A Castle · Your Writing Life · April 2027
Storybook Inkspiration
at the Castle
You stay in a real castle in the Ouachita Mountains. Everything included. And a pitch appointment with an acquiring publisher.
Two retreats, back to back. Twenty-five writers each. Come for one or stay for the full week.
Dates
A Real Castle in
the Ouachita Mountains
This isn't a hotel conference room. It isn't a church retreat center. It's a castle — in the mountains of southeastern Oklahoma, surrounded by the most concentrated forest in the state.
We chose this place deliberately. Writers do their best thinking when they're somewhere that feels like a story. And for five days (or nine days), this is exactly where you'll be.
Everything happens on-site. You arrive and
you don't have to think about logistics again until you leave.
We refer to it as a mini-boutique conference and writer's retreat.
You will have time to write and create,
and you will have time with industry experts who can coach and guide.
The group size is kept small on purpose.
We could do a bigger event and make money,
but we would rather pour into writers
and seek God's plan for each writer.
Everything. Included.
Accommodations
Shared bunk room included. (If you need a private room, you can book your own lodging and come to the castle each day for everything else - see pricing below)
All Meals
Every meal, every day. Arrive hungry — you don't need to think about food.
Coaching Sessions
Structured coaching sessions throughout the weekend — not filler, real work.
Manuscript Critiques
Get professional eyes on your work. Feedback that helps you move forward.
Professional Headshots
Author photos and retreat photos — because you'll have content worth sharing.
Roundtables with Industry Experts
Real conversations with publishing professionals — and small enough that they will remember your name.
Pitch Party Option
Present your manuscript or illustrator portfolio to publishers and industry guests.
Writing Time
Scheduled time to actually write — this is a key part of this whole retreat.
Rest & Networking
Intentional margin built in. Time to breathe, connect, and remember why you write.
Optional Add-On: Safari Park Excursion starting at $35 and optional shopping trip/time to explore the area.
Who You'll Learn From:
Industry Professionals.
Real Feedback.
The retreat faculty includes published authors, illustrators, publishers, and coaches — people actively working in the Christian children's writing world, not just talking about it.
YA Mentor/Coach announced in October!
Hannah Prewett
Illustrator of multiple published picture books, agented author, and speaker at Mt. Hermon Vision Conference.
Terrie Hellard-Brown
Christian children's author, founder of Hypurpley Publishing, award-winning writer. She built a writing career in the margins of a full ministry life.
Also featuring: Heather Sudbrock
Writer's business coach helping authors build money-making writing businesses — because the craft and the career have to work together.
Present Your Work
to a Publisher
If your manuscript is ready — or your illustrator portfolio — you'll have the opportunity to pitch it directly to acquiring publishers and industry professionals at our Pitch Party. This is a real opportunity. Not a simulation. Not a classroom exercise.
The Pitch Party is optional — participate only if your work is ready. Either way, being in the room is invaluable.
Inkspired Writer Awards
Already published? Enter our book award contest. This contest is independently run outside of our company, but we help coordinate the awards banquet and plan this retreat. The judging, however, is not affiliated with us at all. Every book entered is judged on its own merits, according to the judging rubric, regardless of publisher, author, or illustrator.
Each winner's book will be featured at Hypurpley live events in 2027, and each author will be featured on our podcast "Sparking Everyday Discipleship."
Awards banquet is Sunday, 4/11/27.
Books must be published between January 2025-December 2026.
5 Categories:
1. Board Books/Picture Books Author Award
2. Board Books/Picture Books Illustrator Award
3. Chapter Books & Children's Novels Award
4. YA/Fantasy Award
5. Parenting & Family Award
Register your book starting October 1, 2026. Deadline to register is January 31, 2026.
Learn more
All-inclusive pricing. No surprises.
Every option includes all meals, coaching sessions, manuscript critiques, roundtables, professional headshots, Pitch Party participation, writing time, and all retreat programming at the castle.
Limited to 25 writers per retreat.
ONE RETREAT —
YA (April 7–11) or Children's Writers & Illustrators (April 11–15)
| Through Nov 30 | After Nov 30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stay at the castle — shared bunk room included | $1,195 | $1,295 |
| Retreat only — book your own lodging (use coupon LODGING100 at checkout) | $1,095 | $1,195 |
Reserve YA RetreatReserve Children's & Illustrators
THE FULL WEEK —
both retreats, April 7–15 · save $395
| Through Nov 30 | After Nov 30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stay at the castle - shared room included | $2,095 | $2,195 |
| Retreat only - book your own lodging (use coupon LODGING at checkout) | $1,895 | $1,995 |
Which option is right for you?
Stay at the castle. A shared bunk room at the castle, all four nights. This is where the retreat really happens — the late conversations, the 6am writing before anyone else is up. Limited to 25 spots per retreat.
