Rest and Reset:
A New Year’s (Writing) Retreat for Women
December 29, 2023 - January 2 (or 3), 2024
The New Year is a time of transition and transformation. This four-night retreat, with an option to add a fifth night, will focus on crafting intentions for our year ahead. Rather than setting rigid ‘resolutions’ (which often barely last through January) we will explore the ways we can support ourselves to move toward our goals in an enduring fashion, with kindness and compassion. There will be an option to complete the Year End Compass, a writing tool that helps us reflect on the previous year and vision for the one to come. We will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a festive bonfire and a ritual to release the old and welcome in the new.
If you are a writer who wants to generate new work, this will be the perfect space to get that done. As with all my retreats, there will be ample opportunity to discuss the creative life. And if you are someone who simply wants to pause and take stock, this retreat is ideal for you too. A typical day will include plenty of unstructured time for reflection, guided writing exercises to inspire you, and three delicious catered local meals. To preserve an intimate atmosphere, this retreat is limited to seven participants.
“The location was so beautiful. The schedule was intentional and nourishing. There was a great balance of solitary and social time. The food was delicious. Alie was incredibly supportive—with writing, and also with the emotions around life and writing life that surfaced for many of us.”
--Previous Participant
Many writing programs are focused on the technical tools needed to write good poetry or prose. In addition to instruction on these important skills, this retreat will focus on the soft skills needed to weather the ups and downs of the creative life. We will learn to take deep care of ourselves as writers, to nourish the diverse ways we find inspiration, and to draw pleasure from the act of creating itself rather than from external validation of prize culture and best seller lists.
The Beaver Valley Lodge is a private 6-bedroom retreat located on the pristine Boyne River outside of Markdale, two hours north of Toronto. Beautifully rustic, it features a hot tub and miles of hiking trails accessible out the back door. Bedrooms are simple and comfortable. Writing workshops will take place on the sun porch overlooking the river, and the big stone fireplace is a perfect place to gather for wine and enlivening conversation in the evenings. Optional day trips include Le Scandinave Spa at Blue Mountain and a hike up Eugenia Falls to see the truly spectacular winter view.
Alison Pick is the author of two poetry collections, one memoir, and three novels. Her 2010 novel Far to Go was nominated for the Man Booker Prize, and has been optioned by House of Film in Toronto. Alison was the winner of the 2002 Bronwen Wallace Award for most promising writer in Canada under the age of 35, and has twice been a fellow at both Yaddo and MacDowell. She has taught at many writing schools including the Banff Centre for the Arts, the Sage Hill Writing Experience, and the Iceland Writers Retreat, and is a long-time faculty member at the Humber School for Writers.
She has also experienced plenty of setbacks over the course of her career, and understands the need to ‘retreat’ as a crucial, regenerative part of a creative life.
RATES
Double occupancy (twin beds): $1398
Single occupancy (twin bed): $1598
Single occupancy (queen bed): $1798
Option to add a fifth night (January 2nd): $395
Tax will be added for Canadians, in your local provincial rate.
A discount of 5% is available to anyone who pays in full before November 20th. One additional scholarship of 50% tuition is available. Please apply with a short paragraph detailing financial need and the project you wish to work on at the retreat. Preference given to BIPOC writers and single mothers.
All woman-identified and non-binary writers are welcome.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Accommodation, daily writing sessions facilitated by Alison, three delicious local meals per day plus snacks.
There is an option to continue mentorship with Alison following the retreat, subject to agreement and negotiation of fees by both parties.
Not included: travel to and from the Beaver Valley Lodge, fees for optional day trips, alcohol (if you would like to enjoy a cocktail at happy hour, please feel free to bring your own!).
CANCELLATION POLICY
Your non-refundable and non-transferable deposit of $250 holds your place in the retreat. The balance of your payment is due by December 1st and is also non-refundable and non-transferable after that date.
QUESTIONS? Please be in touch to book your free discovery call!