Join us from April 24 to 27, 2025
Thursday April 24th to Sunday April 27th , 2025
Our focus will be on connecting with ourselves and each other, and resetting our writing mindset. Each day will include quiet writing time, guided writing to help you explore aspects of your work and yourself, and group discussions on the craft and business of writing.
Our retreat will be held at the historic South Landing Inn. This is were we will share meals, host discussion, and delve into our writing. Each character filled guest room is bright and airy with modern amenities but with enough of a story to inspire your work.
As a bonus, you get an extra free night at the hotel. Tack it on at the beginning of the retreat or stay another night. You choose!
Our last retreat sold out, make sure you don’t miss your chance this time. Only 13 spots available, reserve yours today.
A Unique 4-for-3 Retreat
What does “4-for-3” mean for you? Everyone gets 3 days of quality programming, and 1 day all to yourself to disappear into your writing and/or explore the Niagara region. You decide if you want to arrive a day early or stay a day longer. You can delve into your manuscript, visit wineries, hike the gorge, or simply wander through the picturesque streets of historic Niagara on the Lake. Not only that, but The South Landing Inn has been reserved exclusively for our use. No need to worry about other guests getting in the way! Only 16 spaces available so reserve your spot now.
The South Landing Inn
If you love contemporary comforts that are wrapped up in character, then South Landing Inn is for you. We scouted this location because it is ideal for those who adore that nature-culture connection and who love getaways to quiet village settings near world-class theatre, restaurants, award-winning wineries, and historical (War of 1812; Underground Railroad; Indigenous history) hubs.
During the retreat, you will have time to explore the area, and we even have some special events planned to help us connect with this beautiful place and its history.
ITINERARY
THURSDAY
3pm-5pm Retreat Registration.
Get settled in your room, walk around the neighbourhood, or lounge with your fellow writers on the main floor of the hotel.
5pm Welcome
6pm Dinner. Location TBD (included in the price of the retreat)
7:30pm – 9pm Small Group Discussions (Topics TBD), an opportunity to meet each of the retreat hosts, and casual conversation to get to know each other.
FRIDAY
8 am Breakfast
9:30 – 10 am. A writing prompt to get the day started
10:30 – 11:45 am. WRites & WReckonings: simple, creative forms of grounding that help us confront awkward truths and own up to our actual capacity and true potential.
- Sustainable Creativity: Develop a writing practice that nourishes your well-being and avoids burnout. This includes setting realistic goals, prioritizing self-care, and finding joy in the process.
- Finishing What You Start: Overcome the common struggle of unfinished projects. Learn strategies for setting intentions, maintaining momentum, and celebrating completion.
- From Inspiration to Expression: Strengthen the link between your inner world and the written word. Explore prompts, exercises, and mindful techniques to unlock your authentic voice and unique perspective.
12pm LUNCH – Feel free to take a ride into town and explore while you grab something to eat.
1-3:45pm Free Time. You’ve eaten, you are inspired, now is the time to work on your manuscript, take a nap, or socialize with new friends.
4pm – 5:15 Workshop – Topic TBD
5:15 – 6pm Rest or continue working on your manuscript
6:30pm Dinner. We will be making a group reservation, locationTBD. We’ll unwind together, enjoy great food and drink, and see some of what Niagara has to offer.
8pm Group Outing. Location TBD
SATURDAY
*There will be a special surprise guest joining us on Saturday!*
8 am Breakfast in the lounge
9:30 to 10 am Writing prompt to start the day and awaken our creativity
10 am to 12 pm. Writing time or creative rejuvenation time.
12 pm Break for lunch or continue working if you feel inspired.
1:30 pm – 3:45 Writing Workshop Groups: The Energy of Finishing
- Momentum & Mindset: Cultivate the energy and focus needed to push through the final stages of your book, overcoming self-doubt and procrastination.
- Recognize the power of finishing. Explore how completing your book unlocks creative energy for future projects and boosts confidence.
- Rituals & Rewards: Develop practices that honor the completion process, from setting deadlines and celebrating milestones to planning a meaningful launch.
- Beyond “The End”: Shift your perspective from seeing the finish line as a stopping point to a launching pad. Explore next steps like revision, editing, and publishing.
