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Book Dragon Ink • Fall 2026 Writing Cohort

Inkwrights’ Sabbatical

Cozy, Creative, Fall Writing Energy is Waiting for YOU

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The Inkwrights’ Fall Sabbatical is a 12-week intensive, small group, virtual program that focuses on providing the structure, support, and spark you need to reach your goals as a writer.

During the sabbatical starting the week of September 14th, you will work closely with the Book Dragon Ink coaches, Sage and Katherine, and your fellow Inkwrights to build out a personalized (and adaptive) writing process & story plan and get started/continue making massive progress on writing your draft, moving you closer to completing a full-length manuscript (perhaps you’ll even finish it with us 👀).

Meet the team.

This program is designed for those who have started, or are preparing to start, a book-length project: Novels, creative non-fiction, and memoirs in the early stages of development.

Each workshop is live, online and is recorded. We start with a get-to-know yourself as a writer assessment.

Participants will also meet one on one with our coaches at the beginning and end of the program to work through how to take their manuscript to the next level. Workshops, additional writing sprints, community connection events, and intensive, retreat-style write-ins round out the program, helping you harness that fall creativity and make the progress you crave.

What’s Included:

  • Nine live workshops—a little presentation, a lot of of application with your coaches 😊
    *Participation encouraged, but all workshops will be recorded

  • Two 1-1 coaching sessions for each participant with one of our coaches, one at the start of the program and the other at the end
    *You get to choose a time that works for you

  • Six community meet-ups to get to know each other and foster a sense of community: Books & Beverages, Pitch Challenges, Poem/Favorite Passage, and more.
    *And that’s only what we have scheduled during the program, see bonuses below for more 😉

  • Several full-day (and multi-day) writing sessions with silent writing sprints to help you get into the creative zone and obsess
    *For those who need more than a couple hours “here and there…”

Workshop Topics Include:

  • Get to know your fellow Inkwrights and begin your personalized story plan. The first week includes a bonus session where we develop a gamified story premise that’s both fun, and introduces the foundational story building blocks.

    What you’ll build: A self-assessment of where you are right now, with your story and your writing process.

  • Using the story seed we developed the previous week, we’ll break it down and examine what makes a story work. Inkwrights will begin exploring their own story building blocks.

  • Now that we have a sense of our story’s foundational elements, we’ll take a deeper look, discovering what it is about this story that keeps us up at night.

    We’ll also explore different writing processes: discovering what works and what doesn’t for you, as we continue to build out our personalized plans

  • We drop into the exciting world of character, exploring what makes a compelling POV and how to strengthen their arc.

    What you’ll build: A character guide that’s so much more than their favorite color.

  • External Plot development and your key story beats. The point isn't orthodoxy, it's identifying the load-bearing moments your story cannot work without.

    What you’ll build: A 5-beat skeleton. Even if half the beats are question marks, you’ll know what you’re looking for to fill those gaps as you continue to develop your manuscript.

  • An unputdownable story wants more than a handful of threads. We will look at subplots, supporting characters, romance, and world building — the elements that build strength and subtext.

    What you’ll build: A rolodex of story elements to strengthen the story you’re creating.

  • Writers block is inevitable, but letting it have the upper hand doesn’t have to be. In this session we’ll uncover common forms of “stuck” writing and the tools for freeing yourself.

    What you’ll build: A personalized toolkit to help you work through writer’s block.

  • Not everyone drafts the same way, and that’s a good thing. Learn some common misconceptions about the drafting process and make a plan for yours.

    What you’ll build: A drafting & revisions plan, tailored to your unique style.

  • We will identify the patterns we see coming up in the cohort when it comes to drafting, mindset, and story-building, then we will craft something to support that need.

Apply Now

Bonuses
(optional but enjoyable)

Community Connection:

Several meetups after the program concludes so that you can continue to enjoy the cohort and everyone can update each other on their manuscript progress.

Obsessive Drafting Continued:

Write alongside other Inkwrights during our Write With Me, Zinzi Bree write-ins (with almost daily co-working sessions), both during and after the program (24 weeks).

Bonus Writing Retreat:

To harness the novel writing season (Nanowrimo energy, anyone?), join us for two days of workshops, focused writing & more at the Color Outside the Lines Ink Retreat in October.

The Schedule:

Weekly Workshops: Fridays 9/18 - 12/11 2:15 - 3:45 pm ET

Our primary working sessions. Presentations followed by workshopping with Q&As. Sessions will be recorded. (No session 11/27/26)

Community Hang Outs: Days/Times Vary

Optional but encouraged live events to connect and encourage one another while having some fun. September dates below. Oct - Dec dates TBD by group.

1) Co-Building a Story with Zinzi Bree: 9/22/26, 12 - 1 pm ET
2) Book Club: Bring a book/author that inspires you: 9/30/26, 8 - 9 pm ET

Ink Retreat: Color Outside The Lines: October 17th & 18th 12 - 4 pm ET

Two days of workshops, writing sprints, and coaching.
Open to the public, but Sabbatical Attendees have free passes and priority access.

Writing Gauntlets: Various dates in October & November

Full day writing sprint extravaganzas. Come and write in community as much or little as you are able. Dates and times will be scheduled to best meet the needs of our participants.

1-1 Coaching

You will be sent a calendar link to book your two sessions at times that are most convenient for you!

cozy writing schedule with pencil, keyboard, and knitting 
Write With Me, Zinzi Bree (WWMZB): Near Daily Writing Sprints

Sabbatical participants have access to our near daily co-writing sprints for the 12 weeks of the Sabbatical and for an additional 12 weeks afterwards.

