Write Time Black Writers Retreat
Writing can be extremely difficult with all of the distractions of everyday life—family, friends, household tasks, errands, interruptions, work responsibilities, and the like. Have you ever wanted to hole up at a resort in a desert oasis, near the mountains, a lake or the beach, away from all the distractions of your busy life, and just write? When was the last time you were able to escape to a creative environment with writing friends and allow yourself to get lost in your writing? Never?
The Write Time Black Writers Retreat is a 2-1/2 day program that offers you the peace and quiet to work productively on your writing in the calming surroundings of a beautiful beachfront resort. This retreat is about doing the work. Whether the work consists of the mental part of figuring out where the story is going, or what’s not working, or the pounding out of a rough draft, here’s your chance to escape and focus solely on your pages.
The retreat was created with the inspired attendees of the Black Writers Reunion & Conference in mind in response to their expressed frustration upon returning home eager to sit down and apply the skills and knowledge gained from the conference to their writing only to find their efforts thwarted with distraction after distraction. Open to anyone regardless of race, age, sex, or whether you attend or do not attend the conference, Write Time immediately follows the conference to allow motivated attendees the opportunity to leave the mundane details of your busy lives on hold for a few more days in an ambiance conducive to creativity and let the energy generated during the conference gain momentum and propel you toward achieving your goals.
When and where is the writers’ retreat?
The 2012 retreat is being held on Labor Day weekend, September 1-3, at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort & Spa, 321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. See Accommodations.
What is the writers’ retreat like?
The retreat schedule consists of large blocks of unplanned, unscripted time for participants to write and get feedback, shared morning and evening meals, and morning and evening group sessions that include brief check-ins and progress reports from each participant. Unlike the conference, the retreat allows ample time for individual writing and thinking, punctuated by sessions with groups and conferences with facilitators. During each check-in, each participant is expected to describe his or her process, progress, or problems since the last check-in. Each check-in typically requires only a few minutes per participant. Participants are also invited during check-in or group to share or reflect on questions or concerns that they may become aware of in their writing lives.
In addition, participants may opt for on-site literary services, which includes manuscript review, editing, and private coaching.
Who may attend the writers’ retreat?
Geared toward emerging writers, the retreat program is not the place for inexperienced or beginning writers needing supervised writing guidance. Participants are expected to:
- be serious about working on a piece of writing
- currently have a work in progress
- have significant potential but are not yet or only recently published or produced
- be willing to share their work, receive criticism, provide feedback to others, and participate as a good writing group member
- not be enrolled in an academic literary arts program
The retreat is limited to 10-12 participants per facilitator with a maximum of 36 to be accepted into the program. Participation in the retreat program is by application only.
How to Apply
A complete application includes:
- application form (Word docx) | (PDF)
- a sample of your writing not to exceed ten double-spaced pages
- a brief résumé which shows your commitment to writing (include formal and informal education, participation in writing groups, publication, teaching, etc.)
- cover letter of no more than two pages addressing: your writing history, your writing goals, your potential benefit from this retreat
- a letter of recommendation from someone who has knowledge of your work ethic and commitment to your writing
- a $20 application fee
Should you wish to be informed of receipt of your application submitted via postal mail, enclose a self-addressed stamped postcard or envelope. Receipt of applications submitted via email are confirmed via autoresponder.
Costs
The fee of $359 for participation in the retreat includes shared housing (double occupancy) for two nights at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort & Spa and five meals. Participants are responsible for travel costs, parking, and incidentals. Payment is not due until you have been notified of acceptance. Do not send the retreat fee with your application. The application fee of $20 is the only amount due upon submission, which you may submit via PayPal via the link below.
Deadline for Application
Application for the Write Time Black Writers Retreat must be postmarked by March July 14, 2012. *DEADLINE EXTENDED*
Universal Retreat Option
We also offer a Universal retreat option for anyone who is not admitted into or eligible for the retreat program but wish to take advantage of the opportunity to write and enjoy the resort. Universal participants do not attend any of the group sessions and are not required to check-in with facilitators; however, you are free to attend the retreat kick-off, pair up with writing partners, join writing groups, organize readings, and other activities. Universal participants are not obligated to meet any qualifications or application requirements; however, they should possess the self-discipline, motivation, and commitment to adhere to their own writing schedule throughout each day of the retreat.
Universal Option Cost: $69
