Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Thursday Thirteen - 129 - 13 Reasons Why It's So Much Fun to Go to the Writers' Retreat


- 1











It's somehow come into vogue to deny the glamorous life we romance writers lead. Out here on the east coast, we're straight to the point. Divas rule.


- 2











Dinner out with the ladies from the retreat? Sign me up! This is Kelly Boyce and I enjoying our pinot grigios.


- 3











Lots of fantastic, yummy food. Mmm.


- 4











Watching movies at night with the 'Stacked Librarian'.


- 5











The walk over to the lodge from the cottage where we stayed. We've rented this White Point Beach cottage for four years now and we've already established several traditions, including this beautiful 20-minute walk which weaves onto the rocky beach and over to the resort.


- 6











Once at the lodge, we treat ourselves to dinner at their oceanside restaurant.


- 7











I'm slowly making my way through their tempting menu. This year I had seafood fettucine, with mussels, shrimp, scallops and lobster. Divine.


- 8











The waves were really high over the weekend. Heidi and I went for a walk along the beach on the Friday that we arrived. The energy of the sea was too much of a siren call to resist.


- 9











A retreat is a perfect time to notice details.


- 10











Retreats are great for taking leisurely walks with a writer friend like Annette and talk about gray characters and being drawn to darker storylines.


- 11











This is the view from the cottage, which looks over a protected inlet. The rough sea can be seen on the other side of the water. A strip of land separates the open water from the inlet. I've never seen white caps from the cottage before this year. Click on the picture and look for the white surf in the left center clearing on the horizon.


- 12











This was our first fall retreat, and the woods beside the cottage were brilliant with color.


- 13











We actually did manage to fill many hours with writing. Cheers to everyone's works in progress!

Annette Gallant says LOL I don't even bother to take a camera anymore because I know you'll be taking such good pictures.

Journeywoman says Sounds wonderful!

Apprentice Writer says Insane with jealousy at people who not only go on writer retreats but do so in stunning Nova Scotia, I of course resolved to refuse to look at any of the photos. Lasted about a second.

19 comments:

Annette Gallant said...

LOL I don't even bother to take a camera anymore because I know you'll be taking such good pictures. They really capture the essence of the retreat.

I wasn't sure about going in October, but it was great. I hope we do it in the fall again next year.

Journeywoman said...

Sounds wonderful! Happy TT.

Gattina said...

Sounds like a wonderful day to spend !

M. said...

Insane with jealousy at people who not only go on writer retreats but do so in stunning Nova Scotia, I of course resolved to refuse to look at any of the photos.

Lasted about a second. 'Stacked Librarian' - hahaha!

In such an environment, it must be impossible not to be inspired.

Julia - finally read and loved 'The Nightwatch'! Just posted my review. Thanks for the rec.

Paige Tyler said...

Sounds like you had fun!

*hugs*
Paige

My TT is at http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com/

i beati said...

sounds great

storyteller said...

Reading your post and looking at your marvelous photos takes me back to Taos in the summer of 2007 when I attended the week long Writer's Retreat that eventually led me me becoming a blogger. Lovely ;--)

I can hardly believe it, but I'm celebrating my 2nd Blogoversary at Small Reflections today and I'd like to invite you to visit when time permits. I've reflected on what I've learned in the past two years and created mega-collages of some of my favorite mosaics ... just because ;--)

In addition, I'm sharing an award with all visitors in my T-13 at Happily Retired Gal this week. Hope you'll drop by when time permits to snag, enjoy, and pass it along to others.

Today I'll be working on my 2nd Blogoversary post for Sacred Ruminations to publish on Friday. I can't believe I've been blogging so long already. How time flies!
Hugs and blessings,

Tracie Nall said...

I'm feeling very jealous, and I'm not even a writer. Looks like a great retreat!!

Happy TT!

Akelamalu said...

It looks like a beautiful place Julia, no wonder you keep going back!

Mia Celeste said...

You got me wanting to join you! Your pictures make it look like great fun.

Melissa Lea said...

That looks like a fabulous retreat!

Happy Thursday and best wishes for a great weekend!

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Oh, man. That looks like way fun, and something I'd love to be part of. I'm getting close to the point of needing feedback on something I'm working on, and a supportive group like this would rule.

Travis Cody said...

Productive and relaxing...now that's my kind of time!

Pop Art Diva Enterprises said...

I officially have a girl crush on you now. First you made a comment on my THIRTEEN STUPID CLICHES - Grrrrrrrr! that got right to the heart of the matter and now you use the word "diva"!

First, thank you for getting my post and your understanding and Second, would your romance writers group welcome an old romance illustrator to their gatherings??? You look like you had serious fun.

jillconyers said...

What a beautiful location for a retreat. Looked like everyone was having a great time.

poefusion said...

what beautiful pictures. looks like a lot of fun was had writing and exploring. have a great day.

Dorte H said...

I wanna be a writer! Waaaah!

Jill said...

Some pictures remember me of Digby!
I hope you had a lot of fun!

Chubskulit Rose said...

Love the first photo, look so much fun!

Here is my first Thursday Thirteen