Our 2023 retreat was a great success, please email (info@moutainash.press) us if you would like to be added to our list for 2024!
Thursday November 9th to Sunday November 12th, 2023
Our focus will be on connecting with ourselves and each other. 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.
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!
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!
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 together at the hotel (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. Myth Busting Workshop – Led By Andi Cumbo
- Do you ever feel overwhelmed trying to juggle writing and life?
- Do you feel as if you have to write at 5 am in order to be a “real” writer?
- This workshop will dispel all the writing myths, and help writers organize their time so they can burst out of the expected box, to find themselves on a productive track.
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 – Top 10 Bad Habits–A Masterclass in Letting Go – Led by Susan Scott
Fear of failure is such a fixture of the publishing process, we forget how fear distorts things. Susan shines a light on what healthy practices–including how to relate to editors, publishers, and readers–actually look like. Drawing on book and lit-mag editing, mentoring, teaching, and award-winning collaborations, she shares lively, pragmatic tips for how to ground your writing life, and attract the right kind of attention to your work.
5:15 – 6pm Rest or continue working on your manuscript
6:30pm Dinner. We will be making a group reservation at a local vineyard (TBD). We’ll unwind together, enjoy great food and drink, and see some of what Niagara has to offer.
8pm Niagara-On-The-Lake Ghost Walk (included with the retreat)
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 – Led by Andi Cumbo
When you come to the retreat, bring five copies of 750 words or so that you’d like to receive notes on from other participants. We will organize small groups and give complete guidance about how to make the most of your workshop experience.
4 pm – 5:15 Workshop on Pitching Your Work to Readers, Agents, and Publishers – Led by Mountain Ash Press
- Identifying your ideal audience
- Paths to publishing, including indie and traditional
- A pitch package for both fiction and nonfiction (including memoir)
- Query letter format
- Bonus – Everyone will receive templates they can use for pitching agents or publishers or for marketing their books.
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 Publishing Panel
- Come talk with Susan, Caroline, and Andi about our choices in publishing.
- Ask questions.
- Explore your own publishing path.
10:30-11:45 – Closing Conversation with Everyone.
12pm Retreat Ends
The cost of the retreat is $875 (~$659 US). This price includes workshops, breakfast, snacks, ghost tour, and welcome dinner.
Please note that we are now sold out of rooms at The South Landing Inn. When you call the hotel please book a room at The Kent. The retreat will be held at The South Landing Inn which is next door. 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 Kent.- (905) 262-4634 . 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.
We are sold out at The South Landing Room and have opened a second batch of rooms at The South Landing Inn’s sister hotel, The Kent.
Queen Room with a sitting area, and an electric fireplace, $697 total for 3 nights (~$525 USD)
Premium Queen Room with a electric fireplace, and a balcony, $997 total for 3 nights (~751 USD)
Deluxe Premium King Room with a sitting room, and electric fireplace, $1147 total for 3 nights (~864 USD)
*Please note: prices do not include tax. Rooms 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. The two bedroom suite also has its own kitchen.
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 – https://mountainash.press/scholarship-donation – and as a way of saying things, 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 $875 CAD is for the retreat only; don’t forget to book your room at The Kent.
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 July, and 50% until September 30th. Unfortunately we will not be able to accommodate late cancellations.
*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*
