The Retreat In Women's Words

​"The retreat jump-started my writing in a way I never thought possible. The words tumbled out, and I am overjoyed. I come away from this magical place that invites the land and the sea into my imagination with a full heart." 
​- Cynthia Ayers, Bar Harbor, 2019
"The retreat was a great boon for me. I have a plot line now, a clear idea of where I'm going, a new confidence, and some additional tools to use along my journey.  I loved your vitality and joy and passion!"  
​​- Ellen Abell, Bar Harbor 2015
​"The retreat was an amazing gift for my Inner Writer, one that validated her existence and pushed her to stretch beyond the allowed boundaries. She's learned a lot about the techniques of writing and the creative process."
​- Sandya Nankani, Glastonbury, England, 2004
"The retreat enabled me to dig deeper and come up with feelings that speak from my heart. I wrote more freely, because the critiques have been so constructive."
​-  Audrey Larkin, Tuscany, Italy 2009
"This retreat has truly opened me to the fact that I have an Inner Writer who is very creative. I will carry this forward and expand my inner wisdom to... who knows where!" ​- Alida Sherman, Glastonbury, England 2011
"The retreat is the first time I've really distanced myself from the outside world. I've not checked in with work once. Instead, I listened to a deeper voice within. And for the first time ever I've written fiction and non-poetic words!" ​
​- Heather Mickley, Bar Harbor 2010
​"The retreat has opened me to the joy of writing; it showed me that the writing can come from anywhere - an unusual prompt, a fragment of a poem, a thought shared by a new friend. ​It showed me that my writing is valued and enjoyed."
- Lisa Friedlander, California Retreat, 2018
"I wrote things I wouldn't have attempted before. I felt stretched, but remembered what Oliver Wendell Holmes said: ‘A mind stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimension.’ The Circle metaphorically hugged me as I shared this new part of myself."
- Anna Marie Hrivnak, Bar Harbor, 2013
​"My favorite part of the retreat was being with the women in the Circle. I loved watching the process flow. The shared insights made me feel part of the flow and the magic."
- Vallerie Huyghue​, Bar Harbor, 2012
"This retreat was the most amazing opening, a rebirth for me. The breath-taking surroundings were so inspirational and centering. The sound of the ocean was powerful, relaxing, cleansing and spiritual. The instantaneous bonding and beloved sisterhood upheld and amazed me through every challenge and delight. Emily, you were ever open, gracious, kind and encouraging and became a wonderful mentor, teacher, and spirit sister (the closest kind), and friend."
- Christine DiChiara, Bar Harbor, 2018