About:

This week-long writing retreat in the Shuswap region of BC is timed to coincide with the October sockeye run on the Adams River, a natural wonder. Perfect for both Shuswap-Thompson-Okanagan writers and those who are visiting the breathtaking landscape found in so much of Gail's writing.

New format for fall 2024!

Starting in October 2024, writers will enjoy five morning master classes with Gail, each on a different aspect of craft, that will help you develop your project to the fullest. While you can expect fun exercises and discussion during the master classes, we will not critique each other's work as we have in previous retreats. No extra reading! Your focus will be on your project alone.

Gail also offers each writer a private blue pencil session, so be prepared to bring a sample of your writing, up to 3,000 words, to that discussion.

Bonus: on registering, writers are given free access to Gail's online creative writing course, a $250 value.

Write and relax:

Following the morning sessions, soak in a relaxed, restful atmosphere in which to write for the rest of the day. Take quiet walks through the lovely Sorrento Centre property and down to the beach or explore the beautiful surrounding Shuswap landscape. The centre is walking distance from the village of Sorrento which has most amenities. Get to know Gail and the other writers during meals and informal evening socials.

Count on an experience that will jumpstart your project and transform your writing life.

When:

October 6 -- 11, 2024

Where:

Sorrento Centre, 1159 Passchendaele Road Sorrento, BC.

Where to stay:

Writers are responsible for arranging their own accommodation, but we've made that easy. We've arranged for highly affordable rooms at the Sorrento Centre, the location of the retreat. For the full retreat experience, we recommend that even local writers stay in this wonderful location.

Once you've registered with us, phone to book your room in the Richardson Lodge: 250 675-2421 or (toll-free) 1 866-694-2409. Ask for the Richardson Lodge, and for the October 6-11, 2024, writing retreat with Gail Anderson-Dargatz.

Our retreat begins with a relaxed meet and greet over supper in the Richardson Lodge cafeteria on the evening of Sunday, October 6. Morning master classes continue from October 7 --11. Our week ends with lunch after our final master class on Friday, October 11.

Checkout time is 10 a.m. on October 11. Another event begins at the Richardson Lodge on the evening of October 11, so if you need to stay that night because of travel, let staff at the Sorrento Centre know on booking your room. They'll help you out.

Where to eat:

An affordable meal package is available for you at the Sorrento Centre dining room for the length of your stay. When you book your accommodation, ask for details about the meal package. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner is served in the Richardson Lodge, the same building that houses our morning master classes.

There is also a café and grocery in Sorrento.

Cost:

The cost for the retreat is $875 plus GST/HST of your province.

Early Bird discount: $75 off until May 31. Click on the purchase button below; when the prompt appears, use the discount code EARLYBIRD.

As seating is limited, the full fee is due on registration to hold your place.

For more information or to put your name on the interest list, email books@gailanderson-dargatz.ca

Creative Writing Course

Work independently and at your own pace as you learn how to put together the building blocks of fiction. Great for newbies and emerging writers.

Blue Pencil Sessions

Not your average blue pencil session, this consultation with Gail is a full workshop. Book at any time.

Fiction Mentorships

Gail's flagship course. In this one-on-one, private, four-month online mentorship, Gail will guide you as you put together your fiction project.

Developmental Edits

For writers with a complete draft. Gail digs deep into your manuscript's big picture story elements -- themes, story goals, conflicts and structure, character arcs, pacing, point of view, and dialogue -- to help you develop your project to the fullest.

Meet and Greet

Meet Gail for a 20-minute Zoom session to get a sample edit or discuss which one of Gail's services is right for you.

Alpha and Beta Reading Service

Alpha and beta readers give feedback on a manuscript from a reader’s perspective. Move your project forward with this affordable service.

Events and Workshops for Groups

Gail offers library and book club reading events as well as writing workshops for organizations and private groups.

Writing Retreat

This week-long writing retreat in the Shuswap region of British Columbia is timed to coincide with the sockeye run on the Adams River, a natural wonder.