The Herring Creek Writing Retreat is a spectacular way to combine a weekend get-away with a series of writing workshops that will give you a year's worth of inspiration!

"I can honestly say I produced some of my best work on this writer's retreat. It refreshed and invigorated me, cleansed me of the grime building up on my heart and soul." (Roseann Marulli)

What better way to make new friends?  To get back to your writing, if you've strayed away, or bolster an existing commitment.

"I came away from this writing retreat feeling energized. I learned to respect my own work and loved spending time in a supportive writing community."  (Pamela Small)

"The retreat for writers helped me remove a few roadblocks that were keeping me from my writing, to which I now have a new commitment. Since returning from this inspiring vacation for writers, my creative batteries are recharged and I've been working on the outline for my next novel." (JoAnn Muller)

Herring Creek is located off the Potomac River, just above where it spills into the Chesapeake Bay. The moon rises in your lap.  Gulls and herons, hawks and crows swoop through the sky. Stirred by the soft salt breeze, trees cast their quivering shadows.  Such beauty will comfort and quiet your spirit.  Far away from the world's incessant demands and intrusive expectations, you'll be able to listen to the deepest promptings of your imagination.

Photo courtesy of: Annmarie Garden Arts Center

With creative juices fully animated, you’ll be eager to expand your repertoire of writing techniques.  Use your new-found skills in ongoing projects or to create new work. This inspiring writing weekend includes ample time for private writing, as well as the chance to share meals and work with other writers.

No matter where you’re at in your writing practice – even if you’re just beginning – even if you’re stuck or blocked – or if you just want to spice up a thriving writing practice – this weekend’s combination of theory and practice will rouse your sleeping literary genius!

Can't make the scheduled retreat?
Check out the Writer's Guest Suite and create your own private writing retreat.

Elizabeth Ayres leads the Herring Creek Writing Retreat.  Elizabeth’s soul-stirring essays about Chesapeake Bay Country are cherished by readers everywhere, and were recently collected in Invitation to Wonder:  A Journey through the Seasons, a book praised by Annie Dillard, Beatrice Bruteau, Tom Horton and the late Thomas Berry.  Author of Writing the Wave and two Sounds True audio series as well as founder of this Center for Creative Writing, Elizabeth's teacherly skills are legendary. Read her essays about the  Chesapeake  or check out her credentials.  You can also visit her other website:  InvitationToWonder.com

 

GETTING THERE

photo: Michael R. Sweet

Herring Creek is located in Tall Timbers, Maryland (zip 20690), which is 90 minutes south of Washington, D.C. and 2 hours south of Baltimore, MD.  If you're flying, you would fly into Baltimore-Washington International and rent a car.  If you wish to take Amtrack, you would take it to the New Carrollton, Maryland station.  There's a Budget Car Rental agency about 3 miles away and you would be driving about 90 minutes.  If you don't drive, car service from airport or train station is available -- ask Elizabeth for details.

LODGING

Nestled in the arms of a creek-side marina, the Comfort Inn of Solomon's Island offers our writers a very special rate of only $85 per night.  A 20 minute drive from Imago House, this motel boasts  convenient access to the picturesque fishing village of Solomon's Island, with its boardwalk, boutiques and upscale restaurants.  Call 410-326-6303.  Tell them you are with "The Elizabeth Ayres Creative Writing Center."  You may request a waterfront-view room, it is not guaranteed, but all rooms share the marina ambiance.  Discount rooms are available on a first come-first served basis, so RESERVE YOUR ROOM NOW.

DATE OF RETREAT: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
                            March 23 - 25, 2012

FEE: $245 (includes 5 workshops & 2 meals)

RETREAT SCHEDULE

FRIDAY
6:00 - 9:30 p.m.         Dinner &
                                 Workshop 1

SATURDAY
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.        Workshop 2

12:30 p.m.                  Lunch

2:00 - 4:00 p.m.          Workshop 3

7:30 - 9:30 p.m.          Workshop 4

SUNDAY

9:30 - 11:30 a.m.        Workshop 5

REGISTRATION

•	Registrations are accepted through 3/21/12.
•	To pay by check, print and mail the form below.
•	To pay by credit or debit card, first read our refund policy.  By completing the transaction you are agreeing to our policy, which is: NO REFUNDS.  If you withdraw from the Herring Creek Writing Retreat, you can apply your fee towards a later writing retreat or an online writing workshop.
	Next, request a PayPal invoice or -- even easier! -- click on this PayPal button.  Not a PayPal member?  MAKE SURE you scroll down to "Don't have a PayPal Account?" after clicking button.

Registration Form I'm registering for the Herring Creek Writing Retreat-Workshop. I understand the Refund Policy detailed below. Enclosed is my check made out to Elizabeth Ayres in the amount of $245. Print Name ________________________________________________________________ Sign Name ________________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip Code ________________________________________________________________ E-Mail ________________________________________________________________ Day Phone ________________________________________________________________ Evening Phone ________________________________________________________________ Make checks payable to Elizabeth Ayres. Mail to: POB 968, California, MD 20619. REFUND POLICY: NO REFUNDS.  If you withdraw from the Herring Creek Writing Retreat, you can apply your fee towards a later writing retreat or an online writing workshop.