Last weekend eight ladies gathered at my cabin on Gabriola, the most southern of the Gulf Islands, situated in the middle of the Salish Sea between Vancouver on the mainland and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. We came together to write. My big plan, as the hostess, was to have no plan.
While we have many differences (i.e., ages, backgrounds, writing styles and interests) we are united in our love for writing.
We gathered in my house on Friday night, feasted on lasagna, drank wine and talked writing. The next day we rose early and went about our own morning routines. Marion-Ann went for a run, Jacqui went for a long walk. I meditated. Others chatted over coffee and tea. Then we sunk into our writing projects. There seemed to be a natural rhythm to the day.
At ten most of us went to a local coffee shop, Mad Rona’s, to soak in the WIFI and have a look around. A few stayed back and did some more writing.
We returned to the house for a delicious pot-luck lunch of Greek Salad, Lentil Soup and Dolomades at noon and then returned to our writing.
Just before dinner we watched a Michael Hague tape on writing scenes, which was both informative and inspirational. At six we went out to dinner at the Woodfire Pizza and Grill. Three husbands joined in the fun.
After dinner we sunk into the wrap around sofa and watched a fun romantic flick, which we of course dissected.
My cabin on Gabriola is comfortable, but rustic. We managed eight women with one biffy and two beds, but none of that mattered. I had a fantastic time. I spent hours writing was inspired by our discussions on writing. The wine and chocolate were good too:) But of course the best part– the very best part– was being with other writers.
Writing retreats foster creative synchronicity. I can’t wait till the next one:)
Photo Credits: Jacqui Nelson and Marion Ann Berry
Great photos! It looks like so much fun 🙂 H
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2016 19:38:04 +0000 To: hannahmyles@hotmail.com
Hi H,
Thanks. It was great.
You’re so right, Jo-Ann. The best part was being with other writers and sharing ideas about writing but you’re also a superb hostess. You made everyone feel so at home and free to do their own thing. Loved it!
Hi Helena,
Aaaah, thank you for your kind words. It was a great time.
Best Wishes
Jo-Ann
Thanks for including me in your writing getaway, Jo-Ann! Loved being surrounded by creative minds and all that gorgeous west coast nature.
Hi Jacqui,
You are most welcome. It wouldn’t be the same without you. Thanks for coming.
Best Wishes
Jo-Ann
Thanks for hosting. I came so stressed and went home so refreshed by your wonderful location in the forest.
Hi Judy,
You’re welcome. It truly was my pleasure. I had a great time. Thanks for being a part of it.
Best Wishes
Jo-Ann
It was a wonderful weekend and I loved every minute of it. Thank you for hosting.
Me too! Thanks for being a part of it.
Best
Jo-Ann
Love the photos. Looks like a fabulous time!
Thanks JC
Hey, Jo-Ann. So jealous! The photos were awesome. Sounds like a really special time in such a beautiful setting. Food, drink, writing, and friends. What could be better. I’ve shared. 🙂
Thanks Marsha,
It was a soulful time. The best of everything. Wish you could be there.
Best
Jo-Ann
I’m so jealous! I’ve always wanted to go on a writer’s retreat. I’ve even tried to talk a few writer friends to rent a cabin somewhere out in the woods but we could never settle on a date. Yours looked like a lot of fun!
Hi CR
Your comment somehow got lost, but I just found it. Getting away with friends who share the passion of writing was even more wonderful than I imagined. I hope you indulge yourself and to it sometime. The beauty of our arrangement is that we only paid for food and transportation.
I hope to hear great things about your retreat in the woods. Thanks for stopping by and chatting.
Best Wishes
Jo-Ann
This was an amazing retreat! Thank you again for hosting us, it was very memorable, thank you for including us in your blog – I was in the writing zone and have carried the energy for the last two weeks and plan on maintaining that creative energy everyday – it’s all about balance. Can’t wait or the next retreat 🙂
Marion Ann,
I’m so glad you felt inspired. I loved it too.
Namaste
Jo-Ann