This morning I’m staring down a deadline for Chapter 9 of my book, working title The Soulful History of Glory Foods. This is the last chapter I’ll write under the guidance of a mentor in my Big MFA Adventure through the University of King’s College in Halifax. Next month I’ll do a rewrite of my book proposal, and then–I’m hatched into the world, a fledgling Serious Author of Creative Nonfiction!

But there’s one more step in the Big Adventure: graduation! Or, what they call Encaenia at this 230-year-old school. I am planning to return to Halifax to accept my diploma in person (for the first time in my checkered educational career. It’s now or never.)

Sadly, the tradition of parading with a bagpiper before the ceremony has been discontinued this year. My bad luck!

And…

I am going to share this experience with a small group of friends/writers on a

Nova Scotia Writing Retreat!

I may have one or two spots open, so read on and see if this writing (or not) retreat sounds like the adventure for you.

May 20-25

For May 20-23 we’ll be based at Windhorse Farm, a bit more than an hour south of Halifax, just down the road from the world-famous Peggy’s Cove. Read more about Nova Scotia south shore tourism here.

May 23-25 we’ll move to University of King’s College, our base for exploring Halifax.

Of course, you’re welcome to watch me don a robe and get my diploma, but no pressure–if I were in Halifax for a couple of days I wouldn’t want to waste an afternoon in an auditorium.

What about the Writing part?

Some of us want solo writing time, some want to workshop a piece of memoir or family history, and some just want to relax and be tourists. I’ll orchestrate the experience you’re looking for. Personally, I think it’s an excellent opportunity to practice travel writing, opening your senses to the contrasts between our country stay and bustling Halifax.

The details:

• $700 for lodging and transportation. Price includes most meals while at Windhorse Retreat, breakfasts while in Halifax.
• Deposit $350 due March 15, balance due May 15.
• You’ll make your own travel arrangements to Halifax. Please arrive in Halifax in time for noon departure for Windhorse Retreat on May 20. (For those of us in the midwest, that likely means arriving on the 19th.)

Confirm your reservation with me now! 608-347-7329 or sarah.white@firstpersonprod.com

To get you dreaming….

The Wentzell Farmhouse where we’ll stay while at the Windhorse Retreat:

View from the porch:

University of King’s College, our base for exploring Halifax:

I love that the shrubbery includes an apostrophe.