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September 30, 2025 8 mins
At the Women’s Fiction Writers Association West Retreat in Albuquerque, Vanessa Riley shared insights on the Hero and Heroine’s Journey, character arcs, and modern storytelling trends. She emphasizes the importance of writing retreats for finding rhythm, overcoming creative blocks, and experiencing the support of a community of writers. Reflecting on her own journey as an author of twenty-nine books, she discusses how retreats offer both inspiration and practical guidance for sustaining the craft. Riley celebrates the communal exchange of knowledge, the joy of teaching, and the transformative power of writing together in a nurturing environment.

Keywords:
Vanessa Riley, writing, writers retreat, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, Hero’s Journey, Heroine’s Journey, character arcs, storytelling, writing craft, creativity, community, inspiration, Albuquerque, mentorship, overcoming writer’s block, author journey, teaching writing, narrative rhythm, publishing, craft workshops, author platform

More on Substack: https://vanessariley.substack.com/p/hanging-with-writers

Episode Notes & Extras 


Find my full show notes, behind-the-scenes thoughts, and extras on Substack → vanessariley.substack.com 

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