Hugo Award winner Mary Robinette Kowal
Guest host - Jean Asselin (he/him)
Jean is a Commonwealth scholar who holds a Master’s degree in Structural Geology from Imperial College. A lifelong science fiction fan, he is editor-in-chief of James Gunn’s Ad Astra magazine, a position he’s held since 2015
Image: Jean with Tiptree Award and Philip K Dick Award nominee Élisabeth Vonarburg
Sarah and Jean also run creative writing workshops for the Initiative for Interstellar Studies (i4is) and are editing an anthology for them.
Beldon House Retreat
28 September 2025 - 04 October 2025
Experience a tranquil and serene atmosphere at Beldon House in the pretty little market town of Brigg in North Lincolnshire.
Welcome to Risian Retreats!
Schedule
2 weeks before the retreat
Submit a story of up to 5,000 words at least two weeks before the retreat, you will also receive stories from the other attendees (maximum of 11) which you will need to critique.
Sunday, 28 September 2025
Arrival from 4pm, a buffet dinner of salad and cold cuts will be provided, along with a glass of wine or soft drink while you get to know your cohort.
Monday, 29 September 2025
We'll start the day with breakfast (included) and then run a critique circle and each person will be asked to deliver their critique of each authors work. This will be time limited in order to get through all the stories. We will break for lunch (included) before continuing the critiques and, if time, there will be the opportunity to ask questions. In the evening we will walk into Brigg for dinner (not included). Brigg has a vast array of eateries, from pubs, cafe's, restaurants with choices such as Italian, Chinese, Indian and there is a Wetherspoons. For anyone who doesn't want to go out, there is a full kitchen and you are welcome to cook for yourself. Tesco is just down the road.
Tuesday, 30 September 2025 - Thursday, 02 October 2025
Gather for breakfast and review what you want to achieve that day. This is a free day for writing. You can arrange a session with either Jean or Sarah to discuss your work. As an editor, Jean has a unique perspective if you are looking to get published. Sarah is very good at developmental editing. Lunch will be available to collect from the kitchen whenever you want. Evenings out in Brigg or cook for yourself. If possible, a guest science fiction author will conduct a 1 hour online seminar during the week, with Q&A.
Friday, 03 October 2025
A chance to review what you've achieved during the week and have a last chat with your cohort and hosts. Breakfast and lunch provided, farewell dinner in Brigg (not included) or cook for yourself.
Saturday, 04 October 2025
Grab breakfast (included) and leave for home by 10am.
How to apply
Send an email to applications2025@risianretreats.co.uk telling us what you would like to get out of the week and include a 1,000 word sample of your writing.
Closing date for applications is 01 August 2025.