Writers’ Retreat on a Historic River

Gift yourself a spring retreat!
Connect with yourself and other dedicated writers, and reset your writing mindset. Each day will include quiet writing time, guided writing to help you explore aspects of your work and yourself, plus
explorations of the craft and business of writing on both sides of the border.
Our home will be the historic and eclectic South Landing Inn, where we share meals, host discussion, and delve into our writing. Each character-filled guest room is bright and airy with modern amenities but with plenty of soul to inspire your writing reset.

As a bonus, you get an extra free night at the Niagara River haven. Tack it on at the beginning of the retreat or stay another night to explore this magical region. You choose!

Who is it for?

Adults

Tickets : 985.00

The cost of the retreat is $985.00 this does not include the cost of participants’ stay at South Landing Inn.

How to get tickets?

Buy online

 

Date: Thursday April 24, 2025 to Sunday April 27, 2025

THURSDAY
3pm-5pm Retreat Registration.

Get settled in your room, walk around the neighbourhood, or lounge with your fellow writers on the main floor of the hotel.

5pm Welcome

6pm Dinner. Location TBD (included in the price of the retreat)

7:30pm – 9pm Small Group Discussions (Topics TBD), an opportunity to meet each of the retreat hosts, and casual conversation to get to know each other.

FRIDAY
8 am Breakfast

9:30 – 10 am. A writing prompt to get the day started

10:30 – 11:45 am. WRites & WReckonings: simple, creative forms of grounding that help us confront awkward truths and own up to our actual capacity and true potential.

Sustainable Creativity: Develop a writing practice that nourishes your well-being and avoids burnout. This includes setting realistic goals, prioritizing self-care, and finding joy in the process.
Finishing What You Start: Overcome the common struggle of unfinished projects. Learn strategies for setting intentions, maintaining momentum, and celebrating completion.
From Inspiration to Expression: Strengthen the link between your inner world and the written word. Explore prompts, exercises, and mindful techniques to unlock your authentic voice and unique perspective.
12pm LUNCH – Feel free to take a ride into town and explore while you grab something to eat.

1-3:45pm Free Time. You’ve eaten, you are inspired, now is the time to work on your manuscript, take a nap, or socialize with new friends.

4pm – 5:15 Workshop – Topic TBD

5:15 – 6pm Rest or continue working on your manuscript

6:30pm Dinner. We will be making a group reservation, locationTBD. We’ll unwind together, enjoy great food and drink, and see some of what Niagara has to offer.

8pm Group Outing. Location TBD

SATURDAY
*There will be a special surprise guest joining us on Saturday!*

8 am Breakfast in the lounge

9:30 to 10 am Writing prompt to start the day and awaken our creativity

10 am to 12 pm. Writing time or creative rejuvenation time.

12 pm Break for lunch or continue working if you feel inspired.

1:30 pm – 3:45 Writing Workshop Groups: Nail Your Story Core

The Big Idea: Your One-Sentence Hook: What is the single most compelling sentence that encapsulates your story? Why is this so important for grabbing attention?
Genre & Target Reader: Knowing Your Audience: What genre conventions are you working within? Why this genre? Who is your ideal reader? What are their demographics, psychographics, and reading preferences?
Stakes & Theme: What’s at Risk and What’s the Point?: What is at stake for your protagonist? What are the consequences of failure? What is the underlying message or theme you want to explore? (Not necessarily a moral, but a central idea).
Protagonist’s Goal & Conflict: The Driving Force: What does your protagonist really want? What’s their primary motivation What internal and external conflicts are preventing them from achieving their goal? How does the conflict drive the plot and character development?
4 pm – 5:15 Workshop: Selling Books Without Selling Out

Redefine “Selling Out”: Challenge the idea that commercial success means compromising artistic integrity. Explore how authenticity and audience connection can drive sales and personal satisfaction.
Beyond the Bestseller List: Discover alternative paths to profitability, focusing on building a sustainable author career through diverse income streams (e.g., niche markets, loyal readership, events, workshops, etc.).
The Business of You: Treat your writing like a business. Develop a strong author brand, understand your audience, and create a marketing strategy that aligns with your values.
Finding Your “Enough”: Shift your focus from chasing arbitrary sales figures to defining your own version of success. What income level allows you to keep writing? What creative goals are most important to you?
6pm Dinner – Pick a place to try with friends.

8 pm Open Mic

SUNDAY
8am breakfast

9-10:15 am TBD

10:30-11:45 – Closing Conversation with Everyone.

12pm Retreat Ends

Venue & Address

South Landin Inn, 21 Front St S, Queenston, ON L0S 1L0

Wheelchair not accessible

Free Parking

Not accessible by Public Transport