Time is running out to register for the Whidbey Island Writers Association’s October lock-down retreat at Captain Whidbey Inn just off Madrona Way west of Coupeville.

The retreat is titled “First Write the Book; It’s All in the Craft,” will take place from Friday, Oct. 12 through Sunday, Oct. 14.

The program is aimed at writers who are serious about taking their work to the next level. Space is available for 24 participants.

Fees for the retreat, which range from $605 to $825, include meals, lodging, manuscript critique, instruction and one-on-one mentoring with authors and teachers Terry Persun, Bharti Kirchner and Stephanie Kallos.

The retreat is designed to encourage writers of all experience levels, published authors as well as first-book writers.

Discipline, craft, rewriting and how to take the work to final will be emphasized.

Registrants must submit 2,500 words of a prose manuscript or five pages of poetry by September 15, for review by the instructors.

Application forms and information are available at nila.edu/wiwa_retreat.htm or call 360-341-2910.