Writers’ Getaway 2026

Writing for Such a Time as This

An Overnight Retreat for Christian Women Writers

Nov 10-11, 2026 | $199

Cindi McMenamin and Pam Farrel will be co-leading

And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Exo 4:14 (ESV)

Has God placed a message on your heart to speak up about, as well as get down on paper? Maybe you are sensing God’s nudge to write an article, develop your personal story into a published book that can help others, or place your writing in a venue where it can be seen and make a difference in others’ lives. In this year’s Writers’ Getaway, prolific authors Pam Farrel and Cindi McMenamin will help you:

• gain insights on how to listen for God’s voice as you write

• maintain integrity and Spirit-led writing in light of AI options that abound

• find your writing buddies and keep motivated, encouraged, and accountable to follow through

• explore various avenues for publishing your material

• receive expert guidance and instruction on how to develop your material into something that meets the reader’s need

• discern your next steps through one-on-one coaching of your work in progress

Mordecai encouraged young Queen Esther to be bold when he told her: “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). Perhaps God has placed you right where you are and given you a burning message on your heart “for such a time as this.” Consider your calling to write what matters now by attending our next Writers’ Getaway.

Writers of All Levels are Welcome

Whether you’re beginning to write, thinking about focusing more on your writing, or investigating avenues of publication for what you’ve already written, longtime authors and NEWIM members Cindi McMenamin and Pam Farrel will provide resources, encouragement, one-on-one coaching, and next steps for women seeking to glorify God with their writing. This 24-hour retreat of encouragement and instruction will occur just prior to The Springs Retreat in Three Rivers, CA.  

Come just for the Getaway, or stay through for The Springs retreat for extended time to hear from God, write, and apply what you’ve learned.

2026 NEWIM Writers’ Getaway

Schedule of Events

Tuesday, Nov. 10

10 am: Arrival time, settle in your room, set up book tables, materials in our meeting room,

12:00: Lunch is served

1:00: Welcome & Introductions with Pam and Cindi (Mission Room)

Session 1: Hearing God’s Voice for Such a Time as This (Cindi and Pam)

2:00: Restroom & Refreshment Break

2:15: Session 2: Maintaining Integrity in Your Writing / AI: Friend or Foe (Cindi and Pam)

3:15-3:30:  Restroom / Book Table Break

3:30-5:30: One-on-One Coaching Appointments with Pam or Cindi (Mission Room/Patio)

6:00:  Dinner (Dining Room)

7-7:45: Session 3: Fine Tuning Your Angle to Meet Your Readers’ Need (Cindi)

8-8:45: Session 4:  Deadlines, Self-Discipline, and Finding Your Creative Crew (Pam)

8:45: Free time, Reflection/Writing, or Goodnight

Wednesday, Nov. 11

8 am: Breakfast (Dining Room)

9-9:45: Session 5: Staying the Course and Remembering Your Reward (Cindi)

10-10:45:  Session 6:  Give Wings to Your Words (Pam)

10:45-11:25:  Prayer/Encouragement/Send Off (Mission Room)

11:25-11:30: Group Picture (Patio)

12:00: Lunch (Dining Room)

 How to Prepare

In preparation for the Writers Getaway, read the chapters from Kathy's "Writing as a Ministry for God's Glory" that apply to your writing goals and desires.

What to Bring

If you have writing that you've been working on, notebooks of ideas, books that inspire you, please bring them. You might also want to bring a laptop or tablet, and your favorite pen.

What women have to say about their experience

St. Anthony's Retreat Center

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, just 30 minutes east of Visalia, St. Anthony's Retreat and Conference Center offers a beautiful setting for the Writer's Getaway. Enjoy having your own private room and bath, delicious and healthy meals, and time to write in a quiet setting dedicated to spiritual gatherings.  

Three Options to choose from

Option 1 - Writers’ Getaway plus The Springs Retreat. 

Come to the Writers' Getaway and be inspired as a writer and then stay for The Springs Retreat to spend time with the Lord.

Three nights, 9 meals, private room and bath

Register for the Springs retreat separately

Option 2 - Writers’ Getaway overnight: 

Enjoy the full program, spending Tuesday night at St. Anthony's in a private room with a private bath, and four meals with the group. The formal program begins at 1 p.m. after lunch but please come early, if you can, to get settled and meet the co-leaders and other participants.

Cost: $199.

Option 3 - Writers’ Getaway program only, sleep at home:

Enjoy the full program. Dinner with the group on Tuesday evening is included.

Cost: $75

Writers’ Getaway co-Leaders

Cindi McMenamin

Cindi is an award-winning writer and speaker who helps women strengthen their relationship with God and with others. She has authored 19 books including When Women Walk Alone (more than 160,000 copies sold), When Women Long for Rest, When a Woman Discovers Her Dream, and When God Sees Your Tears. Her newest book, The New Loneliness: Nurturing Meaningful Connections When You Feel Isolated, releases in 2025. Cindi and her husband of 36 years, Hugh, co-authored When Couples Walk Together: 31 Days to a Closer Connection and Cindi's daughter, Dana, collaborated with her to write When a Mom Inspires Her Daughter. Cindi writes regularly for Crosswalk.com and other online sites and continues to speak for women’s retreats and conferences across the country. Cindi is a CLASS-trained speaker and is certified as a writing and speaking coach through the Advanced Writers and Speakers of America. Over the past two decades, Cindi has helped more than 50 women publish their articles, books, or take their next step toward a successful writing journey. You can learn more about Cindi's ministry at www.StrengthForTheSoul.com.

Pam Farrel

Pam is an international speaker, relationship coach, and author of 61 books including bestselling Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti. Pam has also released five “Discovering the Bible Series” creative bible studies. Pam and her husband, Bill, often minister together.

Pam has spoken for a wide variety of groups: overseas for missions or governments. In the USA and Canada she has keynoted for churches, conference centers, community groups as well as the military and businesses. Her sense of humor, personal stories, and wisdom make her a popular speaker and radio/TV guest (Moody network, Family Life Today, Focus on the Family, Dr. Dobson’s radio, and most TV networks.)  

Pam and Bill enjoy time with their grown children, their spouses, and young grandchildren. When they are not working you will find them on the beach or kayaking from their live-aboard boat docked in southern California. You can learn more about their ministry at www.Love-Wise.com or reach out to Pam directly at: pam@Love-Wise.com