If you love the sound and shape of words, if you are ready to express the small narratives and emotions of your own life, if you are ready to explore the spirit within you and in the people, places, and things around you, this guided retreat is for you. Everyone is welcome—beginners and published poets alike.
In this guided writing workshop and retreat, Lorna Crozier will offer a blend of approaches to ensure a balance between instruction and opportunities to apply what you have learned. A combination of topics during instructional sessions — the craft and process of poetry, diction, genre, verb choices — along with quick calls and more extensive calls — will inspire new work and hone your writing skills. Be part of a community of writers that is sure to form during this extraordinary week at Wintergreen.
A week or two before the workshop begins, Lorna will send you a few instructions in preparation for your time together. You will be asked to bring only one new poem to the course, as this retreat is all about new work, along with books of poetry by other poets to share as the week unfolds.
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
Sunday
Enjoy dinner with Lorna and fellow poets as you become familiar with the bounties that Wintergreen Studios offers. Lorna will describe the architecture of the week and review the first “call” on Sunday evening, for participants to respond to in preparation for Monday’s session.
Monday to Wednesday
Morning invitational group session led by Lorna: create and read new work.
Afternoons will be spent in silence. You will be able to choose-your-own-adventure: spend them writing, walking down the Wintergreen trails, reading, or in quiet contemplation.
Thursday to Saturday
Writing retreat—time for you to dive into your work. Afternoon craft sessions by Lorna to be negotiated, based on the wishes of participants. Yoga and/or body work sessions may also be facilitated, depending on the wishes of participants.
Thursday evening
Evening public reading by Lorna: TBD.
Friday evening
You will have a chance to share your poetry, including work you have produced during the week as well as other work that you might have revised during your time at Wintergreen.
Remember, you will not be editing poems that have already been committed to the page prior to arriving at Wintergreen. Instead, Lorna will give you exercises meant to inspire and generate new material. You will leave this writing retreat at Wintergreen with new poems tucked into your pockets and ideas that will inspire you to continue writing when you get back home.
CHAPBOOK
For the past several years, these new poems have been collected into a chapbook, published by Wintergreen Studios Press. Below are titles published from past retreats:
Pink Flamingos (2021)
This Wine Into Water (2018)
Teasing the Tongue (2017)
Sound Me When I’m Done (2016)
Momma’s Prayer Flags (2015)
We hope this year’s group will also elect to publish their new work. Lorna will tell you more about the possibility—and the logistics—when you’re all gathered at Wintergreen. Tuition includes five chapbooks at author price for each of the poets.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
An Officer of the Order of Canada, Lorna Crozier has been acknowledged for her contributions to Canadian literature, her teaching and her mentoring with five honorary doctorates, most recently from McGill and Simon Fraser Universities. Her books have received numerous national awards, including the Governor-General’s Award for Poetry. The Globe and Mail declared The Book of Marvels: A Compendium of Everyday Things one of its Top 100 Books of the Year, and Amazon chose her memoir as one of the 100 books you should read in your lifetime. A Professor Emerita at the University of Victoria, she has performed for Queen Elizabeth II and has read her poetry, which has been translated into several languages, on every continent except Antarctica. Her book, What the Soul Doesn't Want, was nominated for the 2017 Governor General's Award for Poetry. In 2018, Lorna Crozier received the George Woodcock Lifetime Achievement Award. Steven Price called Through the Garden: A Love Story (with Cats), her latest nonfiction book, “one of the great love stories of our time.” Lorna Crozier lives on Vancouver Island.
Lorna’s previous teaching at Wintergreen, in the summers of 2010, 2011, and 2013, in the cold of winter in 2014, in the spring time of 2015, 2016, and 2017, and in the fall of 2018 and 2021, has been most joyfully received. Called “a poet to be grateful for” by Margaret Laurence, she has been an ambassador for poetry wherever she goes.
FEES & REGISTRATION
Pricing (+ HST) includes tuition, meals (18), and accommodation (6 nights), except for the off-site option. $250 non-refundable deposit. Payment in full is required upon registration.
With COVID considerations in mind, both private (non-shared) and shared accommodations will be offered in 2022.
REFUND POLICY
If you cancel before September 28, 2022, all but $250 (non-refundable deposit) will be refunded to you.
If you cancel between September 29 and October 28, 2022, 65% of the full fee will be refunded to you. Alternatively, your registration is transferable, so if you are unable to attend, a friend can come in your place. If we are able to fill your space from the waiting list, all but the $250 non-refundable deposit would be refunded to you.
If you cancel after October 28, 2022, refunds are not available.
OFFSITE
Facilities and meals, but no overnight accommodation – $1750 + HST
WINTERGREEN STUDIOS*
Hobbit House (private remote woodland cabin with small double bed) – $1950 SOLD OUT
Parthenon (private remote woodland cabin with double futon) – $1950
Beach House (private woodland cabin near Lodge with 1 double futon) – $2200 SOLD OUT
Family Room (room in the Lodge with 1 double bed and 2 twin beds; ground level) – $2300 private; $2100 shared SOLD OUT
North Room or Garden Room (private rooms in the Lodge with 1 double bed; ground level) – $2300 SOLD OUT
Sauna View Room or Green Roof Room (private rooms in the Lodge with 1 twin bed; upper level with stair access only) – $2300 SOLD OUT
Maple Room or Courtyard Room (rooms in the Lodge with 2 twin beds; ground level) – $2300 private; $2100 shared SOLD OUT
*If your preferred accommodation choice is no longer available when you register, please contact us to be put on the waiting list.