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About this trip
Are you yearning for dedicated writing time, a nurturing writing community, and guidance to take your writing to the next level?
Join us for the transformative Wellspring Literary Escape: The Porches Edition—a 4-Day/3-Night writing retreat in Norwood, VA. Led by Cindy Cunningham, a seasoned instructor and retreat leader with over three decades of literary expertise, this retreat offers dedicated group and individual writing time, a safe and inclusive community, and expert guidance to elevate your writing.
Escape to the serene hillside of Norwood, VA, and immerse yourself in this restored historic farmhouse, built in 1854. Ignite your creativity, connect with like-minded writers, and explore valuable writing strategies in tranquil surroundings.
Retreat Highlights:
- Inspiring Atmosphere: The Porches' rich history and natural beauty provide an enchanting backdrop to ignite your creativity.
- Group Writing Time: Refine your skills and overcome creative blocks with kindred writers.
- Individual Writing Time: Enjoy uninterrupted creative flow in peaceful surroundings.
- Community and Camaraderie: Share experiences, ideas, and inspiration with other writers.
Location: Only 3 hours from Washington, D.C., The Porches offers convenience in a secluded setting.
Dates: March 21-24, 2024 Limited Spots Available: Secure your exclusive spot in this intimate retreat (limited to four attendees) and rejuvenate your writing while making lasting memories with fellow creative thinkers, where inspiration flows. Sign up today to ignite your writing passion!
Accommodations-About The Porches
The Porches Writing Retreat welcomes writers to a restored historic farmhouse built in 1854, on the James River in the Virginia countryside.
Compared to other writing retreats, Porches offers a unique experience. Spacious porches and large private rooms provide peaceful views of wooded river bluffs and pastures. After a day of writing, enjoy sitting on the porches, sipping wine or hot tea as you watch deer browse among the fruit trees.
The house is half hour from the Appalachian Trail, 50 minutes from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, 3 hours from Washington, D.C.
Don't miss this opportunity to create, connect, and cultivate your craft in the heart of Virginia's enchanting countryside.
🌟 What Former Attendees Are Saying:
🌺 "This was an amazing opportunity to write, reflect and refresh in a beautiful setting with fantastic people." – Brooke, The Porches
🌺 "This writing retreat took place in a tranquil countryside setting that set the stage for self-reflection and gave me the ability to write with a flow that had been blocked during the last few years." – Susan, The Porches
🌺 "It was an honor to write with so many women who have the same goal–writing and sharing self. That was a moving, deepening, edifying experience." – Kim, Writers at the Beach 2023
🌺 " Thank you Cindy and Team!! It was just what I needed. I feel like it lived up to its title “aligning to the authentic self” and everyone worked in their best capacity make that happen. I loved being able to share my meditation and sound tools. I loved the spread of food, the writing prompts, the longer length of writing time. I also loved the super delicious dinner at Eurasia Cafe. This is a fantastic retreat for anyone looking to deepen their writing practice. Thank you!" – Lisa, Writers at the Beach: Aligning the Authentic Self 2023
Amenities
Bed linens provided. Tissues, toilet paper, paper towels. Laundry facilities are on the premises. Writers provide their own towels.
Good drinking water from Artesian well.
Fast speed internet connection in all rooms.
A large well-equipped communal kitchen is available for writers to prepare their own meals whenever they like. (Complimentary tea, sugar, and basic staples). A grocery store is in the town of Lovingston, a 20-minute drive from the retreat, where you may purchase supplies before arrival at Porches.
There are elegant and comfortable common rooms. The writers refectory (dining room) provides refrigerators, microwave, Keurig, Coffee makers and filters, mugs, glasses, dishes/flatware, cooking utensils. You may enjoy taking your meals inside or out on the porches or grounds.
TV and DVD in living room library.
What’s included
- Lodging for 3 Nights
- Welcome Dinner
- Manuscript or CoachingCindy will review and comment on up to 25 pages of writing (sent in advance) and/or meet with you for a private coaching session on any writing-related topic--your choice!
- Coffee/TeaKeurig and drip coffee; a variety of teas, sweeteners, and creamer.
- Group Writing SessionsGroup sessions led by Cindy each day
- Individual Writing SpaceHours of Individual Writing Time each day. Each room has a lovely and sturdy writing desk, desk chair, as well as a comfy reading spot. Other serence areas exist both indoors and out.
What’s not included
- TowelsLinens are provided, but please bring your own towels, bath, & shower products.
- MealsEach attendee provides one group meal (for 5 people.) This may be super casual--soup and salad or sandwiches or pasta. More details as we get closer to the date. Breakfast On Your Own
Available Packages
On the second floor, the Blue Queen Room and the Dove Room are spacious and light, lovingly restored. Each room offers elegant comfort, with original heart-pine floors, hand-blown glass windows, and high-ceilings. Find a queen size bed, antique armoire, writing desk, and comfortable desk chair, as well as reading chair and sofa. The wide upstairs porch runs the length of the house and overlooks the James River bottoms and distant bluffs.
On the second floor, the Blue Queen Room and the Dove Room are spacious and light, lovingly restored. Each room offers elegant comfort, with original heart-pine floors, hand-blown glass windows, and high-ceilings. A queen size bed, antique armoire, writing desk, and comfortable desk chair, as well as reading chair and sofa. The wide upstairs porch runs the length of the house and overlooks the James River bottoms and distant bluffs.
The Jade Room has a twin-sized bed on the third floor and offers lofty views as well as lovely light. The two third floor rooms share a newly renovated hall bathroom with shower.
All the porches are accessed through the central hall. So all rooms may enjoy both upstairs and downstairs porches. Every room has ceiling fans, desk fans, and air-conditioning.
The Treetops on the third floor has a lovely, lofty view and lighting, a queen sized bed, a writing desk and chair, and reading chair. The two third floor rooms share a newly renovated hall bathroom with shower.
All the porches are accessed through the central hall. So all rooms may enjoy both upstairs and downstairs porches. Every room has ceiling fans, desk fans, and air-conditioning.
Available options
Thorough developmental edit of a full-length manuscript (fiction or memoir,) Reduced Retreat Rate. Send in advance.
Thorough developmental edit of a full-length POETRY manuscript. All poems and structure/format addressed. Send in advance.
Itinerary
- Arrive at The Porches between 4:00 and 5:30; Settle in and get your bearings (perhaps take a few minutes to reflect on your surroundings in your journal.)
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Welcome Dinner (provided)
- Meet the other attendees.
- Enjoy a welcome dinner while getting to know one another.
- Participants receive a welcome package, including a schedule and writing resources.
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Opening Session - Setting Goals and Accountability
- Introduction to the retreat's goals and schedule.
- Set personal intentions for the retreat.
- Discussion on setting realistic writing goals.
- First writing session.
9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. a time to socialize or write on your own (or sleep or eat etc.)