March in Muskoka Writing Retreat
Friday March 24 – Monday, March 27, 2023
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’ll definitely be too early for water sports.
Daytime temperatures will likely get above freezing, but unless it’s an early
spring, expect snow on the ground, especially in the forest, and (melting) ice
on the lake. The hiking trails, though, are great, and there are fat bikes, a
regular bonfire, and a fitness room. 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 dress warm and 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, and the lovely town of Port Carling, yours to explore without
the hordes that descend in the summer.
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: $1253.10, 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 $146.02 plus hst per
night (includes accommodation, meals and all resort amenities for your significant
other 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 $70 plus hst for the three nights. {Book early for this –
we have a limited number of Maplewood rooms available.}
Book early – space is limited!
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.
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.
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
See all of Brian’s upcoming weekly writing classes, one-day
workshops, and weekend retreats here.
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