Even the deepest well can run dry. A Montauk Oceanfront Writing Retreat is a special time when we replenish and renew our creative wellsprings.

photo credit: Royal Atlantic Beach Resort

"Writing retreats with Paul are stimulating, fun and challenging all at the same time." (Beverley Rouse)

Freed from the burdens and distractions of everyday living, we come together to support, nurture and inspire each other.

"I would never have stayed faithful to my writing had it not been for Paul Schulkind. His exercises nudge me into the places my imagination would never go on its own, and he always finds a way to lead me down the path towards my inner voice. The retreats are great. Each is filled with new and exciting ideas, exercises and projects. Every time I come home from one, I immediately start looking forward to the next."  (JoAnn Muller)

We return with renewed fervor, ready to make space in our lives for the work we love.

"Paul Schulkind is a very inspiring teacher. I have been attending his retreats since 2001, and can say that I look forward to each and every one. He has a great sense of humor, and makes each participant comfortable. The themes are always fresh and relevant. If you want to write, give Paul a call! His retreat will leave you refreshed, inspired, and looking forward to future retreats!"  (Steve Mollin)

Appropriate for total beginners or committed writers, the Montauk Oceanfront Writing Retreat is organized around a central theme, chosen for its ability to connect you to your creativity at its deepest level, thereby shoring up your strength to go home and face the blank page. For instance, "Wisdom," "Creative Bounty" and "The Heart as the Creative Womb" were themes of recent treats.

Led by Center Co-Director and writing teacher Paul Schulkind, each writing retreat helps participants explore the theme in connection with their own writing through discussion and in-class writing exercises. Paul gives suggestions for following up on ideas generated in class during your free time (although you're never obligated to adhere to those suggestions).

photo credit: retreat participant Joanie Watkins

After the first introductory conference, each subsequent writing conference begins with participants reading what they've written during their free time. You're never obligated to use the weekend's theme, so, if you prefer to use your time to focus on a work-in-progress, that's fine.

Whatever you do, three or four days immersed in creative self-expression, amidst natural beauty and the camaraderie of fellow writers, is bound to be a great experience. Retreat participant Nicole Greenblatt put it succinctly: "This writing getaway was one of the best weekends of my life."

For the date and cost of the next scheduled Montauk Oceanfront Writing Retreat, see schedules.