Kaia Alderson (speaking on September 26, 9:00 am-10:00 am)

Photo Credit: Jilisa Hope Millner

PRESENTING: “Walking the Roads My Forefathers (and Foremothers!) Walked (Or How I Play in the Archives for Literary Inspiration).” In this presentation, historical fiction author Kaia Alderson will discuss her methods for discovering, researching, and “getting in the heads” of the hidden historical figures who inspire her novels..

Kaia Alderson is a historical women’s fiction author with a passion for discovering “hidden figures” in African-American women’s history. She gravitates toward the stories of women who defied social, racial, and gender norms by refusing to stay in their “place” during a time when doing so could get them socially ostracized and/or killed. Kaia feels these women’s stories mirror the experiences of present-day Black women and demonstrate successful strategies for combatting the roadblocks that still persist in women’s social lives and in the workplace. 

Her two published novels are Sisters in Arms (2021) and In a League of Her Own (2024).

 Harrison Scott Key (speaking on September 26, 4:00 pm-5:00 pm)

PRESENTING:  “This Really Happened: On Writing True Stories." In this presentation, memoirist Harrison Scott Key shares his most useful lessons for writing memoir and fiction. How do you write a true story without alienating friends and family? Are memoirs just novels about true events? How much can you make up before the nonfiction becomes fiction? How do you recreate dialogue from events that happened years ago? Does a memoir need a villain? What if the villain is someone you love? What if the villain is you?

Dr. Harrison Scott Key is the author of How to Stay Married (2023), Congratulations Who Are You Again (2018), and The World's Largest Man (2015), winner of the Thurber Prize for American Humor. His books have been reviewed in the Washington Post, New York Times, The Atlantic, Wall Street Journal, and others. Harrison's humor and nonfiction have appeared in The Best American Travel Writing, The Best American Essays, New York Times, Garden & Gun, Oxford American, Outside, The Bitter Southerner, and elsewhere, and he has spoken and performed at more than 200 festivals, conferences, universities, and bookstores, as well as on the TEDx stage. He holds degrees in playwriting, creative writing, theater, and psychology and since 2007 has taught and worked at SCAD in Savannah, Georgia, where he lives with his family.

Denny Bryce (speaking on September 27, 9:00 am-10:00 am)

PRESENTING: “Creating Impactful Scenes Using Short Story Techniques.” Join this interactive session where we’ll discuss key short story techniques to build dynamic, self-contained scenes that drive your story forward. This presentation will explore how the craft of short story writing can enhance scene-building in any form of storytelling. Short stories demand efficiency, depth, and emotional resonance—skills that can make individual scenes more powerful. We’ll review the key elements of short story writing, discuss sharp openings, precise character actions, and well-placed dialogue to create tension and meaning. Come ready to refine your work in a collaborative setting.

Denny S. Bryce is the bestselling, award-winning author of five novels, including The Trial of Mrs. Rhinelander, The Other Princess, A Face in the Sun, Can't We Be Friends, and Wild Women and the Blues. She is also an NPR book critic, an adjunct professor at Drexel University, and a freelance writer who has written for Harper’s Bazaar and USA Today. A member of the Historical Novel Society, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and Tall Poppy Writers, she is represented by Wendy Sherman at Wendy Sherman Associates Literary Management.

Writing Panel Discussion on September 27, 3:30 pm-4:30 pm

PRESENTING:  "Approaches to finding good critiques" with a lively discussion and audience Q&A about beta readers, sensitivity readers, dialogue coaches, writers conferences, critique groups, informative books or lectures, and more.

Kim Conrey is the 2023 Georgia Author of the Year in the romance category. She is the author of the Ares Ascending sci-fi romance series, the Wayward Saviors urban fantasy series, and a memoir, You're Not a Murderer: You Just Have Harm OCD. She has published traditionally and self-published.

Laura Kelly Robb is the author of the mystery and coming-of-age story China Rock, the mystery The Laguna Shores Research Club, and short stories.

George Weinstein is the Executive Director of the Atlanta Writers Club and the award-winning author of eight novels that range from Southern historical fiction (Hardscrabble Road and The Five Destinies of Carlos Moreno) and mystery/thriller (Aftermath and Watch What You Say) to contemporary fiction (The Caretaker) and comedic sci-fi (Offlining). He has published traditionally and self-published.

Open Mic on September 27, 4:30 pm-6:00 pm

To close out the retreat, participants are invited to share their work with a 5-minute reading. This powerful exercise has encouraged participants from past retreats to publish their writing and create videos of their presentation. Please share your creativity and heart and inspire others! 

Suggested Lodging Options

Ocean Inn & Suites - Across the street from AW Jones Heritage Center - an easy stroll! Limited room block available. To claim a room, call (912) 634-2122 and provide group code "SSI Literary Guild" to receive a rate of $145/night (does not include taxes and fees)

Hotel Simone

The Inn By Sea Island

Hampton Inn

Saint Simons Inn by the Lighthouse

Best Western Plus St. Simons

The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort

Sea Palms Resort

Village Inn and Pub

Queens Court Inn

Strachan Carriage House

Vrbo Vacation Rentals

Airbnb Vacation Rentals

Lilmar Properties