“The Tanglewood Collective” by Denisha Naidoo

One Writer’s Experience at the Arowhon Pines Writers' Retreat 

Eight of us gathered on comfortable couches and chairs in the Tanglewood cabin at the Arowhon Pines Resort with our instructor, Brian Henry. We’d come to write, and at some point during the weekend, we dubbed ourselves, “The Tanglewood Collective.” Most of us didn’t know each other beforehand, but we soon got comfortable, and I enjoyed meeting Brian in person for the first time after over a year of online classes.

Arowhon Pines is nestled at the end of a gravel road in Algonquin Park on Joe Lake, with no cellular reception or WIFI. The cabins are rustic and luxurious with private rooms and ensuite bathrooms. In this peaceful setting, we heard only the chirping of birds in the morning and the haunting echo of loons on the lake in the evening.

A few of the dinner time appetizers

The staff pampered us and our Matre de, Eric, created a five-star dining experience replete with gourmet food beyond belief. Remember to bring your own alcohol if you wish, as none is available at the resort.

While we all came to write, we brought with us different agendas, backgrounds and expectations. The park appealed to my love of nature, and (unlike most participants) I found myself outside exploring instead of at my laptop writing.

Our retreat began on a cool Friday afternoon. We convened in the common room of the Tanglewood cabin where our rooms were located. The occasion called for a cozy wood fire to complement the peaceful view of the lake. Brian started us off with introductions and a writing exercise to get our creative juices flowing.

The group ate together at a large table where we exchanged ideas, experiences and support. After dinner we took turns reading our work – everything from first drafts to polished stories ready for submission. If the author wished, the group gave feedback. While sharing our work was not mandatory, I found it difficult not to be swept up in the energy and inspiration that flowed around the cabin.

Mornings began with coffee or tea and fresh baked goods, often enjoyed on the porch overlooking the lake – a lovely time and place to write or to take in the early morning sun and fine mist rising off the water. After breakfast, we met for more writing tips from Brian. Then it was time to write unless you’re like me and ended up hiking, kayaking or swimming.

Moose in Joe Lake

On Saturday afternoon, some of us went out on a pontoon boat tour of nearby lakes and caught sight of a moose, a nesting loon and a family of geese swimming in a line.

Throughout the weekend, we each had an opportunity to meet with Brian for two one-on-one sessions, ask questions during our meetings or over a meal. There was time to write, to be alone, with the community, or to play in nature and before I knew it, the retreat came to an end.

If you’re contemplating going, I highly recommend it. In a magical location amongst a supportive community, beautiful, unexpected things happen. Ideas blossom and come to life. This was my first retreat, and I’m already booked to go back.

***

Denisha Naidoo is a South African born Canadian poet, writer and Wild Woman living in Guelph, Ontario, with her dog Maverick. Her work has appeared in Killer Nashville Magazine, Amazing Stories, Gramarye, PRISM International, Passager Books, Prairie Fire, The Temz Review, The New Quarterly, Open Minds Quarterly, Braided Way Magazine, and Ladies Briefs: A Short Anthology. 

She also published a podcast of her novella, The Amazing Adventures of Wig Girl here. Visit Denisha at her website here.

See more pieces about or inspired by Brian’s retreats, workshops and classes here.

For information about upcoming writers’ retreats, at both Arowhon Pines in Algonquin Park and Sherwood Inn, in Muskoka, see here (and scroll down).

See all upcoming weekly writing classes, one-day workshops, and four-day  retreats here. 

“Thump! Thump!” by Pearl Lee

Of course, I remember Bambi! Like most children growing up in the early 1950s my parents made sure this Disney film was part of our early childhood education. We were constantly reminded of the scene in which Thumper Rabbit repeats his mother’s timeless admonition: “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. Thump! Thump!” In my experience, though, it seemed a lot of children hadn’t seen the movie or hadn’t taken it to heart.

How often I ran home in tears as a pack of children chased me down the street chanting:

Chinaman, he had a wife
Led him such a miserable life
Led him to the top of a hill
Let him roll like a rolling pill.

They had other chants, too. Uglier ones I prefer not to write.

We moved often, each time hoping to find a kinder, gentler neighbourhood for me and my father. We were the ones with the Asian features. My brother and sister, had my mother’s non-Asian features. Mother had pale skin, light brown hair, and enormous grey eyes. Everything about her screamed “I am not a visible minority person. You mustn’t punch me or spit on me or call me nasty names.”

Pearl, grad photo

We were not entirely friendless. Wherever we went, the Jewish children in the neighborhood befriended us. Their mothers taught my mother how to prepare kosher meals so we could eat lunches in each other’s homes. We celebrated Hannukah and Christmas together, exchanging gifts and nibbling on candy canes and chocolate coins, Hannukah gelt.

We were taught not to fight back when taunted. “We are not like those ruffians,” Mother would say. I did run, though – from snowballs in winter and rocks in summer, hands covering my ears, blocking out the hateful insults.

