Wouldn't you like to have a weekend of uninterrupted writing time? The WFNB is offering another writers' retreat at Villa Madonna, 115 Villa Madonna Road in Rothesay, on August 18-20. Arrive Friday afternoon, and write until Sunday at lunchtime. No distractions, no responsibilities...and no excuses!
We must have a minimum of 15 registrants, and a maximum of 25. Villa Madonna offers a very reasonable price for two nights accommodations and all meals.*
FRIDAY AUG 18:Arrival: 3 pm.
Dinner 5 pm.
SATURDAY AUG 19:
Breakfast 8 am,
Snack 10 am,
Lunch 12 pm,
Snack 2 pm,
Dinner 5 pm.
SUNDAY AUG 20: Breakfast 8 am
Snack 10 am
Wrap-up/Open Mic 11 am
Lunch 12 pm
CANCELLATION: Friday, August 11.
Some of last year's crew.
Arrive on Friday after three pm, settle in, and write until Sunday after lunch. All meals are provided on site. There will be an informal gathering to read your work and receive feedback (totally voluntary), nature trails to wander, and common rooms to gather with other writers. Book your reservation to join us and enjoy this time of writing together, alone.**
You may cancel your reservation up to one week prior to the event, which is Friday, August 11.
This year, as an added bonus, Susan White will join us as writer-in-residence. There are 22 slots available, of 25 minutes each for you to discuss your writing projects: Friday afternoon/evening beginning at 3:30 pm, Saturday afternoon/evening beginning at 2:00 pm, and Sunday morning from 9:30 to 11 am. The sign-up sheet will be posted on arrival, and it is first come, first served.
Susan is a well-known (and appreciated!) WFNB member, and lives in the Saint John area. She is the author of 12 books (for young people and adults), including the soon to be published The Way I Feel.
Bio: Susan White was born in New Brunswick and as a teenager her family moved to the Kingston Peninsula and she only left long enough to earn her BA and BEd at St. Thomas University in Fredericton. She and her husband raised four children and ran a small farm while she taught elementary school. Since retiring she is grateful to now have the time to work on her writing. She is the author of Waiting for Still Water, Maple Sugar Pie and four middle-grade novels, including the Ann Connor Brimer Award winning novel The Year Mrs. Montague Cried.
*This year, Villa Madonna Retreat House has engaged Childs Catering from Saint John as their caterer for this event. They can accommodate gluten-free dietary needs at no extra charge, but there might be an extra charge for more singular dietary considerations. Contact us for more details. Please contact us at least two weeks before the date if you require gluten-free meals, or if you have other requests. We will consult the caterer. Additionally, feel free to bring your own private stash of snacks like chocolate, potato chips, a sip of wine, or whatever else makes you the most productive!
** A WORD ABOUT THE RETREAT CENTRE: Not all the rooms have an ensuite bathroom--groups of rooms share a washroom and shower facility in each section of the building. This is not a problem for most people, but if you require your own washroom for health reasons, let us know and we'll try to slot you in an available ensuite room. First come, first served!
ALSO: Villa Madonna was built in the 1930s, so wifi is spotty most places, except for the main floor, close to the offices. If you need wifi to do your work, we recommend using the sitting room on the main floor (which is very comfortable.)
