TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Last Updated: 18 Feb 2026
Welcome to Writing Fire. These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our website and services. By accessing our website or purchasing any services, you agree to these Terms.
These Terms and Conditions are intended to honor the safety and highest good for all. It is our intention to serve and teach with integrity, to create a community centred around respect and healthy boundaries, and ensure each of us can operate with the utmost dignity. Thank you for your willing participation.
1. GENERAL TERMS
1.1 Acceptance of Terms
By registering for, purchasing, or participating in any Writing Fire service (including but not limited to one-on-one sessions, classes, workshops, retreats, or digital products), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
1.2 Changes to Terms
Writing Fire reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.
1.3 Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase or participate in Writing Fire services. By using our services, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years old.
2. SERVICES OFFERED
Writing Fire offers the following services:
One-on-one coaching and consulting sessions
Group classes and workshops (online and in-person)
Multi-day retreats
Digital products (workbooks, guides, and downloadable materials)
Online courses and programs
3. PAYMENT TERMS
3.1 Pricing
All prices are listed in USD unless otherwise stated. Writing Fire reserves the right to change prices at any time, but price changes will not affect existing bookings or purchases.
3.2 Payment Methods
We accept payment via credit card, debit card, PayPal, Stripe, and other payment methods as indicated at checkout. Payment processing is handled by secure third-party payment processors.
3.3 Payment Plans
Some services may offer payment plan options. By selecting a payment plan:
You authorize Writing Fire to charge your payment method on the scheduled payment dates
Your first payment serves as a non-refundable deposit
Failure to make payments on schedule may result in suspension of access to services
All payments must be completed by the specified deadline
3.4 Taxes
You are responsible for any applicable taxes, duties, or fees associated with your purchase.
3.5 Currency Conversion
If your payment is processed in a currency other than USD, your bank or payment processor may charge currency conversion fees. Writing Fire is not responsible for these fees.
4. REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY
4.1 General Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be submitted in writing to hello@writingfire.com with the subject line including the service name and "Cancellation Request."
4.2 One-on-One Sessions
Cancellation by Client:
24-48 hours before session: 50% refund or opportunity to reschedule
Less than 24 hours before session: No refund; session counts as completed
No-show: No refund; session counts as completed
Cancellation by Writing Fire: If Writing Fire must cancel a session, you will receive a full refund or the opportunity to reschedule at no additional charge.
Session Packages:
Unused sessions in packages expire according to the terms specified at purchase (typically 6-12 months)
No refunds are given for expired sessions
Sessions are non-transferable to other individuals
4.3 Classes and Workshops
Multi-Week Classes (e.g., True Story):
First payment is non-refundable and serves as a deposit to secure your spot
Cancellations made 1 week or more before start date: First payment (50% deposit) is non-refundable; second payment will be refunded
Cancellations within 1 week or less: All payments are non-refundable
No refunds for missed individual sessions within a multi-week class
Class recordings (if available) may be provided for missed sessions at instructor's discretion
Single-Day Workshops:
Cancellations more than 14 days before workshop: Full refund minus $50 processing fee
Cancellations 7-14 days before workshop: 50% refund
Cancellations less than 7 days before workshop: No refund
No-show: No refund
4.4 Retreats
Cancellation by Participant:
More than 90 days before retreat: Full refund minus deposit
60-90 days before retreat: 50% refund
30-59 days before retreat: 25% refund
Less than 30 days before retreat: No refund
Important Retreat Considerations:
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all retreat participants
Writing Fire is not responsible for travel costs, accommodations booked separately, or other expenses incurred
If minimum enrollment is not met, Writing Fire reserves the right to cancel the retreat with full refund to participants
If a retreat is cancelled by Writing Fire, liability is limited to refund of retreat fees only; we are not responsible for non-refundable travel expenses
Retreat Transfers: You may transfer your retreat registration to another person up to 60 days before the retreat start date with written notice. A $100 transfer fee applies.