No one calls me names anymore. But I still get “preferential” treatment. I am often detained at the American border. My luggage is searched and I am routinely patted down. I have also been fingerprinted and had my hands wiped for gunpowder residue.

One time, a border guard demanded I phone the college in Vermont where I was working for the summer so that they could fax a letter confirming my employment. I did and they did and when the border guard heard the fax coming in, he said, “Ah, there’s your letter. I’ll just take my lunch now and we’ll deal with this after.”

Once he’d left, another guard told me the idiot guard was new and was just trying to get a promotion. Still, I had to wait an hour for him to finish his lunch and confirm, yes, I was gainfully employed in the U.S. No, I wasn’t trying to become an illegal immigrant.

The CBC has reported that the US has taken to detaining some Canadian citizens for up to a week. We have an important family event planned this summer. I dread crossing that border, and yet, I don’t want to disappoint my children and grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Maybe it’s time to bring Bambi back to the big screen and make it part of mandatory training for American border guards. Surely some of them have something nice to say. If not, I’d be very happy if they didn’t say anything – or do anything – at all.

Pearl Lee is a lifelong storyteller and former teen-in-turmoil. She started writing at an early age, buying a pencil and copybook with her first-ever allowance. Later, she typed mystery stories on a rented typewriter for her sister and cousins. 

Pearl holds graduate degrees in Creative Writing and Teaching Reading (Response Theory) and Writing. She was also an active member of the Montreal Storytellers Guild for many years, participating in local events and festivals. Pearl is a member of the London Writers Society and a CANSCAIP Friend. 

Zebra-Girl is her first young adult novel. It’s available from Chapters/Indigo here.

See Brian Henry's upcoming weekly writing classes, one-day workshops, and four-day retreats here.

Read more short stories, essays, and poems by your fellow writers here (and scroll down).

Note: You can get new postings on Quick Brown Fox delivered straight to your Inbox as I publish them. Subscribe to Quick Brown Fox on Substack here: https://brian999.substack.com/

You're invited to our Fall Colours Writing Retreat in Muskoka

Fall Colours in Muskoka Writing Retreat

Tuesday, Oct 21 – Friday, Oct 24, 2025
Register early  to be sure of a spot!
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.

Read about a visit it Sherwood Inn, in 1943 and then again in 2023 here.

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).

All meals – Tuesday dinner, Wednesday and Thursday breakfast, lunch and dinner, Friday 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 an outstanding golf course that will still be open, depending on the weather. (Something of a theme here.)  

Check-in on Tuesday is 4 p.m. Our first writing get-together will be at 5 p.m. Check-out on Friday is at 11:30 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 Tuesday and after lunch on Friday, 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 Saskatoon, to Toronto, 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 more about Sherwood Inn and about previous retreats at Sherwood, Arowhon, and The Briars here {and scroll down}.

Fees: 

Including both the writing retreat and accommodation, meals, coffee & snack service, and all resort amenities: $1513.27, plus 13% hst for the three nights.

All fees include tips.

Not included in any quoted prices: alcoholic drinks, spa services, golf, or other extras (tipping for these is also extra).

Bring a (non-participating) significant other along for the weekend to share your Inn room for an additional $152.21 plus hst per night ($172 per night) (includes accommodation, meals and all resort amenities, but not the writing part of the retreat or our coffee breaks). 

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 be able to 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. Even better, 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}. And just before you go up, you can check with the resort whether golf courses in the area will be open, but even though we’re headed for an early spring, I doubt it.

Can I bring my spouse (or partner or friend)?

If you want to share your room with a partner, they’re very welcome. Just let your partner know you’ll be spending most of your time writing, (though you will have some free time every day). Inn rooms each have one queen bed. If you want a king bed, upgrade to a room in the Maplewood, a separate building a short walk from the inn. If you’re interested in this upgrade, email me.

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.

New date for "How to Get Published" workshop with literary agent Bridgette Kam

Once Upon a Sari by Zenia Wadhwani
represented by Bridgette Kam

“How to Get Published”

An editor & a literary agent tell all

Saturday, June 21, 2025
Saturday, May 31, 2025
1:15 – 5:00 p.m. Toronto time
Offered online and accessible wherever there's Internet

If you've ever dreamed of becoming a published author, this workshop is for you. We’ll focus on the process of submitting to an agent or publisher, and show you exactly how to write a query letter that will get a “yes.” Bring all your questions. Come and get ready to be published!

Special Option: Participants are invited to prepare a draft of a query letter you might use to interest an agent or publisher in your book. You don't need to prepare anything, but if you like, email me a draft of your query prior to our workshop. Bridgette and I will critique several queries,  so everyone can see what works, what doesn’t and how to improve your query. Do remember that agents come to these events wanting to hear what you’ve got. ~Brian

Guest speaker Bridgette Kam is a literary agent with Westwood Creative Artists. WCA is one of Canada’s largest literary agencies and also one of the oldest and most respected. The staff includes six full-time literary agents. Clients include Rohinton Mistry, Gina Buonaguro, Joanne Levy, Dennis Block, Kate Jenks Landry, Judy Anny Sadler, Linda Trinh, Alan Doyle, Thomas King, and Yann Martel. 

