Writers, break out your trusty pencils or keyboards. It’s time once again for the third annual Federal Way Writer’s Retreat.

The event, hosted by the Federal Way Arts Commission, will take place starting at 10 a.m. Friday, April 24, and will continue on April 25 at the Dumas Bay Centre, 3200 Dash Point Road.

“It’s writing as an art,” organizer Maggie Ellis said. “There is literally something for everyone at every level.”

The event will feature a series of seminars with speakers including Pulitzer Prize winning author William Dietrich and his seminars on “The Writing Life” and “Harnessing Research and Experience to Make Your Story Gallop.”

Other speakers include, Michael Collins, Sam Green (Washington’s Poet Laureate), Robert J. Ray, Susan Zwinger, Barbara McArthur and Kent Sturgis.

Participants at the workshop can choose several options for seminars, many of which overlap in time. Topics include writing poetry, writing your novel, rewriting your novel and working with small presses.

Also for the 12 participants, Michael Collins is offering the opportunity to have their first 20 pages of their fiction manuscript critiqued. The cost for this is an additional $25. The money will be donated to the Federal Way Arts Commission for next year’s retreat.

Cost for the program is $90 for both Friday and Saturday, or $50 for Saturday only. In addition, overnight accommodations with both days included is $130.

Meals are included with the program.

The price, organizers say, is well worth it.

“It’s an inspiration,” Ellis said. “I am a writer and every year I come away so pumped. Writing is hard, it’s often isolating. After I just feel, ‘Wow I have got to write more.'”

For more information, call (253) 838-6900 or e-mail writersretreat@cityoffederalway.com. Also visit the Web site at www.cityoffederalway.com/writersretreat.