oct 2-5 | richard osler | poetry writing retreat

Here's a note from Richard Osler - advance notice of a writing retreat he's leading this fall. Richard is a friend of Pacific Theatre, a poet who has read his works at Christmas Presence and other of our anthology evenings (must have one of those again, some time...)  And Honeymoon Lodge is wonderful...

Recovering Words poetry writing retreat
Honeymoon Lodge and Retreat Centre
October 2-5

"Richard Osler makes poetry an integral part of his life. He is exceptionally well-read and brings to a retreat a vast reservoir of poetic knowledge regarding modern and classical poets, their poetry and their craft. These hip-pocket skills from years of practice and reading will make your experience working with him inspirational and productive. From the very first afternoon at a Richard Osler retreat, you will be brought together as a community of poets who through his guidance and your own writing practice will find pathways to possibilities that are rich and valuable." David Fraser *

Hi All:

After two fully-booked retreats in 2013 I am offering another Recovering Words poetry writing retreat at Honeymoon Lodge and Retreat Centre - this time in early October, the 2nd to 5th. I have had great feedback from my retreats and am happy to supply references! I encorage participants of varying experience but no matter anyone's experience - from master poets to those starting out - my retreats have resulted in wonderful writing - many " memorable keepers!"

For more details please check out my website. Look for the Writing Retreats Link. While you are there feel free to check out my blog and subscribe.

Bottom line: my retreats create a safe place to celebrate your creativity and that of your fellow participants.

My format hasn't changed. These retreats are all about writing new work based on specific assignments designed to stretch, challenge and excite everyone's poetic possibilities! We will do 3 in-class poetry writing assignments and 3 longer/larger over night assignments. An example of one of my introductions can be found at the bottom of the page - Poetry Writing Retreats - .

We start at 2 PM Thursday with a 1.5 to 2 hr poetry session. Thursday evening will include a short poetry reading. Friday and Saturday will include two 90-minute morning sessions and a "free" afternoon to write. Both evenings will include poetry readings of participant's poems and poems of favorite writers. Sunday morning consists of a 90 minute wrap up session so retreatants can be on their way by 11 AM.

Honeymoon Bay Lodge is an easy 90 minute drive from either Victoria or Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.

The cost: based on single occupancy the all in cost for food (8 meals), lodging (3 nights) and the facilitation will be $ 675.00 Double Occupancy $ 575. Registration fee is $1 25.00 and non-refundable. A place in the retreat will be confirmed by the receipt of a deposit. The balance will be due August 1st. This balance is refundable if I am able to fill the spot! The deposit can be made through an internet transfer or a cheque sent to: Richard Osler, 1584 Stamps Road, Duncan, BC V9L 5W2

I hope you can join us but if not please feel free to spread the news!

All best,

Richard Osler
Recovering Words

* David Fraser is a much-published poet and founder and editor of Ascent Aspirations Magazine, since 1997. His poetry and short fiction have appeared in 65 print journals, ezines and anthologies.