6th Annual North of 45 Retreat for Writers
The 6th Annual North of 45 Retreat for Writers will be held April 30 – May 3, 2015 with Chamberlin’s Ole Forest Inn and the Erickson Center for the Arts hosting once again. The retreat is an opportunity for writers of all styles to gather to explore the craft, while relaxing with like-minded people.
Primary sponsorship comes from the Erickson Center, a non-profit corporation dedicated to enriching the mind, body and spirit of individuals of all ages. Other sponsorships come from local businesses, and individuals.
The all-inclusive retreat draws writers from all over together for a series of workshops, readings, and relaxation. The retreat begins on Thursday evening with a welcome reception, and is an opportunity for any adult who has a passion for writing or a desire to pursue the craft to get away from the distractions of everyday living. Contact Kelly at Chamberlin’s Ole Forest Inn directly for more information.
“The retreat is for adults who write, or who have ‘always wanted to’ write,” said AnnMarie Rowland, who has directed the retreat since its inception in 2010. “Whether it’s poetry, fiction, or non-fiction…whether you’re a well-published author or just beginning… North of 45 is for you.”
Workshops presented by well-known authors and writing instructors are offered, as well as stretches of time for attendees to relax, write, or simply enjoy the company of other writers. In addition to Rowland, this year’s workshop presenters are Rob Ritchie, from Wiarton, Ontario, and Tina Welling, from Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
“This is the first time we’ve had instructors call us, asking to participate,” Rowland said. “It is exciting to find that interest in the retreat has spread in that way. I’m very pleased to have Rob and Tina coming.”
Rob Ritchie is a multi-talented writer. He has written songs, short stories, stage productions, and two novels. In addition, he is a corporate copywriter and editor. “Rob has kind of done it all,” Rowland said. “He views the world through a sharply focused lens, and has a gift for showing us, through the words he writes, what he sees."
Jackson Hole, Wyoming is home to Tina Welling, who is a three-time novelist, and the author of “Writing Wild”, a step-by-step writing guide to connecting the writer to nature through experiential exploration and learning to focus on all the senses.
AnnMarie Rowland is a syndicated columnist, poet, songwriter, and writing workshop leader from Indian River, MI. In addition to the North of 45 Retreat for Writers, she is the director of Johnathan Rand’s Author Quest; a camp for young writers. Her work appears regularly in several regional magazines and newspapers.
An Authors’ Read will take place at the Erickson Center on Friday, May 1st at 7:00 pm as part of the event, with the staff of North of 45 Retreat sharing selections from their work. The public is invited. A small admission charge will be accepted to help support the Erickson Center for the Arts.
For more information about the North of 45 Retreat, to register, or to become a sponsor, please contact Kelly Chamberlin, 800-292-0440. www.ericksoncenter.org www.chamberlinsinn.com
