Thomas Edison said that genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. We're going to strive for a 50/50 balance between the two in this dynamic weekend that combines the focus of a writing workshop with the stimulating ambiance of a writing retreat.  It's a wonderful opportunity to relax, recharge, renew.  Get back to writing, if you've strayed away, or bolster an existing commitment.

Our Conference Center is located in Solomons, Maryland, a quiet waterfront fishing village that nestles at the mouth of the Patuxent River, just where it spills into the Chesapeake Bay. Foxes and deer amble close by. Gulls and herons, hawks and crows swoop through the sky. Stirred by the soft salt breeze, trees cast quivering shadows on the cliffsides. The canopy of leaves provides enfolding masses of green to comfort and quiet your spirit so that, far away from the world's incessant demands and intrusive expectations, you'll be able to listen to the deepest promptings of your imagination.

Photo courtesy of: Annmarie Garden Arts Center

With creative juices fully animated, you’ll be eager to expand your repertoire of writing techniques. From 9:30 to 12:30 on both days, you’ll enjoy in-class writing exercises and discussion groups. Learn to SEE the world, to IMAGINE your observations into a story, a poem, an essay -- whatever form is best suited to YOUR need for creative self-expression. You can incorporate the techniques into ongoing projects, or use them to create new work.

Lunch, provided in the Conference Center, is included in your fee.  Afternoons will combine field trips to neighboring parks (where you can relax, wander, take notes), time for private writing and the opportunity to share your work with other workshop participants.

Evenings, you can dine at any number of fabulous waterfront restaurants – in solitude or with fellow retreatants. Savor the sights and sounds of the Solomon’s Island boardwalk, check out its maritime museum, gather impressions, take notes – or hunker down and write.

No matter where you’re at in your writing practice – even if you’re just beginning – even if you’re stuck or blocked – or if you just want to spice up a thriving writing practice – this weekend’s combination of theory and practice will rouse your sleeping literary genius!

Elizabeth Ayres will lead The Patuxent River Writing Retreat-Workshop. She grew up just a short gull’s flight from the Conference Center, and can offer unique perspectives on the region. Elizabeth’s soul-stirring essays about Chesapeake Bay country are cherished by readers everywhere, and her teacherly skills are legendary. If you like, you can even extend your retreat and make arrangements to meet privately with Elizabeth during the week (at her regular consultation rate). Read Elizabeth’s essays about beautiful Chesapeake Bay country or check out her credentials.

 

GETTING THERE

photo: Michael R. Sweet

Solomons, Maryland is 55 minutes south of the Washington, D.C. Beltway and 90 minutes south of the Baltimore-Washington International Airport. If you don't drive, limousine service is available from the airport. Your innkeeper can provide you with names. Local taxis can take you from your lodging to the Conference Center.

LODGING
Within 1 mile of the Conference Center, you can find hotels, motels and b&b's. A list is available at solomons-lodging-and-dining. You can also Google Solomons, Maryland -- zip code 20688.

The lodging on Solomons will be picturesque, but if cost is an issue, you can find less scenic but more reasonable accommodations "across the bridge," just 4-8 miles from the Conference Center. Google California, Maryland (zip code 20619) or Lexington Park, Maryland (zip code 20653).

DATE OF RETREAT: September 27-28, 2008

FEE: $245 (workshop only – participants make their own lodging arrangements)

WORKSHOP/RETREAT SCHEDULE

Saturday & Sunday
9:30 - 12:30	Instruction, discussion, in-class writing exercises
12:30 - 1:30	Lunch provided in conference center
1:30 - 3:00	Field trip (take notes, gather impressions)
3:00 - 4:00	Private writing time in conference center
4:00 - 5:00	Read and discuss work

Space for this creative writing weekend is limited, so reserve a place for yourself today! For more information, please e-mail Elizabeth Ayres or call 1-800-510-1049.

REGISTRATION

•	Registrations are accepted through 9/24.
•	To pay by check, print and mail the form below.
•	To pay by credit or debit card, first read our refund policy. By completing the transaction you are agreeing to our policy, which is: refunds only for workshops canceled by the Center. If you withdraw from the Patuxent River Writing Workshop-Retreat on or before April 14th, you can apply your fee towards a later writing retreat or an online writing workshop. If you cancel on or after April 15th, your payment cannot be tansferred.
•	Next, request a PayPal invoice or -- even easier! -- click on this PayPal button.  Not a PayPal member?  MAKE SURE you scroll down to "Don't have a PayPal Account?" after clicking button.

Registration Form I'm registering for the Patuxent River Writing Retreat-Workshop. I understand the Refund Policy detailed below. Enclosed is my check made out to Elizabeth Ayres in the amount of $245. Print Name ________________________________________________________________ Sign Name ________________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip Code ________________________________________________________________ E-Mail ________________________________________________________________ Day Phone ________________________________________________________________ Evening Phone ________________________________________________________________ Make checks payable to Elizabeth Ayres. Mail to: POB 968, California, MD 20619. REFUND POLICY: refunds only for workshops canceled by the Center. If you withdraw from the Patuxent River Writing Workshop-Retreat on or before April 14th, you can apply your fee towards a later writing retreat or an online writing workshop. If you cancel on or after April 15th, your payment cannot be tansferred.