What if story came first — before everything else?
What would you create?
If… Writers Retreat
May 15 - 18, 2026
As writers we’re always searching for time and space to write — so, we thought, what if we created a place where it's just you, your script, and a ton of snacks?
Introducing the IF Story Collective, a place for emerging and established writers to be inspired, sharpen their craft, and connect with a supportive community.
Our inaugural writers retreat will be at a mountain lodge in the beautiful Smoky Mountains (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; 60 minutes from Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport). Four days away from the daily grind to write, workshop, and really focus.
Bring your story ideas, outline, or draft. Wherever you are in the creative process, we can help you make real progress.
What’s Included
Accommodations (4 days/3 nights)
All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner, snacks & beverages; vegetarian- and GF-friendly)
Open writing blocks
Craft talks + creative workshops
Yoga + mindfulness sessions
Access to the resort's outdoor pool, mini-golf & hiking trails
Gorgeous mountain views
Special guest details to come!
Room Options
Private Room. 1 King Bed: $1,275 INVITE-ONLY PRICE
($1,950 List Price)Shared Room. 2 Queen Beds: $950 INVITE-ONLY PRICE
($1,450 List Price)Dorm Room. 2 Queen Bunks: $650 top bunk / $750 bottom bunk INVITE-ONLY PRICE (top $850 / bunk $950 List Price)
All rooms have an en suite full bathroom. Payment plans available.
See the Mountain View Lodge!
About us
For eight years, Melody and Michele have run a weekly writers group—a support system where professional and emerging writers break stories, give notes, navigate the industry, and inspire each other to keep writing.
Melody Herr is a working screenwriter, producer, and director. She created and produced the mystery-thriller podcast The Farm and produced the feature film Diffraction (available on Amazon Prime).
Her background as the Retreat Director for Roadmap Writers inspired her to co-found the IF Story Collective—to help writers show up, dig deeper, and do the work.
Melody earned her MFA in Screenwriting from Emerson College after a career in architectural design and living around the world with her growing family. In her spare time, Melody enjoys chasing cheap flights and even remembers to pack socks. Sometimes.
Originally from New Jersey, Michele Dagle O'Connor writes for film, TV, and advertising. She creates brand identities for global clients and teaches storytelling + screenwriting at Marquette University. Previously, she led communications for Women In Film's NYC chapter (NYWIFT).
Her supernatural-thriller pilot Summerland won at Shore Scripts, her Nutcracker-inspired feature Christmas in Sugarplum was optioned, and her short drama Stay won at the Oregon Independent Film Festival.
Michele studied screenwriting at UCLA and earned her MFA in TV & Screenwriting from Stephens College, a program championing female and other underrepresented voices.