“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.”
Come to Wintergreen to taste life twice. Through your writing, through the community of writers that will gather here, and through the wonderful tastes that we will provide from the Wintergreen kitchen.
This self-guided writing retreat will be a time and a place for you to immerse yourself in your work, gently held by the space and by the people around you. Everyone is welcome — beginners and published writers alike. What you will have in common is the desire to take a break from the daily demands of your lives and to be nurtured here — body, mind, and spirit. The work that you choose to to while you are here could be any genre — poetry, prose, fiction, memoir, personal essay, non-fiction, technical writing. And it could be in any stage of development — new work, or work in progress that you need just a few dedicated days to bring to fruition.
Pre-dinner conversations about the writing from the day.
RETREAT OVERVIEW
Sunday
After settling into your room and exploring the bounties that Wintergreen offers, you will enjoy dinner with your fellow writers. Over dinner, you will come know something of your companions, and make decisions about how you would like your time to unfold. This overview is only a guide, based on retreats held in prior years. As a group, you may choose to make modifications as the week unfolds.
Monday to Friday
8:00 AM Breakfast (in silence)
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Writing Retreat
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Writing Retreat
The mornings and afternoons will be spent in silence. You will take those hours to write, perhaps punctuated by walks down the Wintergreen trails, or taking an hour or two to read. Sip on a cup of tea by the wood stove. The silence will be broken at approximately 5 PM each day.
5:00 PM Sharing Circle (optional)
This is a time for you to talk with fellow writers about your work. Some of you may choose to read excerpts of your writing at this time — perhaps just to share the work and hear what it sounds like read aloud, or possibly to ask for specific suggestions and feedback.
6:30 PM Dinner & Evening Writing Time
Reading on Thursday evening
This is a chance to share your writing, including work you have produced during the week as well as other work that you might have revised during your time at Wintergreen.
Optional Add-ons
If there is interest, Wintergreen will arrange for a yoga/body work session during your stay (suggested payment $20 p.p., paid directly to the instructor). We are also happy to lead a labyrinth walk (no charge). Of course, you are free to use the labyrinth any time on your own or with a companion or two.
Winter Play!
COST & REGISTRATION
Pricing as listed below includes meals (18), and accommodation (6 nights). Included in the cost is a $200 non-refundable deposit.
Payment in full is required upon registration and HST will be added to the prices listed below on checkout. This retreat is limited to 10 participants.
REFUND POLICY
If you cancel before January 12, 2025, all but $200 (non-refundable deposit) will be refunded to you.
If you cancel between January 12 and January 19, 2025, 60% 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 $200 non-refundable deposit would be refunded to you.
If you cancel on or after January 20, 2025, refunds are not available.
WINTERGREEN STUDIOS
Meadow Suite (room in the Lodge with king bed and ensuite bathroom; ground level) — $1,600 private/$1,300 shared SOLD OUT
Spanish Room (accessible room in the Lodge with 1 queen bed; ground level) – $1,440 private
Porch Room (room in the Lodge with 1 double bed; ground level) - $1,440 private
North Room or Garden Room (rooms in the Lodge with 1 double bed; ground level) – $1,440 private BOTH SOLD OUT
Maple Room or Courtyard Room (rooms in the Lodge with 2 twin beds; ground level) – $1,440 private/$1,150 shared
Sauna View Room or Green Roof Room (rooms in the Lodge with 1 twin bed; upper level with stair access only) – $1,440 private ONLY SAUNA VIEW ROOM AVAILABLE
Forest House (woodland cabin near the Lodge with double bed; loft/upper level with ladder stair access only) – $1,300 private SOLD OUT
Phoenix House (woodland cabin near the Lodge with double bed on ground level) – $1,300 private SOLD OUT
*If your preferred accommodation choice is no longer available when you register, please email us to be put on the waiting list for a shared or private room.
If registering for more than one person, please enter the number required as the “Quantity” and you will be charged accordingly.
HST is included in the checkout price.