How about writing this summer with a friendly, no-pressure group on a beautiful Alaska island? Throw in delicious home-cooked food, long walks, good reading and maybe a nap? The time has come for my annual writer’s retreat on Yukon Island in Homer.
This is retreat is open to both men and women. It’s all about restoration, reflection, process and skill-building. It is not a place to workshop works in progress, though it is a place to generate ideas or find new inspiration for writers working on longer projects. This group is a no-judgement, no-homework, memoir workshop focused on techniques that stoke creativity, build writing fluency, hone listening/editing skills and develop revision strategies. You’ll come away with seeds for longer work as well as concrete, tested guidance on the writing process.
This workshop is well-suited for creative thinkers who write or edit for a living as well as recreational creative writers or any storyteller looking for new ways to get started or reboot. Our work together is meant to help you think more clearly about your audience, better say what you mean, and find the most resonant parts of the story you are trying to tell. I also encourage rest, reading and listening. You will leave relaxed, inspired and well-fed.
Yukon is located in outer Kachemak Bay, about 9 miles south of Homer, a short boat ride away. It has been inhabited for hundreds of years, with a number of archeological sites that date back to the prehistory of the bay. Our retreat will be held at the lovely, woman-owned and operated Yukon Island Retreat Center. Oh, and bonus, your cell phone only works if you walk to the end of the island.
The retreat is August 8-10, a Thursday afternoon through a Saturday afternoon, leaving you the option of spending Saturday evening in Homer for a little extra relaxation. The workshop cost covers travel by water taxi from Homer to the island, two nights lodging, all the glorious local food and writing instruction. The workshop fee is $800. (Fifty percent is required to reserve a spot, the other half is due July 8th, 30 days before the workshop. After 30 days, the workshop is not refundable, but you can choose to give your spot to someone.) I can offer a discount opening for someone who is certified and would be willing to teach restorative yoga.
Gretchen, our host, is an amazing cook and can accommodate most food allergies. The lodging is dormitory style, with a few singles that you can request. It is, unfortunately, not accessible and does require some walking up stairs. There is running water, outhouses and a banya for bathing. If you have specific questions about the facilities, please write me. This workshop is small — there are only 10 slots total — and fills quickly. To check availability and reserve a spot, send me an email.