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!

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.

• 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.)

Sunrise to 9:30 AM: Breakfast and Morning Time On Your Own

• Eat breakfast on your own (or make a plan to join others.)
• Quiet, uninterrupted time for personal writing.
• Write on the porches, in the main room, at your personal writing desk
• Take an early walk
• find optional writing prompts in your welcome packet for inspiration.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Accountability  

• Bring a coffee, water, or snack and let's discover strategies for maintaining accountability in your writing journey.
• Share any thoughts from the night before or the morning
• After a short group writing session, each participant sets daily writing goals.

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

• Pre-scheduled private sessions with Cindy for personalized writing advice.
• Feedback and guidance on writing challenges.
• Make a plan for moving forward.

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Optional Group Writing Sprint

• Gather for a productive writing sprint--a fast and furious time of generating work together.
• Share your progress and offer support to one another.

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

• Relax around a bonfire (or indoors if weather or group determines) with storytelling and coffee, wine, or another favorite beverage--or snack!
• Share your work or a favorite piece of literature that inspires you.

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

• Eat breakfast on your own (or make a plan to join others.)
• Quiet, uninterrupted time for personal writing.
• Write on the porches, in the main room, at your personal writing desk
• Take an early walk
• Find optional writing prompts in your welcome packet for inspiration.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Crafting Longer Pieces Workshop

• Discuss techniques for turning ideas into longer narratives.
• Techniques for expanding and structuring your writing.
• Brainstorming and outlining strategies.
• Set Daily Goals

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch

• Break for lunch (prepared by attendee).

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: One-on-One Coaching/Manuscript Reviews  

• Prescheduled meeting with Cindy.
• Tailored guidance on longer pieces.

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

• Bring your favorite beverage and maybe a snack as we share our work or favorite, short published pieces during this informal and supportive session.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Individual time to reflect on the weekend. Breakfast on your own. Pack up for checkout.

• Perhaps dedicate this last morning to putting finishing touches on your pieces.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Closing Session - Reflect and Conclude

• Sharing and celebration of progress made during the retreat.

12:00 PM: Farewell Lunch in The Cottage (on the property.) Lunch Provided

• Enjoy a final meal together before departing.
• Exchange contact information with fellow writers to maintain your community.

(Check out of The Porches is 11:00 a.m. I have The Cottage for an additional night.)