Author of adventure/thriller and horror fiction

Writer’s Retreat At The Hotel Stanley

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Chris Marrs and I had the pleasure of attending a horror writer’s retreat at the Hotel Stanley in Estes Park, Colorado.

The retreat, created by RJ Cavender and sponsored by Dark Regions Press, brought together more than 50 writers to enjoy shop talk, panoramic views of the Rockies, a lot of beer, and inspiration by one of America’s most interesting historic (and supposedly haunted) hotels.

The Stanley was built by Freelan Oscar Stanley (who created the Stanley Steamer) on July 4, 1909, and catered to a rich clientele.

In 1973, Stephen and Tabitha King stayed a single night there, and as it turned out, they were the only guests that night. That night at the Stanley inspired him to write THE SHINING.

The hotel has a terrific atmosphere. Chris and I had a fantastic time connecting with friends like Jack Ketchum, Rena Mason and RJ Cavender while making new friends such as Josh Mallerman, Trent Zelazny, Chris Morey, Boyd Harris and many others.

Group photo of the retreat attendees. RJ Cavender is in the center wearing a sweater (a gift from Rena Mason) that has the same pattern as the carpet in the film THE SHINING.
Group photo of the retreat attendees. RJ Cavender is in the center wearing a sweater (a gift from Rena Mason) that has the same pattern as the carpet in the film THE SHINING.
The night before heading up to Estes Park, Chris and I visited The Thirteenth Floor, a local haunted house attraction in Denver. Great effects and actors, tons of fun.
The night before heading up to Estes Park, Chris and I visited The Thirteenth Floor, a local haunted house attraction in Denver. Great effects and actors, tons of fun.
The Stanley.
The Stanley.
Jack was feeling a bit tired, and I was happy to help him out with ... what needed doing.
Jack was feeling a bit tired, and I was happy to help him out with … what needed doing.
The first day offered weather that was suitably moody. Then things cleared up and we enjoyed sunshine the rest of the week.
The first day offered weather that was suitably moody. Then things cleared up and we enjoyed sunshine the rest of the week.
Chris and stayed in the lodge, which was beautiful.
Chris and I stayed in the lodge, which was beautiful.
We got a ton of writing done in this cozy room in front of the fireplace.
We got a ton of writing done in this cozy room in front of the fireplace.
The infamous Room 217, at the time haunted by a benign apparition named RJ Cavender.
The infamous Room 217, at the time haunted by a benign apparition named RJ Cavender.
The "tunnel" is a basement space under the hotel, which was built on rock and petrified roots. Very spooky.
The “tunnel” is a basement space under the hotel, which was built on rock and petrified roots. Very spooky.
A great trip!
A great trip!

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