peninsula writersSummer Retreat General Information
Every June, PW members have the opportunity to attend a week-long writing conference/retreat at Villa Glen, on the shores of Glen Lake. For many members, this is the highlight of the PW experience: writers have opportunities to discuss their craft with others who share their passion, daily small group meetings offer help and support with specific pieces of writing, large group gatherings build camaraderie, and ample time for writing is always provided. Several small, optional craft talks by members are offered throughout the week. And there are many opportunities for informal discussion and activities.
In addition, each conference presents a professional writer as a keynote speaker; our 2010 keynote was poet Mary Ann Samyn’s discussion of her writing process. In recent years, presentations from Laura Kasischke, Jack Driscoll, Heather Sellers and Gerry LaFemina have stimulated thought and discussion—and writing. Also, each conference ends with a “read-around,” a gathering allowing a chance for everyone to hear a small sample of each writer’s work.
Writers looking for a break from their work will find plenty of opportunities, from swimming or kayaking in Glen Lake itself to campfires and s’mores on the beach. Leelanau County also has more than its share of natural beauty to explore: checking out the view of Glen Lake from Inspiration Point, hiking Pyramid Point for its stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands, taking Pierce Stocking Drive into the National Park, visiting the bluffs at Empire or the remains of the old farming community at Port Oneida – too many opportunities to list here. And for those who want to shop, there are plenty of art galleries, craft shops and independent book sellers.
But lovely as the Leelanau is, for most PW members it is the writing and the conference atmosphere that bring them back to future conferences. We hope you’ll consider joining us.
Note: The Summer Conference/Retreat is always held during the week in June that begins on the Saturday before Father’s Day. (For example, in 2011, when Father’s Day falls on June 19th, our conference will run from June 18 – 25.)
Posted by Mark Wolfgang on 07/21/10 at 04:47 PM • (2) CommentsCalendar of Upcoming PW Events
Fall Conference: September 29-October 2, 2011
Winter Conference at Kettunen Center near Cadillac MI: February 16-19, 2012 Download the brochure with registration form here
Spring Fling One-Day Writing Conference at Barnes & Noble, E. Lansing MI: TBA
Summer Retreat at Glen Lake (Writing Camp Heaven): June 16-23, 2012
Next Peninsula Writers Board of Directors meeting: February 17, 2012, at the Kettunen Center Winter Retreat
Page 1 of 1 pages