Writing Retreats, etc

United States
March 2, 2007 7:38pm CST
I have been interested in attending a writing retreat this coming summer. One that provides some professional input as well as some relaxation and writing time. Does anyone know of any good ones? I am on the East Coast, so of course, that is preferable. Thanks !
4 responses
• United States
3 Mar 07
I run an online group called The Write Connections. It is a group for aspiring writers to share information about the publishing industry and tips on writing. I have been considering creating a writing retreat this summer, with some of the members hosting mini courses on various topics. I know of a cabin in NE TN that is near a lake - BEAUTIFUL location, and it sleeps 20. If you want to keep up with the details, check out the group: www.writeconnections.gather.com You can also connect with me here. I will probably extendthe invite to people here as well.
• United States
3 Mar 07
Thanks, I have bookmarked your link. I appreciate the help.
1 person likes this
• United States
3 Mar 07
I'll try to make sure you are notified if I actually get everything planned. It may end up being next year or maybe fall - this area is GORGEOUS in the fall and could be a good option as well. It all depends on how long it takes to plan and get enough to commit to attending.
1 person likes this
@bgerig (1258)
• United States
3 Mar 07
I would suggest you go to your area community college. They have all kinds of continuing education programs, and generally are very reasonable and not too elitist either.
2 people like this
• United States
3 Mar 07
I have looked into some of those and appreciate the suggestion, but I am looking for more of a several day continual get away.
1 person likes this
@patgalca (18394)
• Orangeville, Ontario
3 Mar 07
I would love to do a writing retreat as well, if I could take the time away from my busy family. Our writing group talks about going to someone's cottage for an informal weekend retreat but nothing has ever come of it. We did do a full day session with barbecue. It was great fun. It would be better to go to one where someone else looked after the cooking and cleaning up. LOL!
1 person likes this
• United States
3 Mar 07
That is a good point, Pat, but it also is cheaper to do the cooking/cleaning yourself. I have gone to this cabin many times with my extended family, and we just work together to get is all done. We have certain people take turns leading the cooking which is fun. A one day local thing sounds good too - like you had. I don't have a local writing group though.
1 person likes this
@laowai (136)
• United States
4 Mar 07
Check out Naropa University in Boulder, CO. The Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics has an annual summer writing program. If you're not a full-time student, you can sign up for any of the four weeks. I did my masters there and had to attend two years of it. It's a great experience with a week of workshops with the writer of your choice plus lots of symposia, lectures, and discussions. Plus you get to meet all the visiting writers. www.naropa.edu
• United States
4 Mar 07
Is this mainly a poetic conference or is it appropriate for fiction writers as well.
1 person likes this
@laowai (136)
• United States
5 Mar 07
It's a great combo of poetry and prose and even some translation work. And if you don't enjoy the classes and such, just head out for a hike or a drink.