Poetry Weekend Retreat May 23 -25

WRITING YOUR WAY HOME

a poetry weekend intensive

at an English manor house in Mendham, New Jersey

with poets Maria Mazziotti Gillan and Laura Boss

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday May 23, 24, and 25, 2014

Just two months until the spring Weekend Poetry Retreat at St. Marguerite's Retreat House in Mendham, New Jersey with poets Laura Boss and Maria Mazzioti Gillan.

This is an opportunity to make space and time to focus totally on your writing in a serene and setting away from the pressures and distractions of daily life.

Writing weekend poets will find support and encouragement with workshop leaders who are actively engaged in the writing life. It also provides numerous opportunities to read your work to a circle of fellow poets and create networking opportunities.

This writing intensive is open to all writers over the age of 18. Fifteen professional development credit hours are available for teachers.

St. Marguerite's Retreat House (located at the convent of Saint John the Baptist, 82 West Main Street in Mendham, NJ)  is set away from the pressures and distractions of daily life on 93 acres of wooded land with pathways (including a labyrinth) that lend themselves to the serene contemplation of nature and nurturing of your creative spirit.

Participants arrive before 6 PM on Friday evening, have dinner, settle into their rooms, and begin to retreat from the distractions of the world. That evening, participants will be led into creating new work and after each workshop sessions, participants will have the opportunity to read their work in the group.

After Saturday breakfast, participants will move into two groups for morning workshops, followed by free time for socializing and exploring the grounds. After lunch, writing workshops will take place, followed by time to write. Each participant will have a chance to sign up in advance with Maria or Laura for one-on-one help with revision.

After dinner on Saturday evening, participants will be invited to read their poems to the groups, and the faculty will lead another workshop session on how to get published.

After Sunday breakfast, a final writing workshop and concluding reading by participants will serve as the “closing ceremony” to this inspiring and productive weekend and lunch provides a final opportunity for socializing.

The leaders envision this weekend as a retreat from the noise and bustle of daily life and see this retreat as both a spiritual and creative break from our usual lives. The setting certainly allows us to take some time to look at life in a new light, to listen for our own voices, and to create in stillness, in quiet, and in community. These are times of contemplation and welcoming the muse.

The workshops will concentrate on "writing your way home" and the way writing can save us, save our stories and our lives. Participants should bring papers, pens, and the willingness to take some risks. Please also bring previously-written work for one-on-one sessions and for the readings.

Fee Schedule:  $425 fee includes room, all meals, and all workshops.
Deposit by April 5, 2014 of $300
Balance due by April 19, 2014 $125
Early Bird Discount: Deduct $25 if paid in full by April 5, 2014
Full refund will be given prior to April 29, 2014.

Late registration will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Enrollment is limited and we already have people signed up for this workshop, so if you are interested, please sign up as soon as possible.

Mail check payable to Maria Mazziotti Gillan to: 40 Post Ave., Hawthorne, NJ 07506 along with your name, address, a day and night phone number and your email.

Other questions? Call (973) 684-6555 or (973) 423-2921 or email mariagillan@verizon.net

LAURA BOSS
Arms: New and Selected Poems

 
MARIA GILLAN

Writing Poetry To Save Your Life: How To Find The Courage To Tell Your Stories

 What We Pass On: Collected Poems: 1980-2009