4.5 Digital Products
All sales of digital products (workbooks, guides, courses) are final. No refunds will be issued for digital products once access has been granted or the product has been downloaded.
4.6 Force Majeure
In the event of circumstances beyond our reasonable control (including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions, acts of terrorism, or instructor illness), Writing Fire reserves the right to cancel or reschedule services. In such cases:
For in-person events: Full refund or credit toward future services
For online services: Services will be rescheduled when possible; refunds at discretion of Writing Fire
5. PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1 Attendance and Participation
You are expected to attend all scheduled sessions for which you have registered
You are responsible for having appropriate technology, internet connection, and a suitable environment for online sessions
You agree to participate respectfully and create a supportive environment for all participants
5.2 Content and Materials
Course materials, handouts, and recordings are for your personal use only
You may not share, reproduce, distribute, or resell any materials provided by Writing Fire
You retain all rights to your own writing created during Writing Fire programs
5.3 Confidentiality and Privacy
Personal stories and writing shared in group settings should be kept confidential
You may not record sessions (audio or video) without explicit permission from Valley Haggard and all participants
Writing Fire may record sessions for internal purposes or to provide to participants who miss sessions
6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
6.1 Writing Fire Content
All content on the Writing Fire website and in our programs, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, videos, and software, is the property of Writing Fire or Valley Haggard and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.
6.2 Your Content
You retain all rights to your own writing and creative work. By participating in Writing Fire programs, you grant Writing Fire permission to use anonymized excerpts or quotes from your feedback for promotional purposes, unless you explicitly opt out.
6.3 Testimonials
If you provide a testimonial or review, you grant Writing Fire permission to use it on our website, social media, and marketing materials. We may edit testimonials for length and clarity.
7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
7.1 Nature of Services
Writing Fire provides educational and creative writing services. Our programs are not therapy, medical treatment, or mental health services. If you are experiencing mental health concerns, we encourage you to seek appropriate professional support.
7.2 No Guarantees
While we are committed to providing high-quality instruction and support:
We do not guarantee any specific results, outcomes, or publication
Your success depends on many factors including your effort, commitment, and circumstances
We make no representations about future earnings or publishing success
7.3 Limitation of Damages
To the fullest extent permitted by law:
Writing Fire's total liability to you for any claims arising from our services is limited to the amount you paid for the specific service
Writing Fire is not liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages
Writing Fire is not liable for any loss of data, profits, or other intangible losses
7.4 Retreat-Specific Liability
IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY:
By participating in a Writing Fire retreat, you acknowledge and agree that:
You participate in all retreat activities at your own risk
You are responsible for your own physical and mental wellbeing
You have disclosed any medical conditions, allergies, dietary restrictions, or physical limitations that may affect your participation
Writing Fire is not responsible for injuries, illness, or accidents that occur during the retreat
Writing Fire is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property
You are strongly encouraged to obtain appropriate travel and health insurance
You release Writing Fire, Valley Haggard, and retreat venue partners from any liability for personal injury, property damage, or other losses
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Writing Fire and Valley Haggard from any claims, damages, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your participation in retreat activities.
8. CODE OF CONDUCT
8.1 Expected Behavior
All participants are expected to:
Treat Valley Haggard and fellow participants with respect and kindness
Maintain confidentiality of others' personal stories and writing
Arrive on time and be present during scheduled sessions
Create a supportive, non-judgmental environment
Refrain from disruptive, harassing, discriminatory, or inappropriate behavior
8.2 Prohibited Behavior
The following behaviors are strictly prohibited:
Harassment, discrimination, or bullying of any kind
Sharing others' personal information or writing without permission
Recording sessions without explicit permission
Disruptive behavior that interferes with the learning environment
Promoting your own services or products to other participants without permission
Any behavior that violates applicable laws
8.3 Consequences
Writing Fire reserves the right to:
Issue warnings for inappropriate behavior
Remove participants from sessions or programs for violations of this Code of Conduct
Terminate access to services without refund for serious or repeated violations
Take legal action if warranted by participant behavior
9. PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION
9.1 Information Collection
Writing Fire collects personal information including name, email address, payment information, and other details necessary to provide our services. Please see our Privacy Policy [link to Privacy Policy] for details on how we collect, use, and protect your information.
