Seraphim Blueprint Festival

          Summer of 2027 in the Blue Ridge Mountains

     We're excited to share that the location for the 2027 Seraphim Blueprint Festival has been chosen, and we'll be hosting the next festival at the Blue Ridge Assembly, nestled in the majestic Black Mountain, in North Carolina. The festival will be held Friday July 16 through Sunday July 18, 2027. This stunning location, with its flexible accommodations and abundant amenities, promises an atmosphere perfectly suited for renewal, growth, and community. Please note that the nearest major airport is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), located 45 minutes away. Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) is also an option, approximately 2 hours away. Although there isn't a dedicated shuttle service, there are options available to coordinate group transportation to and from the airports.

• The festival will be a rejuvenating social event, fostering deep relaxation, profound connections, and plenty of flexibility. Our housing accommodation will be Lotz Lodge, a charming 2-story updated lodge. The Lodge features full kitchens on both levels and 16 bedrooms in various configurations, which allows for more affordable pricing and gives you a wider range of options to suit your preferences. This setup also offers a unique blend of communal dining and personal culinary freedom.

  Your Festival Experience & Venue Details at Blue Ridge Assembly:

  • Venue: Blue Ridge Assembly, our dedicated housing in the welcoming Lotz Lodge.(click here to view the lodge - Lotz Lodge Tour ) The great thing about Lotz Lodge is its flexible accommodation, designed to foster community and comfort, while also providing a range of pricing options. All rooms feature a private en-suite bathroom, complimentary Wi-Fi, and access to the common coffee/tea lounge and kitchens within the lodge.

  • Meals Included: A meal package is included for the festival duration: You're welcome to enjoy these buffet meals in the main dining room, where our group will have a reserved section for networking and socializing.

  • Dining Flexibility: We also have the option to bring in our own food and prepare meals in the fully equipped kitchens on both levels of the lodge.  We may have a cooking contest in the Lodge, with competing entries from various countries. 

  • Recreation & Connection: Beyond our structured activities, you'll have complimentary access to Blue Ridge Assembly's general recreation facilities, including hiking trails, disc golf, tennis courts, pickleball, and basketball courts.

  Securing Your Spot & Accommodation Requests:

  There is only room for 63 guests in Lotz Lodge, and we will start taking reservations this June, to be announced in our next newsletter.  To secure your place at this transformative gathering, we are requesting a $100.00 non-refundable deposit. When you make your deposit, you will also be able to make your accommodation requests (e.g., preference for private vs. shared room, and how many people you wish to share with, along with names if you have, if not, no worries, we will coordinate room assignments where necessary).

  Final Accommodation Payment: Your balance for the room needs to be paid by a date closer to the festival, probably in early July 2027.  

  To see the detailed layout of Lotz Lodge, follow this link: (Lotz Floorplan )

  Lotz Lodge Room Breakdown:

  • Upper Floor (Sleeps up to 30 people):

    • 4 Rooms: Each with 2 sets of single bunk beds (sleeps 4 people).

    • 3 Rooms: Each with 1 Queen bed and 1 single bunk bed (sleeps up to 4 if Queen is shared).

    • 1 Room: With 1 King bed (Handicap Accessible, sleeps 2 people).

  • Lower Floor (Sleeps up to 28 people):

    • 1 Room: With 2 sets of single bunk beds (sleeps 4 people).

    • 5 Rooms: Each with 1 Queen bed and 1 single bunk bed (sleeps up to 4 if Queen is shared).

    • 2 Rooms: Each with 1 King bed (sleeps 2 people).     

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   Short Story Seraphic Prize

       We are calling for new entries to the third Short Story Seraphic Prize to be announced at the 2027 Seraphim Blueprint Festival.

The contest is open to anyone, not just Seraphim Blueprint participants, who are writing in the general area of spirituality, with or without angels involved. Individual entries are limited to 3,333 words, which is a little more than thirteen pages, of 250 words per page.

•  The 2027 Seraphic Prize will be awarded at the Blue Ridge Mountains Festival in the summer of 2027.  First prize is $1,000, plus publication.  Second prize is $500, plus publication. The third-place prize is to be shared by thirteen authors whose work will appear in the volume to be published in 2027. Please send inquiries and entries to Ruth Rendely (ruthrendely@pm.me) All entries must be received by midnight December 31st, 2026.

The classic short story structure has the following 5 elements:

  1. Exposition (The Setup)

        In the opening you include the main character and the setting, and a hint of the coming problem. It should happen in the first or second paragraphs.

   2. Inciting Incident

        Something unexpected happens that starts the real story.  This creates the central problem.

    3. Rising Tension. The character tries to deal with the problem as it gets more difficult.

    4. Climax (Turning Point). This is the most intense moment of the story.  A decision or event changes everything.

    5. Resolution

        The outcome and emotional meaning become clear.  It might solve the problem, reveal a truth or leave the reader with a powerful realization. 

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                                            Burying a Toy