Morning Session: 9:15-12:30
As we move into our sessions, it is important to think of ourselves as storytellers. I was fortunate enough to have worked with one of the best editors in the publishing world. I wrote five books with him. I remember when he said to me, "Emily, don't ever become an author. Always be a storyteller." At first, startled by this remark, I fianlly understood what he meant. As a writer, my primary goal is not to worry about fame and fortune, nor is it of any great value to fall in love with words. My goal is to write a damn good story. Why do I tell you this while discussing the Daily Flow of the Retreat? So that you understand the fun, flow, and passion of my Retreats aren't about writing alone. The week is imbued with the mystery, energy, and purpose of writing fiction with great plots and fascinating, well-developed characters whose stories capture all of the reader's' senses. |
This is the experience of my Retreats. It is a exciting, fun, and profound week where we do some great writing as we invite the Muse herself into our Circle.
Now, onto writing on the Retreat! We have two writing sessions a day. In the morning and after the afternoon break. We use prompts, images and various writing exercises I’ve designed to stimulate your imagination, open to new characters, and develop your stories. Writing in the Circle is a surprisingly empowering experience. With everyone scribbling away, your imagination is freer, worry fades and you write, write, write. Every day, you'll have this experience! After writing for up to 60 minutes, we read and critique stories. Since most of the writing is first draft, critiquing takes the form of “What If?” and "What I'd like to know is..." as well as other powerful critiquing tools.
** Be sure to read this if you have not worked with Emily yet: Good Critiquing Always Inspires. It Never Deflates.**
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After a delicious lunch, we have two-and-a-half hours of personal time:
2. Drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain. 3. Drive through Acadia with stops along the way. 5. Explore the town, shop, indulge in a must-have Bar Harbor ice cream cone. |
Dinner: 5:30-7:15
Dinners are always a feast! Cas is great at accommodating special dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, low-salt, shellfish allergy, etc. After dinner, we come together in casual evening gatherings for open readings (up to 20 minutes). This can be something you’ve written in the past or on the retreat. The open readings are for our listening pleasure and are highlights of the retreat.
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