9.2 Communications
By providing your email address, you consent to receive:
Service-related communications (confirmations, reminders, updates)
Educational content and resources
Marketing communications about Writing Fire programs and services
You may opt out of marketing communications at any time by clicking "unsubscribe" in any email.
9.3 Third-Party Services
We use third-party service providers (payment processors, email services, video conferencing platforms) to deliver our services. These providers have their own privacy policies, and we encourage you to review them.
10. MEDICAL AND HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
10.1 Disclosure
You are responsible for disclosing any medical conditions, physical limitations, dietary restrictions, allergies, or other health concerns that may affect your participation, especially for in-person workshops and retreats.
10.2 Not Medical Advice
Nothing provided through Writing Fire services constitutes medical, mental health, or therapeutic advice. Writing Fire programs are educational and creative in nature.
10.3 Emergency Situations
In the event of a medical emergency during a retreat or in-person event, Writing Fire staff may contact emergency services and will make reasonable efforts to contact your emergency contact.
11. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPORT
11.1 Online Sessions
For online classes and one-on-one sessions, you are responsible for:
Having a reliable internet connection
Having appropriate devices (computer, tablet, smartphone)
Having working audio and video capabilities
Testing your technology before sessions
Having a quiet, private space for sessions
11.2 Technical Issues
While we strive for smooth technical delivery:
Writing Fire is not responsible for technical issues on your end (internet outages, device problems)
If technical issues on our end prevent delivery of a session, we will reschedule or provide a recording
No refunds will be given for technical issues beyond Writing Fire's control
11.3 Platform Changes
Writing Fire reserves the right to change platforms or delivery methods (e.g., switching from Zoom to another platform) with reasonable notice to participants.
12. COURSE AND PROGRAM CHANGES
12.1 Schedule Changes
Writing Fire reserves the right to:
Change session dates or times with at least 7 days notice (when possible)
Substitute instructors if Valley Haggard is unable to lead a session
Modify curriculum or course content to improve the learning experience
Cancel programs if minimum enrollment is not met (with full refund)
12.2 Content Changes
Course content, materials, and structure may be updated or modified to improve quality and relevance. Significant changes will be communicated to enrolled participants.
13. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
13.1 Informal Resolution
If you have a concern or complaint, please contact us at hello@writingfire.com. We are committed to resolving issues fairly and promptly.
13.2 Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of The United States, without regard to conflict of law principles.
13.3 Arbitration
Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of Writing Fire services shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, rather than in court, except that you may assert claims in small claims court if your claims qualify.
13.4 Class Action Waiver
You agree that any arbitration or proceeding shall be limited to the dispute between you and Writing Fire individually. You waive any right to participate in a class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration.
14. GENERAL PROVISIONS
14.1 Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any specific program terms, constitute the entire agreement between you and Writing Fire.
14.2 Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force.
14.3 Assignment
You may not transfer or assign your rights under these Terms. Writing Fire may assign these Terms to a successor or affiliate.
14.4 Waiver
Failure by Writing Fire to enforce any provision of these Terms does not waive our right to enforce it later.
14.5 Contact Information
For questions about these Terms, please contact:
Writing Fire
Valley Haggard
valley@writingfire.com
Virginia, USA
writingfire.com
15. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
By registering for or purchasing any Writing Fire service, you acknowledge that:
You have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions
You have had the opportunity to ask questions
You understand the payment, refund, and cancellation policies
You accept the limitations of liability and agree to the dispute resolution terms
For retreats: You understand and accept the additional risks and liability waivers