Writer Island: A Weekend Writing Retreat, April 5-7, 2013

I am excited to announce a wonderful opportunity to gather together to write and relax with me and Jill McCabe Johnson at Kangaroo House B&B, located near the town of Eastsound on Orcas Island. Kangaroo House is charming and well-appointed, and the breakfasts are delicious. Along with distinctively decorated rooms, there's a cozy common area with a fireplace, a well-stocked and inviting library, and one of the best hot tubs I've ever had the pleasure of soaking in. Kangaroo B&B will be our home base for a weekend of guided writing and peaceful contemplation both indoors and out. Pack your pen, notebook and casual/walking wear, and let Jill and I guide you in a retreat experience both restorative and generative.

For complete details and to register, visit Artsmith.

Here's the encapsulated low-down:

No writer is an island, but your island awaits… 

April 5-7, 2013 

Rejuvenate your writing while immersed in nature on Orcas Island, “Jewel of the San Juan Islands.” Explore seaside and mountain trails with poets Martha Silano and Jill McCabe Johnson while you write like pleine-aire artists under a canopy of trees or along the shore. Exercises will focus on new work inspired by nature and drawn from your deeper psyche as you relax into the rhythms of nature. Each night, guests will gather at the historic Kangaroo House Bed & Breakfast to share their work around a crackling fire. 

Martha Silano is the author of three poetry collections: Blue Positive, What the Truth Tastes Like, and most recently The Little Office of the Immaculate Conception, an Academy of American Poets Noted Book of 2011, ForeWord Book of the Year Bronze Metal Winner, and a Washington State Book Award finalist. 

Optional Poetry Consultation: 

1/2 hour (up to 5 poems): $60.00 

1 hour (up to 10 poems): $100.00 

Martha will carefully read your poems, providing written feedback and suggestions for journal publication. 

Registration includes: 

• Friday night writing exercise and reception 

• Saturday mountain retreat, including trail snacks 

• Saturday night fireside gathering with dessert 

• Sunday morning seashore writing exercise 

• Sumptuous breakfast each morning 

• Two nights lodging at special retreat rates 

Jill McCabe Johnson is the author of the poetry collection Diary of the One Swelling Sea (MoonPath Press, 2013), and editor of the anthologies Becoming: What Makes a Woman (University of Nebraska Gender Programs, 2012) and Being: What Makes a Man (forthcoming 2013).








Please share this information with anyone who might enjoy a weekend of energetic attention to their craft as well as their spirit.