Special Weeks

Write Here, Write Now! Writers' Retreat
Facilitator: Sheila Webster Boneham

Have you started your memoir, or a novel, or some other book-length work, or thought about starting one? Do you long for supportive feedback and time to focus on your writing? Or perhaps you are working on short stories or essays or other prose? Whether you think you want to write but don’t know how to begin, or you have a manuscript well underway, come to Pawley's Island in March for inspiration! Sheila Boneham, your Retreat facilitator, is an award-winning author and poet with many years of experience writing, editing, and teaching (see her bio below).

Bring paper and pen, or your laptop, and write!

Hear Sheila's interview about books, animals, and more from Midday Interview with Jemila Ericson, WHQR Radio, May 17, 2012.

Questions? Check here first.

Who should come?

This Retreat is open to writers at all levels. The emphasis will be on prose (fiction or nonfiction), but poets are also welcome. Cross-genre groups can be very inspiring and helpful!

What is the Retreat like?

I don’t use the word “workshop” because creative activity should be playful, even when it’s difficult. That said, the Retreat will offer all participants the opportunity to respond to creative prompts, to learn from short presentations on different elements of craft and publishing, and to participate in discussions. Working members of the group will have the opportunity to receive feedback from Sheila and from their peers about their writing in a safe and supportive environment.

What if I haven’t started writing anything yet?

Write here, write now! The Retreat will be a terrific way to begin. Exercises and prompts are designed to get your creative juices flowing, whether you have an idea already in mind, aren’t yet sure what you want to write, or have something well under way. Beyond that, nothing is so stimulating as being with other creative people in a non-competitive environment, especially with the great Atlantic Ocean right outside!

What if I’m already working on my book or story?

That’s great! The Retreat will give you an opportunity to receive feedback on your work from a published award-winning author and former editor, and from potential readers. You will also have time to write, or revise, the work you have started.

Will I get feedback on my manuscript?

If you sign up as a “working participant,” you will have the opportunity to submit up to twenty five pages of your manuscript for detailed comments from Sheila. This will be personal, private feedback consisting of written comments and a half hour private consultation with Sheila to be scheduled during the Retreat. Working participants will also receive feedback during group sessions if they wish.

Do I have to show people my writing?

No. All participation is voluntary. No one will be forced to read or share any writing they do not feel ready to share.

Why are there two kinds of registration, and what is the difference between “working” and “auditing” participants?

Sheila offers “working” and “auditing” participation for two main reasons. First, the detailed feedback offered to working participants requires a substantial time commitment before and during the Retreat, so the number of working slots must be limited. Secondly, some participants may not have a material that is ready for feedback yet, and may choose to use the time to focus on creating new work and self-editing.

Working participants will have the opportunity to submit up to twenty-five pages to Sheila prior to the Retreat for feedback (see previous question), and will also have the opportunity to receive feedback on shorter selections from other working participants, and to provide such feedback, during the group sessions. Working participants are also guaranteed an opportunity to give a short reading one evening (entirely voluntary and optional), and to receive tips and supportive feedback if they do so. Reading is good practice, and a lovely way to find out what resonates with listeners.

Auditing participants will participate in all exercise and discussion sessions, and may sit in on the group sessions, but they will not submit work for working participants to read nor have the chance to offer comments during group sessions. After the scheduled readings in the evenings, auditors will have a chance to read short pieces during optional “open mike” sessions.

What will the daily schedule be like?

Creative work requires three things: periods of intense concentration, periods of interaction and feedback, and periods of relaxation and renewal. The Retreat is designed to provide you with all three.

We will begin in the morning with some “loosening up” through exercises and prompts. Then we’ll move into a group session in which we read and discuss the writing of working participants (all participants are welcome to attend).

After lunch we’ll have a “silent” period in which you are free to write, walk on the beach, read, meditate – your choice. The only rule will be that for a designated period of time you do not speak to other participants. We are all so programmed to be polite that most people won’t say “leave me alone,” so I will say it for you! This ensures that everyone has time to write, or to allow the subconscious to work on their ideas, without distraction.

In the late afternoon we’ll gather for informal discussion of short examples of published work by a variety of writers.

After dinner, we’ll allow a little time for walking on the beach or rocking on the porch. Then we’ll gather for a short talk about the business side of writing, publishing, and marketing our work. We’ll wrap up the day with an evening event. These will vary, but may include readings by published authors, presentations by a bookseller or editor, readings by participants, or creativity and writing exercises. The schedule of guests will be provided to you before the Retreat.

About Sheila

Award-winning North Carolina author Sheila Webster Boneham writes fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, much of it focused on animals, nature, and travel. An omnivorous reader, Sheila resists conventional labels and does not believe in drawing lines between literary and commercial writing. She is currently working on several projects: a series of essays about traveling the U.S. by train, a memoir cum wide-ranging meditation on the human-canine connection, a novel, several poems, a screenplay, and a mystery series. Sheila has taught writing for many years in the U.S. and abroad, and holds a doctorate in folklore from Indiana University. For fun she takes long walks and plays with animals. Learn more at http://www.sheilaboneham.com or email sheilaboneham@gmail.com.

Costs and enrollment information
The costs listed below include 4 days' room, instruction, and three delicious meals per day. The rates do not include taxes, gratuities, or entry fees for pay-to-enter parks and attractions.

Ocean Side/Cottage Rooms

Single Occupancy
Working $810
Auditing $740

Double Occupancy
1 person Working = $1,050
2 people Working = $1,300
1 person Auditing = $980
2 people Auditing = $1,160
(you can bring a friend or spouse to share your room even if they do not participate)

Ocean Front Rooms (highly recommended!)

Single Occupancy
Working $930
Auditing $860

Double Occupancy
1 person Working = $1,250
2 people Working = $1,500
1 person Auditing = $1,180
2 people Auditing = $1,360
(you can bring a friend or spouse to share your room even if they do not participate)

To ensure a place in this retreat, please call Sea View Inn to make a reservation. You will need to send a deposit of $250 per writer (or $150 per non-writing spouse/friend) as soon as possible.
Make your check out to Sea View Inn, and send it to:
The Sea View Inn
414 Myrtle Ave
Pawleys Island, SC 29585.

Please state your preference for the type of room you would like and, where applicable, with whom you will share the room. If you have been before and require a specific room please let the Sea View Inn know as soon as you can. There is a good chance of getting it. If you have questions about the Inn/accommodations please call the Sea View Inn at (843) 237-4253.

On receipt of your deposit you will receive confirmation and further details of the workshop. Our regular cancellation policy is in effect.
 

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414 Myrtle Avenue - Pawleys Island, South Carolina 29585
Tel:(843)237-4253
Fax: (803)753-9402
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