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Writing Retreat: Lakeside, OH

4/24/2019

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I haven't been to a writing retreat for many years, but I highly recommend the experience. Typically held over a weekend and with a much smaller number of attendees than a writing conference, the retreat atmosphere lends itself very well to getting to know your fellow writers (and their writing) on a much more personal level. It can also provide a more intimate, focused critique opportunity, as most retreats provide critique sessions and/or "down time" to create your own sessions in a cozy corner with other writers.

Lakeside, OH—near and dear to my heart and the Lake Erie setting for my current work-in-progress NaNoWriMo 2019 project "Charlotte's Choice"—is just about the most beautiful location I can think of for a writing retreat. I have debated coordinating one of my own retreats in this quaint, step-back-in-time Chautauqua community, which sports cottages of climbing ivy, a sailing club, shuffleboard courts, and a stretch of waterfront dubbed the "most beautiful mile." Until I get my act together, I would be remiss to not blog about the upcoming Word Lovers Retreat, May 31 - June 2, to be held at the Idlewyld Bed and Breakfast.

WORD LOVERS RETREAT—LAKESIDE, OH

Claudia J. Taller, coordinator of Igniting Possibilities, stages the 23rd Word Lovers Retreat at Lakeside, OH. Held May 31 - June 2, at Idlewyld Bed and Breakfast, the event welcomes two Columbus writers, Trudy Brandenburg and Sandra Gurvis, as presenters. According to Taller, Trudy created the successful Emma Haines Kayak Mystery Series, teaches writing classes, and writes for magazines and newspapers. Sandra Gurvis is the author of sixteen commercially published books and hundreds of magazine articles. Her titles include Day Trips From Columbus, 3rd ed.; Ohio Curiosities, 2nd ed.; Careers For Nonconformists, which was a selection of the Quality Paperback Book Club; and America’s Strangest Museums.

Weekend Lineup

(per Taller's website)
Creating Fictional Characters: In this fun and interactive class led by Trudy, you’ll use a simple magazine picture to create your fictional character. This easy technique helps keep your characters true to themselves. You’ll craft a bio, complete with background, personality traits, and unique quirks that will bring your character to life. You’ll leave this class with a useful writing tool and the zeal to write! No writing experience necessary.

Bird Walk: From her kayak and on walks, Trudy’s an expert at hearing and seeing birds. Lakeside is on the Lake Erie migratory route, and attendees will take advantage of her expertise and love of birds on a walk around Lakeside.

Turning Personal Experiences into Viable Prose: “Everything is material,” or so the saying goes. But how can you turn life experiences into salable writing that readers can enjoy and relate to? This workshop with Sandra will focus on using anecdotes, memories, and observations to craft salable stories as well as how to distance yourself to avoid losing perspective and to protect yourself legally as well as the privacy of others.

Inventing (and Re-Inventing) Yourself as a Writer: No matter how many years you’ve been at it, writing is a continual process of discovery. Aimed at both novice and experienced writers, this workshop with Sandra helps explore the many ways you can use your skills and experiences to boost your career. Participants will get a chance to evaluate their present and future aspirations, along with finding new ways to earn income as a freelancer.

Critique Session: In small groups, participants will discuss what works and what doesn’t work in participant's work.

Open Microphone: With wine in hand, attendees will be entertained by fellow writers.

Registration

For cost and additional information, visit the Word Lovers page on Taller's website, www.claudiajtaller.com. To register, send an email to [email protected]. 

#writer #amwriting #WIP #SCBWI #writingtip #writingretreat #Lakeside

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    Writer

    Brenda Haas is currently a feature writer for Leisure Living Magazine, covering the Shores & Islands Ohio region. She also freelances for nonprofits and is well-versed in public relations, marketing, and editing. She spent many years as a reporter and columnist for a Pittsburgh press. Her writing has appeared in Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and My Outer Banks Home magazine, among other publications.

    Brenda lived in the Pittsburgh, PA area for more than 20 years. She now resides in Lakeside, OH, a circa-1870s Lake Erie community attracting generations of annual vacationers, artists, and educators. It serves as the vintage setting for her debut novel — Finding Sutton’s Choice (Orange Hat Publishing/Ten16 Press, release May 2025).

    Works-in-Progress
    Women's Fiction:
    - Sutton's Second Chance
    - Here or There on Beddington Bluff

    Young Adult:
    - Hells of Southgate
    - Forest for the Trees


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