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