O’ahu Writers Retreat at Mokule’ia

12/29/2025

Wishing us all great writing juju in 2026. Here is some heliconia cheer from a random fence in Mill Camp, behind the old Waialua Sugar Mill. Tell me, what are you planning to write in the new year? Photo by Malcolm Ryder.

12/21/2025

Tamara Leiokanoe Moan is a gifted poet and painter who will be leading a wonderful workshop in April 2026. She recently posted this watercolor of Whidbey Island, which she says reminds her of Kailua Bay today. Frankly, it's pretty resonant here on a rainy day in Oakland, too. She gave me permish to share it with you all. We should use it as a prompt!

12/20/2025

We held a writing contest on IG (sinandsyntax.com) and retreat alum Kevin Won took the prize 🏆 for his entry following this prompt: “Write a description of the dreaded Thanksgiving guest.”

Kevin's sharp, funny flash fiction piece will be posted under Contest Fun on the Sin & Syntax website.

But here it is now:
“Besides the fact that he was too important to arrive on time or wear casual clothes, “Lord” Myron would ask you how you were doing without the slightest intention of listening. No matter what tales you tell, he ALWAYS has a similar story that slightly tops yours. Stories spewing through a faceful of garlic mashed potatoes and green bean casserole somehow made my favorite Thanksgiving dishes unpalatable—kalua pork smoked stuffing is overrated, anyway…”

Send a message to learn more

12/16/2025

Registration is open! You could be sitting at this table writing your heart out next April! Details on options and costs are at the link below. If you have an excitement, a craving, a curiosity, or even a mild inkling that you might like to attend, talk to us! It's still early enough to tailor things to the talented writers who come.

Register to attend the O'ahu Writers Retreat in April 2026, on a remote beach in Hawai‘i. Sign up for craft workshops in fiction, nonfiction, and memoir. Special sessions on Hawaiian culture.

12/11/2025

The new retreat website is live! Many mahalos to Christina Fang and Malcolm Ryder for the new look and feel. Let us know what you think! Oh, and come join us in 2026! Registration starts December 12.

Home of Constance Hale Retreats for writers in O'ahu Hawai'i

11/30/2025

This was my major project last year and this is an exciting moment for me professionally: THE STRINGER: THE MAN WHO TOOK THE PHOTO, directed by Bao Nguyen, premieres on Netflix TODAY.

I played a small role in the project, but consider the work I did a highlight in my editing career. I helped Gary Knight shape his epic story on this complex subject—a gripping two-year investigation into the truth behind one of the Vietnam War’s most iconic photographs.

It’s the kind of shades-of-gray story I love to work on, full of moral ambiguity, and tackling issues of courage, truth, justice, tragedy, and journalistic ethics.

Anyone interested in a seminar on structure at April's retreat? I was able to put some "theories" into practice by editing the Rolling Stone piece.

What's the origin of an iconic Vietnam War photo? This documentary investigates the authorship of an era-defining image.

11/26/2025

Our new website is coming soon, but here's the news on the 2026 weeklong retreat. Our faculty includes Jasmin ‘Iolani Hakes (fiction), Larry Habegger (nonfiction) and Faith Adiele (memoir). Also returning are Zoe FitzGerald Carter (songwriting) and Tamara Leiokanoe Moan (art/text). Lots of other fab folks. Mark your calendar: APRIL 20-26, 2026.

11/14/2025

Retreat alum (and more) Christina Fang is taking us on another rollicking adventure. She has a piece that is out today in none other than NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC! Way to go Christina! Here's what she has to say by way of back story:

"Two years ago, my best friend Megan and I took a huge risk by going on a motorbike tour on the most dangerous road in Vietnam. That trip pulled me out of the cramped backpacker hostels of Hanoi and dropped me into one of the most gorgeous landscapes I'd ever seen. I came alive again, feeling the wind in my hair, the rush in my stomach, and the pure freedom in my soul.

"I feel so lucky to say that you can now read about the experience on the iconic National Geographic."

“Doing the Loop” is more than just a fad on social media—it’s a race through golden rice terraces, perilous mountain passes, and cloud-wrapped peaks.

11/11/2025

Send a message to learn more

11/04/2025

A reminder to all alums that we have a virtual "reunion" this Saturday at noon. Email Christina if you'd like to join us.

Send a message to learn more

11/01/2025

Hie thee to Instagram! . Post a little profile.

Exciting news! I'm hosting a monthly writing contest on my Instagram to inspire my fellow writers with joyful writing prompts. Creativity doesn't need to be hours of disciplined grueling, but can be a burst of creative fun! Let these short quips bring more play into your words.

November Writing Prompt: Everyone has THAT person in their life — the one you hope does not come to Thanksgiving dinner. We're all thinking, "This year, please no."
Write a description of the dreaded Thanksgiving guest. Label whether it's fiction or non-fiction. I'll pick a winner from each category. The winning responses will be re-posted on my Instagram and featured on SinAndSyntax.com.

Comment below your response to enter. Keep your comment to a max of three sentences. Winners will be picked on Saturday, November 22.

10/23/2025

Last minute notice, but excited to announce that Sean-Joseph Choo, who entertained us at our pa‘ina last year, will be performing in the Bay Area Musical Improv Festival this weekend. He invites you to come watch! Our show is on Saturday afternoon in the 4:30 slot. More info here:

Announcing the performance schedule for the 2024 Bay Area Musical Improv Festival!