4 pm – 5:15 Workshop: Selling Books Without Selling Out
- Redefine “Selling Out”: Challenge the idea that commercial success means compromising artistic integrity. Explore how authenticity and audience connection can drive sales and personal satisfaction.
- Beyond the Bestseller List: Discover alternative paths to profitability, focusing on building a sustainable author career through diverse income streams (e.g., niche markets, loyal readership, events, workshops, etc.).
- The Business of You: Treat your writing like a business. Develop a strong author brand, understand your audience, and create a marketing strategy that aligns with your values.
- Finding Your “Enough”: Shift your focus from chasing arbitrary sales figures to defining your own version of success. What income level allows you to keep writing? What creative goals are most important to you?
6pm Dinner – Pick a place to try with friends.
8 pm Open Mic
All retreat participants are invited to enjoy our open mic night. We’ll sign-in on a first-come, first-served basis at registration and enjoy a night of great words together.
SUNDAY
8am breakfast
9-10:15 am TBD
10:30-11:45 – Closing Conversation with Everyone.
12pm Retreat Ends
The cost of the retreat is $985 (~$713 US). This price includes workshops, breakfast, snacks, group outing, and welcome dinner. Hotel costs are extra.
Only 13 spaces available, reserve your spot today.
Please make sure to book your room directly with the hotel and not a third party provider.
ROOMS
Retreat participants will need to reserve their own rooms at The South Landing Inn.- (905) 262-4634 . The cost of the room is not included in the price of the retreat. Please book your room directly with the hotel. The hotel will not be able to give you a complimentary night if you book with a third party provider.
All rooms can sleep more than one person (if people want to share a bed), and several of the rooms have multiple beds. We are happy to connect you with other participants if you’d like to split costs and build a special connection with other writers by sharing a room. Just write us at info@mountainash.press to let us know.
South Landing Inn
Rooms are available on a first come, first served basis.
Please call the hotel directly to book your room.
FAQ
Can I bring my own snacks? Yes! We have a reserved fridge exclusively for our retreat. Coffee and tea will be provided throughout the day. Some rooms have mini fridges and Nespresso machines.
Which meals are included? All breakfasts as well as the welcome dinner will be included in the cost of the retreat. We will be providing snacks, and beverages throughout the day.
Do I have to stay at the hotel? No, but please contact us at info@mountainash.press for a revised price to cover your use of the South Landing Inn.
If you have accessibility needs or dietary restrictions, please contact us directly at info@mountainash.press
Do I have to participate in all of the workshops? Think of this retreat like a choose your own adventure for serious writers. While we do encourage you to take the workshops (there’s always something to learn or discuss), we understand that your writing may take priority. This is a writers retreat, and therefore it is geared to you, and whatever it is you need to get further ahead with your work.
I love the idea of your building a scholarship fund. How do I contribute? Thank you for asking! Reducing the financial barrier for those who could not otherwise attend is simply another way we’re trying to support writers and build community. You can help us make someone’s dream come true simply by donating via this link and as a way of saying thanks, we’ll promote your work, too. See the link for details. Please and thank you!
The retreat looks fantastic, but how do I get there? Getting to Queenston/Niagara-On-The-Lake is easy. Depending on where you are flying in from, you have two options. 1. For our American friends, your best bet is probably to fly into Buffalo, and rent a car. The drive is about 45 minutes. Queenston is right across the bridge from Lewiston and it’s a beautiful drive. 2. For our Canadian friends, your best bet is probably to fly into Toronto International Airport, and rent a car. The drive is about 1 hour 30 minutes. This drive isn’t as beautiful but there is also a cool bridge you get to drive across.
Please note that there are buses and trains from both airports. You can find the information here: Buffalo to Niagara-On-The-Lake and Toronto to Niagara-On-The-Lake.
This payment of $985 CAD is for the retreat only; don’t forget to book your room at South Landing Inn
The Fine Print:
Please familiarize yourself with The South Landing Inn’s cancellation policy. Due to high demand, and few spots the cancellation policy for the retreat is as follows, 90% refund until the end of December, and 50% until March 1st. Unfortunately we will not be able to accommodate late cancellations. Please know that we understand life crises, so if something unavoidable should come up, let us know, and we’ll work with you.
*Please note that Mountain Ash Press and its representatives assume no liability or responsibility for any personal injuries or damage to property sustained by guests while participating in the retreat*
