Reconnect with them in a Word Lover's Retreat
I love words. And who doesn’t? It’s what separates us from other life forms. We go through life with words in our heads; our thoughts are in words. Cleveland’s rich writing community has nurtured its writers through writing groups, writing and MFA programs at our universities, CSU’s Imagination: A Writer’s Workshop and Conference, poetry readings at book stores and coffee shops, local publishing companies, The Lit (formerly known as The Poet’s and Writer’s League of Greater Cleveland), the Press Club, and the Society of Professional Journalists.
Writing takes place in living room critique sessions, through public writing workshops, and intimate mentoring over drinks. Anyone who writes knows that Cleveland is chock full of writers. People want to write. Middle-agers wish to write about their lives. Truth seekers search out the truth with poised pen or laptop tapping. Puzzle-lovers string words into meaningful verse...
One disgruntled professional writer felt that when people say they’d like to write but they don’t have time is egotistical. He argued that not everyone CAN write just like not everyone can practice medicine. While I agree that education and natural talent is critical for doctors and professional writers, we all have stories to tell. We all have a human need to express ourselves. Writing is the way to memorialize our thoughts and feelings...
My favorite column written by local daily columnist Regina Brett was entitled “Write, No Excuses.” Brett said people should stop waiting, and just do it. Writing’s one of those things people say they want to do but have reasons why they don’t do it — we need to retire, the children have to grow up, or a cabin in a quiet woods is required.
Julia Cameron, through her book The Artist’s Way, wakes up a sense of possibility in would-be writers. That festering need to share and communicate the soul of a spontaneous wanderer and explorer can be realized with positive self-talk and forcing everyday writing.
Knowing that many of us are reluctant to bring our stories into the light, I began leading workshops to nourish and encourage writer’s souls. And Lakeside, a place of spiritual retreat on the shores of Lake Erie, can provide the space and time to write. It can also nourish the soul.
The rockers on the wraparound porch of the Idlewyld Bed and Breakfast in Lakeside will be the place where writers connect for forty-eight hours in May. The first-ever Word Lover’s Retreat, presented by Igniting Possibilities Events, takes place May 16-18 at the Idlewyld.
Imagine the possibilities... for relaxation, muse chasing, contemplation, working with words, stimulating conversation, and timeless walks, at Lakeside, where retreats were made. Word play, guided discussions, writing workshops, book discussions, and poetry readings will spark creativity. John Ettorre, other Cleveland writers, and co-sponsor Skyline Writers will join me in this Word Lovers immersion.
We’re following the proud tradition of Cleveland’s literary community. For information, write me at ctallerwritesATwowway.com (replace the "AT" accordingly). Additional information can be found at http://claudiatallermusings.blogspot.com and http://www.skylinewriters.com.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Claudia J. Taller ctallerwritesATwowway.com
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