Fireside Writing Retreat at the Dreamers Writing Farm
Join me for a fireside writing retreat focused on writing to heal...
Over the past several decades, research into writing as a healing practice has shown that writing is good for both our mental and physical health. People who routinely write to heal experience emotional enhancements to their sense of self and overall confidence.
During this fireside writing retreat, participate in a series of writing prompts designed to explore themes connected to your lived experience. Using creative non-fiction and fiction, poetry and journaling, you will: learn techniques for re-storying self, explore approaches to expressive writing, investigate the “transformation through writing model”, and share your writing with the retreat facilitator and fellow participants at nightly fireside reading circles.
Do you want to learn how to reflect inward and unlock what you keep hidden, even from yourself? Find out how expressive writing leads to deeper self-acceptance and healing.
2021 SCHEDULE: Friday, September 24 at 7 pm to Monday, September 27 at 1:30 pm. The Dreamers Writing Retreat will begin on Friday evening at 7pm with a meet and greet in the main house. Snacks will be provided. You may arrive at the Dreamers Writing Farm anytime between 6 and 7pm on Friday.
ACCOMMODATIONS: There are 4 bunkies, 1 prospector tent, 1 studio apartment, and 1 campsite. Each unit is separately located throughout our 3-acre property. All units except for the campsite are fully furnished and all linens and soaps are supplied.
SOCIAL DISTANCING: We will meet outside to conduct our writing workshops, either on our covered porch, around the fire, or in our outdoor kitchen. It is possible to social distance the entire time you're here as our porch is large, and so is our firepit. We also have a cleaner on staff and lots of sanitizers and disinfecting cleansers, and all sleeping accommodations are separate units spread out over our 3 acre property. Please note: in order to avoid potential cancellations, and also for safety's sake, we are only accepting Ontario residents at this year's retreat.
HEALING IS ESSENTIAL: As this is a healing retreat, it is considered "essential". Please be prepared to attend this retreat even if we are under pandemic restrictions. A registered social worker will be on call and available to support us.
CANNABIS: Guests over the age of 19 are welcome to consume their own cannabis anywhere outdoors while at the Dreamers Writing Farm. A variety of complimentary infused teas will be available as well. These teas are a gift from me personally, no purchase necessary.
PRICING & ACCOMMODATIONS: The cost to register for 1 person is $989. All prices include accommodation, meals and writing workshops for the duration of the retreat. Accommodations include either a bunkie or a glamping tent. Both styles of accommodation are fully furnished as bedrooms. Shared washroom facilities are located in a separate building and include an indoor shower, and an outdoor open-air shower, two sinks, and a compost toilet.
Is your friend or partner a writer too? Bring them along! 2 people can share one accommodation for an additional $360. To add a friend, first secure your booking via HiBnB and then message me. This option is billed separately.
About Your Host:
Education/Certifications/Associations
- Master's Degree - MAIS in Writing, New Media, Literary Studies
- PhD Candidate, Social Science, focus on therapeutic writing
Expressive writing, also known as writing for wellness and therapeutic writing has revealed a new world to me. I’ve found that when I write about my personal experiences, goals and desires, I achieve a sense of peace and acceptance about life’s many challenges. I’ve also found that when I write for myself without listening to my inner critic or focusing on financial gain, the quality of my writing improves. But most importantly, expressive writing has taught me to be vulnerable. I’ve learned to reveal myself to myself, and ultimately, understand and appreciate who I really am. My name is Kat McNichol. I own the Dreamers Writing Farm. I am also the Editor-in-Chief of Dreamers Creative Writing and a reviewer for the British Journal of Guidance and Counselling. I've got an MAIS in Writing, New Media, and Literary Studies, and I'm working on a PhD in Career Writing at the University of Tilburg in the Netherlands where I'm researching the impact that therapeutic writing has on career identity. I'm looking forward to writing with you. :)
Schedule
AVAILABLE TIME:
Duration of activity 3+ hrs
Additional Details:
EVENT RULES
Guests must be 21+.
This event will be cancelled if it does not meet a minimum number of participants.
This event has a maximum number of participants.
Cancellation Policy
Outside of 14 days from the event date, Guests receive a 50% refund. After this time, the full cost of the booking applies.
Identification
Don’t forget to bring your government issued, photo identification.
What you need to bring:
Please come prepare to stay for 3 nights. All accommodations, except for the campsite, are fully furnished and include all linens (sheets, blankets, towels, face cloths). Soap is provided to everyone, include those who are camping. Be prepared for the weather. This retreat is at the end of September, so it could either be fall-like weather or summer-like weather. If it's cold, bring extra blankets. Please also make sure to bring something to write with (notebook, computer, pens, pencils, etc.). Note that although we will be writing outside, we will heat our covered porch if it's cold out. :)
Things to keep in mind
There are 7 accommodations available, so max capacity is actually 14 people if everyone chooses to bring a friend for an additional $360 per additional person (max 2 per accommodation). The names of each one are listed in the retreat description. When you register with HiBnB, you are reserving one of those accommodations. Please message me once you have booked if you would like to bring a friend.
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