What I Learned On the Writing Retreat

Yesterday was the final day of the writing retreat. I consider it a success because I was able to focus on what my next steps should be regarding my idea of writing a book. From what Brian Henry, the creative writing instructor told me, I should first try some shorter pieces with a view to getting them published.

With that in mind, I have decided that I am going to try to make my daily blogs a little bit longer until I build more confidence.

Arowhon Pines was the ideal location, I think, for this type of retreat. There was a lot of quiet, especially with no TV or Internet/cellular service available.

With everyone in the group there for the same purpose, that, too,added to the ability to focus.

I managed to get nine of the sixteen participants together for a photo here on the dock. Some of these people have already had books published and several have novels just on the cusp of being published. I learned a lot from them.

There was also some time to enjoy the surroundings, though. Pictured below is Jane, in a kayak for the very first time. Something that was on her bucket list.

This resort, situated in Algonquin Park on Little Joe Lake has the quintessential scenery so often associated with Canada. There were numerous remote campsites on the nearby shores and, surprisingly for this time of year, many of them were occupied.

On the last day, when it came to my turn to offer feedback on the retreat, I shared with the other writers what I had decided to do next and to ask that they read my blog whenever they had time and to provide me feedback on how I might improve. In return, I was prepared to read any of the stuff they were working on and reciprocate.

Brian said he was willing to share e-mail addresses of everyone to accommodate that suggestion.

I am also requesting that other readers of my blog feel free to offer comments or suggestions as to how I can improve my writing. Tell me what you like and what you don’t like. My most valuable critic is you.

Thank you, Jane, Ted, Steven and Chris for an early, but timely birthday gift.

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