Bridgette joined WCA in 2019 after interning at McClelland & Stewart. She represents authors across three main areas: book club or upmarket fiction, nonfiction, and kid lit (middle grade, YA, and picture books). She’s looking for outstanding books in all these categories.

Workshop leader 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, taught creative writing at Ryerson University, and has led workshops everywhere from Boston to Buffalo and from Windsor to Charlottetown. But his proudest boast is that he has helped many of his students get their first book published and launch their careers as authors.  

See reviews of and works inspired by Brian's classes, workshops, and retreats here.

Fee: $45.13 + 13% hst = $51 paid in advance by mail or Interac

To reserve a spot now, email: brianhenry@sympatico.ca

See all of Brian’s upcoming weekly writing classes, one-day workshops, and weekend retreats here. 

Kudos to Kristy, Dana, Norma, Aude, and Joan!

Kristy and Brian in Saskatoon at the Prairie Horizons Conference

Hi, Brian.

I'm very excited to share that Mortified was shortlisted for a Joan Betty Stuchner – Oy Vey! – Funniest Children's Book award! This award is given out every two years by the Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable. Thank you so much for choosing Mortified as one of five finalists in the Chapter Books category!

Kristy Jackson

See all the nominations for both picture books and middle grade here.

Read more about Mortified here.

If you’re interested in writing for children or young people, join our weekly Kid Lit class this summer (see here) and/or sign up for our one-day “”Writing for Children and for Young Adults” workshop with guest speaker Katie Hearn of Annick Books (see here).

Norma

Hi, Brian.

My personal essay, “The Wedding Dishes” was published in the April issue of All Your Stories, a magazine based in the UK. I wrote it for one of your classes and your valuable feedback helped me fine-tune it. 

Thank you very much, as always!

Norma Gardner

https://normagardner.ca

Everyone’s invited to join a weekly Personal Stories class this summer. Details here.

 

Dana and Brian in Saskatoon at Prairie Horizons Conference

Hi, Brian.

It was so great to see you at the recent CANSCAIP Sask 2025 Prairie Horizons Conference in Saskatoon! It's hard to believe that just a few years ago, I was a student in your workshops, and now here I am, speaking at the conference and I have four published books! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your wisdom, guidance, and encouragement.

I urge all your students: never give up!

One of my books that is now out in the world is Animal Minds: What Are They Thinking? published by Orca Book Publishers. It's a middle grade nonfiction book, all about my area of study as a trained scientist: animal cognition, or how scientists study how animals think.

There is a free teachers' guide available for download on both Orca's website and my own. The book is now available at libraries and wherever books are sold. It was a hit with elementary school kids during my recent tour with the Canadian Children's Book Week--another dream come true.

Thank you again, and I hope to see you again soon!

Kind regards,

Dana

Dana L. Church, PhD (she/her)

Author of:

• The Honey Trap: How the Good Intentions of Urban Beekeepers Risk Ecological Disaster (Sutherland House, 2024) More here.
• The Monarch Effect: Surviving Poison, Predators, and People (Scholastic Focus, 2024) More here.
• Animal Minds: What Are They Thinking? (Orca Book Publishers, 2024) More here.
• The Beekeepers: How Humans Changed the World of Bumble Bees (Scholastic Focus, 2021) More here.

danachurchwriter.com

Bluesky: @danachurchwriter.bsky.social

Instagram: @danachurchwriter

Dear Brian,

Years and years ago, I attended some of your workshops and loved them! We used to follow quite a few yearly with my fellow writers in Guelph. I have just launched my own publishing company and I have a few "Calls for Contributions" to issue in both graphic nonfiction and children's picture books.

Thanks so much and have a great rest of the day,

Aude

Aude A. Gwendoline, PhD, Founder & Owner
Éditions zOleVara Books
16892477 Canada Inc.
508 Gladstone Avenue, Unit B
Ottawa, ON K1R 5P1 Canada

 

Hi, Brian.

Just wanted to let you know that my piece, “Crashpad,” workshopped in Wednesdays’ Intensive Writing class, was published in the print copy of the Nashwaak Review, Volume 52/53. 

Great suggestions from the workshop!

Joan MacIntosh 

For information on submitting to the Nashwaak Review (and a few other journals) see here.

For information on joining a weekly “Intensive Creative Writing” class this summer, see here.

****

See all my upcoming weekly writing classes, one-day workshops, and four-day  retreats here. ~Brian

See new books by your fellow writers here (and scroll down).

See where your fellow writers are getting short pieces published here (and scroll down).

If you’ve had a story (or a book!) published, if you’ve won or placed in a writing contest, if you’ve gotten yourself an agent, or if you have any other news, send me an email so I can share your success. As writers, we’re all in this together, and your good news gives us all a boost. Email me at: brianhenry@sympatico.ca

Note: You can get new postings on Quick Brown Fox delivered straight to your Inbox as I publish them. Subscribe to Quick Brown Fox on Substack here: https://brian999.substack.com/