Basking in the splendour of Molino del Rey among a group of eight diverse writers, I put my finger to the wind, as one participant called it. The winds of change, or at least of opportunity, as it were.
For many years, I’ve organized yoga and writing retreats in a particular way, with a relatively specific framework. Gentle yoga, breakfast, writing time, lunch, free time… with one day of the retreat for an outing - sometimes just for a dinner out, other times for an afternoon and dinner, depending on the location and what is available nearby. All of the retreats have been fairly remote, or somewhat removed from a major centre. Over the years, participants have enjoyed the routine, stretching out in yoga, and writing to the offered prompts. This year was a little different. After a few days of writing together, several of the women chose to spend time addressing ongoing projects – papers, dissertations, novels – in the privacy and comfort of their own spaces. As the days went by I noticed how easily everyone moved at their own pace, joining for activities and meals as the mood struck. Some came to yoga, others chose to rest, write, or enjoy an early breakfast; some came to write, and others worked in their rooms or the many spots among flowers and rushing water. Women drifted in and out contentedly.
Even on the trip to Ronda, participants scattered—some to shop, others to find a spot by the gorge to write! We did, however, all come together for the stunning flamenco experience. When asked afterward how long the dancer had been dancing, she said since she was three years old. Body and soul. It was such a moving experience, even though our retreat host said these shows were just for tourists, there was nothing “fake” about what we saw. I appreciate that Spaniards experience flamenco at midnight, and once, two years ago in Granada, we managed to stay awake until an eleven pm show in the gypsy caves. We haven’t quite got the Spanish rhythm down. We’re happy with the “tourist” version.
This retreat opened me to a world of future possibilities. I’ve been playing with the idea of renting an Italian villa and hiring a chef for breakfasts and lunches, with daily options for meals in nearby towns.
What I realize is that I’m kinda tired. Honestly, at some point, one has to acknowledge the body’s need to slow the heck down. So, I’d like to be in one place that I love and host retreats there. I’d still be able to run online workshops when I don’t have guests.
Also, what I’m getting at is that I can open my doors and invite academics, novelists, poets, memoirists, and dabblers alike—making the space for writers to enjoy the fruits of camaraderie as well as privacy. I’ll lead daily AWA sessions, which will be optional, and be available for one-on-one discussions.
I just have to find a place I love and settle in.
Promoted thus:
TIME, SPACE, BEAUTY, COMMUNITY
Are you a writer who craves time, space, beauty, and community to move ahead with a project?
Do you long to swipe away the need to shop, cook, clean, and attend to others?
For writers beginning a project, in the murky middle, or those who are simply in need of inspiration and support.
Thank you, Rachel, Susanne, Brandy, Sue, Karen, Pnina, and Esana for watering the garden of possibility!
I’m just playing with ideas for the time being… thinking about either October 2026 or April 2027. Please let me know where or when you might be interested in attending a retreat where, with support and optional guidance, you could pick and choose your activities.
And now, a prompt…
Pat Schneider, the visionary behind the Amherst Writers & Artists Method of writing workshops, offered the prompt, “Where I’m From.” Since 1980-something, George Ella Lyons response has become the template, or the prompt itself.
So I invite you to try your own, “Where I’m From.” It can be from memory or imagination - in a poem or prose piece. You can also use the prompt as a springboard into understanding your character’s backstory.
I love your percolation of new ideas. A villa sounds like a good idea. So much less to pack if you can stay put and work on writing and exchanging ideas with other writers.
I love your percolation of new ideas. A villa sounds like a good idea. So much less to pack if you can stay put and work on writing and exchanging ideas with other writers.
This retreat in Granada sounds delightful. I'm definitely curious and open to future retreats. I look forward to writing with you again soon.