Retreat only. You book your own room nearby and join us at the castle each day for every meal and every session. Best if you want your own bathroom and quiet at the end of the day, or if you're driving in from within a few hours. We run a shuttle morning and evening, or bring your own car.
The nearest hotel is Choctaw Landing Casino & Resort in Hochatown, about 5 minutes from the castle. There are also cabins and other hotels in the Hochatown and Broken Bow area. You're welcome to stay wherever suits you — expect roughly $100-$200 per night for April.
Payment plans
Available through November 30. All payments complete by January 31, 2027. Plans include a $50 processing fee and are based on the regular rate. Choose your plan at checkout.
| Down Payment | Then | |
|---|---|---|
| One retreat, castle | $340 | 3 × $335 |
| One retreat, retreat only | $315 | 3 × $310 |
| Full week, castle | $445 | 3 × $600 |
| Full week, retreat only | $410 | 3 × $545 |
Don't let the upfront total be the only reason you don't come — email us and we'll talk it through.
Make Your Down Payment Today to Reserve Your Seat:
YA Retreat, Castle
YA Retreat only
Children's Writers/Illustrators Retreat, Castle
Children's Writers/Illustrators Retreat only
Full Week, Castle
Full Week Only
Bringing a spouse or non-writing friend?
Non-writing guests are welcome to join us for meals at the castle for $300 per guest for one retreat, or $550 for the full week. This covers all meals and castle access during mealtimes. Guests handle their own lodging and don't attend sessions, critiques, or the Pitch Party. They are welcome to join the movie nights, shopping excursion, and may even fish in the pond. Limited to 5 guests per retreat — email us to arrange.
Cancellation
Full refund minus a $75 processing fee through February 7, 2027. After February 7, registration is non-refundable but fully transferable — to another writer, or to our 2028 retreat. Lodging you book yourself is subject to that hotel's own cancellation policy.
FAQ
Where exactly is this, and how do I get there?
The castle is in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, in the Ouachita Mountains in the southeastern corner of the state. Most attendees drive — it's about three hours from Tulsa or Dallas, and it's about three and a half hours from Oklahoma City.
Flying? Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) has the most direct flights and usually the best fares. Tulsa (TUL) is a similar drive. Texarkana Regional (TXK) is closest at about an hour and a half, with fewer flights. Airport pickup is available at limited scheduled times — email us before you book so we can confirm a seat in the van.
What's the difference between "stay at the castle" and "retreat only"?
Castle attendees sleep in shared bunk rooms at the venue. Retreat-only attendees book their own lodging nearby and come to the castle each day. Both include every meal and every session. The castle option costs a little more and includes your bed; the retreat-only option costs less and leaves lodging up to you.
Where should I stay if I book my own room?
The nearest hotel is Choctaw Landing Casino & Resort in Hochatown, about 5 minutes away. There are also cabins and smaller hotels throughout Hochatown and Broken Bow — this is a popular vacation area, so options are plentiful. Book early. April is high season and rooms fill months ahead.
Will there be a shuttle?
Yes. The van runs from Choctaw Landing Hotel to the castle each morning and back each evening. If you'd rather come and go on your own schedule, you can bring your car.
What does "shared bunk room" actually mean?
The castle has several large bedrooms with king beds, twin beds, and queen bunks. If we reach capacity, we will need some to share the king beds with someone, but otherwise, we are trying to put one person per bed. Please note that some of the beds require climbing and nearly all require climbing stairs. The castle sleeps 30 including our speakers and cook, which is why we cap the retreat at 25 writers.
Do I have to be published to come?
No. We have space for writers at every stage — first draft, tenth draft, and everything between. The Pitch Party is optional, but everyone is welcome to come watch how it works and learn.
What's the difference between the two retreats?
April 7–11 focuses on young adult fiction. April 11–15 focuses on children's books — board books and picture books through middle grade — and illustration. If you write across both, the full week saves you $395.
Can my spouse or a friend come?
Yes, for meals at the castle — see the guest rate above. Guests arrange their own lodging and don't attend sessions. Space is limited, so email us before you register.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
All meals are included and we will do our best to accommodate. Tell us when you register so our kitchen can plan.
Will there be cell service and wifi?
We are in the mountains and wilderness area, so wifi is available but may not always be reliable.
What should I bring?
Your manuscript or portfolio, a laptop or notebook, comfortable layers for April in the mountains, and something nice for headshot day. Full packing list after you register.
Is the Pitch Party required?
No. Pitch only if your work is ready. Coaches will give feedback on your pitch and query whether or not you present.
What's your cancellation policy?
Full refund minus a $75 processing fee through February 7, 2027. After that, non-refundable but fully transferable.
Can I pay over time?
Yes — payment plans through November 30, completed by January 31, 2027.
I'm still not sure this is right for me.
Email [email protected]. We'd genuinely rather talk it through than have you register for something that isn't a fit.