Introducing The Finish Line Intensive!

"You can make anything by writing." (C.S. Lewis)

Writing a book takes more than just a great idea. It requires dedicated focus, genuine encouragement, and the kind of momentum that only comes from rolling up your sleeves and getting to work.

Are you ready to finally get your story onto the page?

Welcome to The Finish Line Intensive, a dedicated writing retreat located right here in Central Arkansas. Whether you need to start, sustain, or finish your manuscript, this intensive is designed to provide exactly what you need to cross the finish line.

What you can expect:

• Dedicated Writing Time: Uninterrupted hours to make substantial, focused progress.
• Supportive Environment: A space filled with encouragement and shared goals
• Constructive Feedback: Insightful critiques to strengthen your narrative and voice.
• Research-Oriented Conversations: Deep discussions to bring authenticity and detail to your work.
• Every attendee will receive a comprehensive workbook to guide their creative process.
• You will gain access to an exclusive online community where this close-knit group of writers can continue to build their skills together. We will keep supporting each other and growing our craft through the rest of 2026 and 2027.

Let us get your story out of your head and into your readers' hands.

 

Write alongside bestselling authors Tricia Goyer and Amber Lia!

Tricia Goyer is a speaker, podcast host, and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books. Specializing in historical fiction, romance, and educational non-fiction for parents and children, Tricia has decades of experience in traditional and independent publishing, book proposals, and mentoring writers. She has more than 4 million books in print and has won the ECPA Book of the Year, two Carol Awards, and numerous additional honors.

As the founder of GoyerInk, LLC and Epic Learning, LLC, Tricia combines her creative writing with sharp entrepreneurial skills. She manages active direct sales operations for her titles. As a veteran educator with 35 years of experience in the homeschooling community, she brings a deep passion for story-based learning to her mentorship. Tricia lives in Benton, Arkansas, with her husband, John, and they are part of a bustling family of ten children and over a dozen grandchildren.

Amber Lia is an ECPA bestselling author, speaker, and writing mentor who helps writers communicate hope-filled messages with clarity, authenticity, and purpose. With extensive experience in both traditional and independent publishing, Amber's self-published books have sold more than 100,000 copies—an exceptionally rare milestone in the self-publishing world.

Amber has guided countless writers through every stage of the publishing journey, from developing compelling book concepts and proposals to building author platforms, launching books, and creating lasting impact. Whether pursuing a traditional publishing contract or the independent route, Amber equips writers with practical strategies and encouragement to share their God-given message with confidence. 

They've worked with publishers such as:

Penguin Random House

Simon & Schuster

Harper Collins

Howard Books

Bethany House

Harvest House

Moody Publishing

Zondervan

Thomas Nelson

Focus on the Family

And more!

 

Throughout the retreat, both hosts will provide:

- one-on-one brainstorming

- help overcome writer's block

- give feedback on ideas and chapters

- offer guidance on publishing and proposals

- provide fiction and nonfiction coaching

- offer accountability during writing sessions

- and provide personal encouragement.

Whether you are at the beginning, in the middle of a manuscript, or making final edits, Tricia and Amber will be available to answer questions, help solve problems, and encourage every writer to cross the finish line and complete their book.

• Pomodoro writing blocks for deep focus
• No-internet writing room to minimize distractions
• Goal setting to clarify your objectives
• Peer review for feedback and accountability

 

Thursday, Oct. 22:

Optional Thursday Pre-Conference Masterclass

Thursday | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Optional Add-On)

Start your retreat experience early with an in-depth writing masterclass led by Tricia Goyer and Amber Lia. This hands-on workshop is designed for both fiction and nonfiction writers and includes teaching on story structure, compelling openings, character and message development, overcoming common writing obstacles, brainstorming sessions, and personalized coaching to help you make the most of the intensive that follows.

 

The Finish Line Intensive Begins

3:00pm – Arrival & check-in

4:00pm – Orientation & goal setting
5:00pm – First writing block
6:30pm – Dinner & introductions

Friday, Oct. 23 & Saturday, Oct. 24:
8:00am – Breakfast
9:00am – Writing block (Pomodoro method)
11:00am – Break
11:15am – Writing block
1:00pm – Lunch
2:00pm – Goal check-in & peer review
3:00pm – Writing block
5:00pm – Free time
6:30pm – Dinner
8:00pm – Evening activities

Sunday, Oct 25:
8:00am – Breakfast
9:00am – Final writing block
11:00am – Closing session & next steps
12:00pm – Departure

• Bring your laptop, charger, and any reference materials
• Prepare a brief summary of your project and your current goals
• Decide what you want to accomplish during the retreat
• Be ready to disconnect from the internet during writing blocks

Retreat Registration

Standard Registration: $1,297

Early Bird Registration: $997 — Save $300 when you register and pay in full by August 21.

Pre-Conference Investment: $300 (additional cost)

Only 24 spots are available, and Early Bird pricing ends August 21 or when the retreat fills—whichever comes first.

Payment Terms

Reserve your spot with a $325 deposit by July 31.

Early Bird Registration due August 21.

If not doing Early Bird registration, the remaining balance is due October 8.

Bonus

All retreat attendees are invited to join our exclusive online writing community for $97 per month through 2026 - 2027, providing year-round accountability, encouragement, coaching, and connection with fellow writers.

Because this exclusive gathering is capped at only 24 participants to ensure personalized attention, we encourage you to claim your spot today before the remaining spaces disappear.

We are gathering in Benton, Arkansas, situated just south of Little Rock. Our time together will be uniquely split between a dedicated retreat center and Tricia Goyer's home, providing a comfortable and inviting space for us to work and connect.

All your meals and snacks are fully provided so you can stay fueled and focused. While transportation and lodging are handled on your own, we are more than happy to connect you with fellow attendees if you are interested in shared accommodations.

As C.S. Lewis noted, "Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.'" (C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves). 

We are looking forward to our shared time sparking exactly that kind of connection and encouragement.

 

Pomodoro Technique focused writing blocks.
A strict no-internet writing room policy.
Goal setting paired with peer review to keep your momentum strong and your work moving forward.

Choose a specific writing project before you arrive.
Complete any necessary reading and preparation ahead of time.
Bring your laptop, charger, notes, plans, and downloaded materials so you are ready to write from the moment you begin.

The event is strictly capped at 24 people to ensure a supportive environment and personalized focus.

Attendance is limited to 24 writers to ensure a personalized experience.

Remaining balance is due two weeks before the event.

 

Cancellation Policy: Because we secure our venues and catering arrangements well in advance, all retreat registrations are strictly non-refundable. We completely understand that unexpected things happen in life. If you find yourself unable to attend, we offer two flexible options:

Transfer to a Future Event: You may apply your registration fee toward a later retreat.

Gift Your Spot: You are welcome to bless someone else by transferring your ticket to another attendee.

Please contact us at least 10 days prior to the retreat to arrange a transfer.

As Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps" (ESV). We trust that even if your plans change, you will be able to join us at exactly the right time.