Established in 1987, Writers Retreat Workshop serves as a sanctuary for writers serious about their craft. Built upon the foundation created by Gary Provost and Gail Provost Stockwell, WRW celebrates the craftsmanship of storytelling. I invite you to discover the time-tested techniques that have launched successful literary careers for decades.
From 2002 to 2015, I led WRW through a vibrant era of growth. WRW has always been international, with instructors and participants joining us from all over the world. We have hosted workshops and 1-1 sessions from Kentucky to Minnesota, from Florida waterways to Sydney, Australia, and San Antonio to New England. With Carol "Doc" Daughterty at the helm WRW went to Boise, Philly and NC.
Looking forward, I hope you'll join us as we dream the dream on.
Let's discover where your next chapter leads.
Jason Sitzes has written award-winning short fiction, hundreds of feature stories, a handful of novels, a screenplay, and is a ghostwriter for published business books, memoirs, and a nationally-performed stage play based on a comedian/singer's obsession with Frank Sinatra.
He serves as Director for the internationally acclaimed Writers Retreat Workshop (founded by Gary and Gail Provost). For more than 20 years, he has served as an editor and instructor for Writing The Breakout Novel workshops with Donald Maass , Lorin Oberweger (WRW editor-in-residence), and Brenda Windberg.
Jason has interviewed and discussed story with the likes of the late Dick Gregory, Paula Poundstone, Dean Koontz, Simon Lipskar (Writers House), Gregory McDonald, Joe Lansdale, Louis CK, Nancy Pickard, Elizabeth Lyon, Jennifer Cruise, Richard Kline, and dozens and dozens more.
Jason is a manuscript coach/story development editor for hundreds of fiction and non-fiction writers. See the registration page to book a time to work personally with Jason.
He earned his BA in Creative Writing from the Univ of Tennessee studying with southern writing greats like Michael Knight, Tom Franklin, and Marilyn Kallet.
WRITERS RETREAT WORKSHOP DIRECTOR
Jason Sitzes
Expertise & Experience
Online Workshops
Bringing the retreat experience to the digital space, ensuring high-level instruction and community connection from anywhere in the world.
Years of Teaching
Deeply rooted in the Provost legacy, I have spent decades teaching the technical mastery and emotional resilience required for great storytelling.
Live Workshops
Facilitating immersive, international retreats that serve as a sanctuary for writers to refine their craft in a collaborative environment.
1:1 Coaching
Dedicated one-on-one mentorship tailored to individual projects, helping writers overcome blocks and achieve professional-grade results.
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The Voice Within: Unleashing Creative Potential
I believe that every writer possesses a unique resonance that only they can offer the world. My philosophy is grounded in removing the barriers between thought and page, nurturing the courage to speak truth through fiction and creative non-fiction, and helping every writer find the clarity and confidence to master their own artistic journey.
USA Today
Writers Retreat Workshop was featured as a life-changing retreat.
Credentials & Press
Publishers Weekly
Recognized as a premier institution for craft mastery and high-authority literary mentorship.
Jason's Professional Credentials
- BA in Creative Writing from the University of Tennessee with a focus on Long-form Narrative Structure
- Director of Writers Retreat Workshop since 2001 (took a break 2018 until 2025).
- Writer of over one hundred feature interview articles (including the late Dr Dick Gregory, Paula Poundstone, Richard Kline, Mother Falcon, Louis C.K., Wax Fang, Stephanie Courtney (Flo), and many others.
- Ghostwriter of six published works (creative non-fiction and business).
- Writer of the book proposal and partial stage script for My Sinatra (Cary Hoffman) national tour.
- As Director of Writers Retreat Workshop, Jason has welcomed and worked alongside hundreds of writers, editors, agents, and those compelled by story. (See the WRW Guest List and Photo page over the decades.)
- Award-winning short story writer. (A few novels in the drawers.)
- Over 35 years of continuous media mentions and industry advocacy for writers.
- Editor-on-staff for Free-Expressions workshop since 2001 with Donald Maass, Lorin Oberweger, and Brenda Windberg plus many visting staff.