October in Muskoka Writing Retreat
Friday, October 14 – Monday, October 17,
2022
Sherwood Inn on Lake Joseph
1090 Sherwood Road, Port Carling, Ontario, Canada (Map here)
Give yourself four days of writing time – a
long weekend of instruction, inspiration and creativity. Award yourself with
time away from distractions, with no dishes to do, delicious food at
every meal, and with the leisure you need to sit with your feet up and
write.
The retreat will feature both instruction and
guided writing exercises, plus one-on-one critiquing and coaching from Brian.
You’ll also have lots of time to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with
your creativity. All writing levels welcome. Whether you’re just beginning
or have a novel in progress, please join us.
The setting: Sherwood is an elegant resort
started some eighty years ago by Harry Draper, a Toronto lawyer who fell in
love with the Muskoka’s. He envisioned Sherwood as a charming estate rather
than as a sprawling hotel and wanted guests to feel as if they were staying at
a friend’s cottage. Sherwood Inn, especially the Inn building itself, still
maintains that warm, old-Muskoka charm.
Thomas B. Costain, author of
numerous best-selling historical novels, including The Chalice and The
Black Rose, was a regular guest, so the Inn has a track record as a
good spot for writing. Lawren Harris and George Thomson (brother of Tom
Thomson) both painted here, though the century-old pines surrounding the Inn
would have been a bit younger then.
Rates include accommodation. Rooms are located in the main Inn. Each room includes a queen
bed, an en-suite three-piece bathroom, and a desk (for writing).
For double occupancy, there are a
limited number of rooms available in the Maplewood building, with two double
beds.
All meals – Friday dinner, Saturday and Sunday breakfast, lunch and dinner, Monday breakfast and lunch – are provided, as are coffee & snack breaks on Saturday and Sunday. Alcoholic beverages are extra, as are golf and Spa treatments.
Activities included: We’re between seasons – too late
for swimming, too early for cross-country skiing – but if we have a warm
fall so that the water is not yet too cold, canoes and kayaks will still be
available. There are also hiking trails, fat bikes, tennis courts and
shuffleboard, and a regular bonfire. Unlike our Algonquin retreats, there
is also Internet (alas), so if you must know what’s going on in the world, you
can keep up. We recommend, though, that you relax in one of the many
strategically placed Muskoka chairs throughout the property, enjoy the soothing
wilderness sounds and let your creative juices flow.
Additional activities: The Inn also features a comfortable licensed lounge
and a spa. “True North MVMNT is dedicated to
getting you moving towards your happiest and healthiest self! We provide
professional Massage Therapy and Esthetic services for all ages and
backgrounds.” Spa
treatments are not included in the package, but if you're interested, you
should certainly book an appointment (here).
There are various attractions in
the area, including the Muskoka Lakes (Cranberry) Farm and Winery, just 8
minutes down the road, cruises out of Port Carling, weather permitting, plus
one outstanding golf course that will still be open, depending on the weather.
(Something of a theme here.)
Check-in on Friday is 4 p.m. Our
first writing get-together will be at 5 p.m. Check-out on Monday is at 11 a.m.
Followed by lunch. Feel free to arrive early – your room may well be
ready – and in any case, before 4 p.m. on Friday and after lunch on Monday,
you're welcome to use the resort's facilities.
Instructor Brian Henry has been a book editor and creative writing
instructor for more than 25 years. He publishes Quick Brown
Fox, Canada’s most popular blog for writers, teaches creative writing at
Ryerson University and has led workshops everywhere from Boston to Buffalo and from
Sarnia to Saint John. But his proudest boast is that he has helped many of
his students get their first book published and launch their careers as
authors.
Read about previous retreats here {and scroll down}.
Fees for single occupancy:
Including both the
writing retreat and accommodation, meals, coffee & snack
service, and all resort amenities: $1,296.46, plus 13%
hst for the three nights.
Not included: alcoholic
drinks, spa services, golf, or other extras.
Bring a (non-participating)
significant other along for the
weekend to share your Inn room for an additional $135.40 plus hst per night (includes
accommodation, meals and all resort amenities, but not the writing part of the
retreat or our coffee breaks). If you and your significant other want to
upgrade to a Maplewood room – either a king bed or 2 doubles – add $190
plus hst for the three nights.
Note: Participants must be double-vaccinated
(unless of course you're unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons. Also, who
knows, by October, you may be need to be triple-vaccinated). Full receipts
issued.
For more information or to register, email: brianhenry@sympatico.ca
Note: Bookings for accommodations
for this retreat must be done through Brian (unlike our retreats in Algonquin,
where you book your accommodations through the resort). Participants may tack
on additional nights at the resort before or after the retreat; these are
offered at a special discounted rate. Additional nights need to be booked
directly with the resort, after booking your space in the workshop.
Who can attend the retreat?
Everyone interested in developing their writing
skills is welcome to attend, whether you're aspiring writer or an accomplished
author or simply enjoy writing as a hobby. There is no requirement for you
to have been previously published or even to have an intention to publish.
Should I bring my work in progress?
Yes! If you have an on-going writing project, bring
it with you. Bring more than you expect to get to; you'll have lots of time for
writing. Besides, you may want to switch projects or share a project that’s
just started or one that’s all done, except for reading it to a small,
appreciative audience. If you’re not currently working on anything, don’t
worry, we’ll get you writing.
Should I bring my laptop?
Yes! Unless you only work on paper. Or bring both –
your laptop and your writing pad. No sense being short of essential supplies.
I'm a poet / playwright / other writer. Is this
retreat for me?
The retreat is open to anyone
who enjoys writing. Instruction will focus on narrative writing; i.e., stories,
whether fiction or memoir. But if you’re an essayist or poet or whatever,
you’re entirely welcome.
Can you cater to specific dietary
requirements?
Yes. But please let me know ASAP.
The resort would like those sorts of details a month in advance.
I want to stay longer or arrive early. Is that
possible?
If you want to arrive early or stay longer, that’s
fine. You’ll book the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night with Brian, and
arrange any additional nights with the resort; just make sure they know you’re
with Brian Henry’s writing group – they’ve got a good rate for you.
Is there cell phone reception and WIFI?
Yes.
How about alcohol?
The resort serves alcohol with meals and has a
licensed lounge. Guests are also welcome to bring their own wine, beer or
whatever for consumption in their room. (Though do note that Hemingway’s advice
to write drunk, mostly produces drivel.)
Can I use the spa at the resort or play a round of
golf?
Yes, you can certainly book a spa treatment, though
that’s extra, and you book these directly with the resort {not through Brian}.
I'll get back to you on whether golf courses in the area will still be open. It
may depend on the weather.
Can I bring my spouse (or partner or friend)?
If you want to share your room with a partner,
they’re very welcome. Inn rooms each have one queen bed. If you want a king bed
or two beds, upgrade to a room in the Maplewood. Just let your partner know
you’ll be spending most of your time writing, (though you will have some free
time every day).
For more information or to register, email: brianhenry@sympatico.ca
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.