Click here to see current times.

  • "I was hesitant due to time constraints"

    Then… “From the first, Sage, Zinzi, and Katherine were friendly and enthusiastic teachers. We discussed the foundational elements of story and learned how to turn a fuzzy story idea into a clear premise (important when you're looking for an agent). Questions and discussion were encouraged, and I came away from the event with a handful of effective tools to sharpen my writing craft.”

    —Jennifer James
    https://www.jenniferjameswriting.com

  • "Accountability is a problem for me. I very much liked having a set time to have 'butt in chair'."

    “The Book Dragons put on a well organized event with lots of variety. The combination of silent sprints, craft presentations, available Q & A and the optional story game with ZinziBree made for a productive and inspirational retreat! The sessions helped me to work on a chapter I'd been avoiding. Even though it seemed like a HUGE chunk of time to commit to, it was really good for me and kept me accountable to my writing time. I look forward to more!"

    —Teresa Mokwa

  • "I've been in outline mode for so long and it had actually been quite a while since I did some actual writing/drafting."

    “This retreat got me to finally face a writing project I was avoiding and to rediscover the joy and fun of writing instead of only seeing the challenges. Writing can often be a lonely endeavor, so it feels so energizing to do it in community. Katherine, Sage, and Zinzi have great advice to share and make the retreat such a warm and welcoming space.”

    —Maddi Cowen

  • What was your primary hesitation for attending the event and what might you tell someone else who is hesitating over the same thing?

    “None. I would tell them to go.

    I haven't been in the group long, but have already learned a ton. They are knowledgable, willing to help, and extremely respectful. [They] teach without shoving the info down our throats.”

    —D.J. Glawson
    https://djglawsonauthor.com/

  • "I didn't have any hesitation and would tell anyone with any hesitation,

    …that your events are safe, supportive spaces and they will gain insights that will change their writing habits for the better. [The Book Dragons are] all so kind, generous, supportive and insightful. It's a pleasure to attend their events and I always come away with a fresh perspective on craft.

    Thank you Zinzi, Sage and Katherine for an innovative, thought-provoking and fun workshop. Mindful Murders took me out of my comfort zone in the best way. I have a whole new perspective on my writing process and am excited about diving back into editing my novel!”

    —Streeper Clyne
    https://www.streeperclyne.com/

  • "It was absolutely worth the time and money.

    Half the battle is carving out the time, so paying for it creates accountability! Plus, Book Dragon Ink are a fun and welcoming team to work with. [The best part of the event was] Getting realtime feedback from Katherine on my logline, I [also] loved having the opportunity to attend Zinzi's writing sessions. …it was a great opportunity to see how well dedicated writing time helps!

    Even though I don't write in the fantasy genre, I've found their workshops and writing tips to be equally applicable to my historical fiction manuscript. Carving out the time to learn from these women and take your craft seriously is worth the investment.”

    —Christy

  • "You three are a powerhouse of a coven!

    I got so much more completed than I thought I would. I got so much done. I always find that doing the writing sprints with others metaphorically by [my] side helps me accomplish much more. Also, got to link up with new writers. It has been brilliant. You guys delivered 110%."

    —Marty

Who The Sabbatical is For:

  • New and seasoned writers and authors in or entering the drafting stage—you have an idea, an outline, a started draft, or are redrafting.

  • You want to harness the creative energy of fall and write, write, write.

  • Working in small groups helps motivate you.

  • You want professional guidance and support.

The Sabbatical Might Not Be a Good Fit if You:

  • Are in revisions/editing-only, not drafting or redrafting.
    (Revision Sabbatical coming soon!)

  • Don’t want professional support before the draft is finished.
    (You don’t have to share your work, but you are invited to tell us about your story and to workshop various elements with us.)

  • Have a plan for managing your inner critic, writer’s block, and plot holes and prefer to work alone.

  • Don’t like meeting via Zoom.

Meet the Book Dragons

  • Sage Moreaux

    Book Coach & Chaos Coordinator

    Sage Moreaux is an author, book coach, media literacy professional, and story aficionado. She loves story in all its forms and derives great pleasure from helping other writers deepen character arcs, fill plot holes, build sustainable writing practices, and discover the heart of their stories.

    More of Sage

  • Zinzi Bree

    WWMZB Host & Community Captain

    Zinzi Bree is a writer of cozy fantasy, blending whimsy, warmth, and romance into heartwarming stories that celebrate magic and love. She also runs a supportive online writing community (WWMZB) that offers accountability, creative momentum, and connection for writers.

    More of Zinzi (WWMZB)

  • Katherine Suzette

    Book Coach & Creative Catalyst

    Katherine Suzette is a developmental editor, book coach, and all-round book-hoarding dragon. She is a character-forward coach and editor, anxious to help authors discover and amplify their writing voice so that their style is unique and addictive.

    More of Katherine

Your Investment

One of Book Dragon Ink’s founding philosophies is to be the tide that lifts all ships, and to give back to our community of Inkwrights in any way we can. We’ve already implemented a number of scholarship and golden ticket programs to support those in our community who wish to commit to their writing but don’t always have the financial means to do so. With this in mind, we’ve decided to offer our Fall Sabbatical on a sliding scale.

When you apply, please consider what you can honestly afford to invest in this opportunity. Those that purchase at full price will be helping support those who are stretching their means in hopes of moving their craft forward.

We are suggesting a range of $649–$949

Your investment choice does not affect our decision to offer you a seat in the cohort.

Ready to write your book?

💌 Apply Here 💌

Got Questions? We’ve got answers. Submit your question here!