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 February 20 - 22, 2026. 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 February 20, 2026 :
Arrival: 3 pm.
Dinner 5 pm.
SATURDAY February 21, 2026:
Breakfast 8 am,
Snack 10 am,
Lunch 12 pm,
Snack 2 pm,
Dinner 5 pm.
SUNDAY February 22, 2026:
Breakfast 8 am
Snack 10 am
Wrap-up/Open Mic 11 am
Lunch 12 pm
CANCELLATION: No later than Friday, February 13.
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, February 13.
This year, as an added bonus, Heather Browne will join us as writer-in-residence. There will be several slots available of 25 minutes each throughout the weekend. The sign-up sheet will be posted on arrival, and it is first come, first served.
Bio: Heather Browne
Heather Browne, a nationally published poet and author since the 80s, added the second printing of her 2017 short story collection A Moose in the Dark in 2023. She was Writer in Residence at Kingsbrae International Residency in 2019 where she explored further her novel The Broken Tooth.
She teaches “Writing Around the Table with Heather Browne,” a creative writing course in her home city of Fredericton. An active member of WFNB and TWUC, Heather credits UNB’s Extension Program for early encouragement of her writing. Later, In Vancouver, BC she completed a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia.
She is new to Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/heather.browne.author/.
Villa Madonna Retreat House engages Childs Catering from Saint John as their caterer. 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. There's a spot to indicate your food restrictions on the registration. 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.)
