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:
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!
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.
🌺 "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
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.
Cindy 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!
Keurig and drip coffee; a variety of teas, sweeteners, and creamer.
Group sessions led by Cindy each day
Hours 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.
Linens are provided, but please bring your own towels, bath, & shower products.
Each 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
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Welcome Dinner (provided)
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Opening Session - Setting Goals and Accountability
9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. a time to socialize or write on your own (or sleep or eat etc.)
Sunrise to 9:30 AM: Breakfast and Morning Time On Your Own
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Accountability
12:00 Gather for lunch (each attendee will provide one community meal for the five total people--4 attendees and me.) The detailed schedule will be decided closer to time.
1:00-5:00 Individual Time--Write, Read, Walk, Write, Daydream, Nap, Write
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM: One-on-One Coaching/Manuscript Reviews
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Optional Group Writing Sprint
6:00 Gather for dinner-- prepared by one of the attendees. (These meals can range from soup and salad to lasagna or other dishes bought or made.)
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM: Evening Social - Bonfire Stories
Quiet Time after 10:00 p.m. for those who choose to write or sleep or concentrate.
Sunrise to 9:30 AM: Breakfast and Morning Time On Your Own
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Crafting Longer Pieces Workshop
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: One-on-One Coaching/Manuscript Reviews
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Touch base; Share progress; Group discussion and writing
6:00 Dinner (prepared by attendee)
7:30 PM - 9:00-ish PM: Open Mic Night
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Individual time to reflect on the weekend. Breakfast on your own. Pack up for checkout.
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Closing Session - Reflect and Conclude
12:00 PM: Farewell Lunch in The Cottage (on the property.) Lunch Provided
(Check out of The Porches is 11:00 a.m. I have The Cottage for an additional night.)
