On Writers’ Retreats

Last weekend I attended our annual writers’ retreat at the Feathertick Inn, which is located just south of Estevan. It’s a beautiful bed and breakfast – loaded with character. I have added a link so you can visit Barb and Neil Collins’ website. They take such good care of us.

There are about six core members in my local writers’ group. We’re at the inn for 24 hours altogether. We arrive around 6:00 PM on Friday night, have supper, and do some writing. This year three of us stayed overnight, and three more joined the retreat on Saturday. I awaken early in the morning to do some more writing before brunch, which is typically served around 10:30 AM, followed by – of course – more writing. Supper is at 5:30 PM, and then we head home.

Writers’ retreats are a terrific way to refocus your energy on writing. I can accomplish so much more – without the distractions of phones, work, television, and the internet – not to mention cooking and cleaning (not that I do much of that anymore!) Our writers group pays $100 for the retreat fee, while I pay approximately the same amount for my room and three fabulous meals.

A special treat were the two foals – both under a week old – in the pasture next to the house. We tried to coax them to come over to the fence so we could pet them, but they – as well as their mothers – were too shy. Still, we got a very good look at them. Too cute.

I spent most of the weekend working on a play called Fast Food. I have a notion to perform it at the Saskatchewan Region 1 Drama Festival next March, which Lampman School is hosting. I think Pleasantdale’s middle years students would really benefit from the experience. I have written four short segments so far – one of which involves a drive-through church. Each segment is designed to show how we are not taking the time to properly feed our souls, bodies, and minds. It will have both humourous and dramatic moments.

My play – A Pirate’s Tale – was a huge success. Lots of eye candy. Colourful costumes and set. I do think that Angela Smeltzer’s 3-D backdrop was the best set I’ve ever had for a school production. The kids really rose to the occasion. I think I gave out a half dozen cues in three performances, which is amazing – considering how intimidated they were feeling the week before. I was very proud of all the cast and crew and dancers. The Grade 6/7 class’ presentation of “The Last Saskatchewan Pirate” was definitely a highlight.

Next year’s production will take place in Egypt. It will involve an archaeological expedition led by the great grandson of Howard Carter searching for the remains of Cleopatra. Naturally I will be using “Walk Like An Egyptian” by the Bangles for our Grade 8 dance troupe. Should be loads of fun.

This entry was posted on May 15, 2007 at 10:30 am and is filed under On Student Productions, On Writing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.