Inspiration and Motivation for Creatives

Registration is now open! 

How do we foster and sustain creativity? Sometimes it takes a step away from the everyday. This year’s Weekend on the Water retreat is all about finding inspiration—whether you’re a writer or an illustrator, a seasoned pro or a pre-published beginner. The whole event—from setting to programming to the nourishment and extra activities—has been designed to help us delve deep into the sources of our work.

This intimate, creativity-focused retreat—appropriate for both writers and illustrators—will give you a step back from the daily grind to examine the emotional and psychological drivers of your work and how to capitalize on them. Highlights include:

• Explore your creativity and jump-start your inner muse with our powerful Insight Book session, other creativity workshops, and specific NaNoWriMo support.

• Connect with other writers and illustrators to address your most pressing concerns in spontaneous, peer-led sessions

• Bring a picture book manuscript and work on laying it out in a dummy in IslandWood’s art studio. 

• If you like, you can sign up to read your work to the group or exchange manuscript pages with a small group of peers. 

• If none of that activity appeals, and all you need is time to create, bring your laptop or sketch pad, find a cozy spot, walk in the woods, or take advantage of our yoga studio. 


Setting: Inspirational IslandWood

IslandWood’s mission is to foster children’s education and environmental stewardship. With 250 acres of natural forest, meadows, ponds and pathways, it offers the perfect setting for inspiration. The facilities offer comfort and opportunities for rejuvenation. Everything at IslandWood is sustainably built with beautiful, natural materials.

IslandWood is just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle. But while in the cozy buildings and quiet woods, you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away. The retreat comes complete with special IslandWood programs, including:
    •    Hiking trail maps

    •    Fireside programs with s’mores

    •    Instructor-led yoga ($25 fee additional)


Accommodations
Some of the best experiences come from small moments, like quiet conversations with friends, both known and new. We offer both single rooms and shared rooms (with one, or at most two, roommates). All rooms have private baths, plus access to cozy common areas ideal for chatting, relaxing, reading, critiquing, or creating.

(We aren't using the top bunks -- unless you want one!)

IslandWood is designed to provide access to all. If you require special accommodation, please let us know and we'll work to ensure your comfort. IslandWood specializes in accommodating dietary restrictions, too.

The retreat fees, which start at $525 for the whole weekend, include all programming, two nights’ accommodations, six delicious meals, and s’mores by the fire, and we can help arrange transportation from the ferry dock, too.
 

Registration now open!

Get more details and register now for this great opportunity taking place starting on Friday, October 13 through Sunday, October 15, 2017. Registration will close when the retreat capacity is reached or September 27, 2017, whichever comes first.

Attention WoW retreat applicants

Allyson Schrier and Lois Brandt, co-directors of our upcoming Weekend on the Water Retreat, which is scheduled for November 7 - 9 at the Dumas Bay Centre, say that retreat status notifications have already been sent. But apparently there have been a few cases of applicants not receiving their notifications — so if you applied to the retreat but have not heard from us, please email Lois immediately at Lois@LoisBrandt.com.  Thanks!

Last chance to apply!

You've still got time!

Apply for this year's fantastic SCBWI Western Washington Weekend on the Water Professional Writers' Retreat. You just must have your application submitted by August 30.

The retreat will be held November 7 - 9 at Dumas Bay Centre. Our faculty will be Andrew Karre,  Editorial Director at Carolrhoda Books, and Sara Crowe, literary agent with Harvey Klinger, Inc. 

Plus, this is the opportunity many of you have been asking for: a more budget-minded professional writing retreat, with equally great faculty and learning opportunities but slightly simpler accommodations than at some of our past extravaganzas.

Get more details and apply.

REGISTER: Illustrator's retreat open to all!

Registration for the upcoming 2014 SCBWI Joint WWA/OR Illustrators’ Retreat is now open to all comers! Members from any region and non-members alike can register for the few remaining spots and join us at the Dumas Bay Centre in Federal Way on October 3 – 5.

• Oregon-ers: we would love to have a bunch more of you coming!
• Everyone else: Come join us for a great weekend of art education and inspiration with illustrators Sergio Ruzzier and Kelly Murphy.

Get more info or sign up.

Illustrators' Retreat opens to all on Monday

Are you still pondering the Illustrators’ Retreat?

On Monday, July 28, registration for the upcoming 2014 SCBWI Joint WWA/OR Illustrators’ Retreat becomes open to anyone! This means that members from any region and non-members alike can register for the few remaining spots and join us at the Dumas Bay Centre in Federal Way on October 3 – 5.

• WWA-ers: if you got a "sold out" message when you tried to register, you can try again starting on Monday.
• Oregon-ers: we would love to have a bunch more of you coming!
• Everyone else: Come join us for a great weekend of art education and inspiration with illustrators Sergio Ruzzier and Kelly Murphy.

But don’t delay! We were two-thirds full on the first day of registration, so the last few spots are going to fly. Get more info now, or sign up on Monday.

Illustrators, plan now to get away!

It’s time to start planning for SCBWI Western Washington and SCBWI Oregon's exciting, brand-new joint Illustrators' Retreat, which will take place this October 3-5, 2014, at the beautiful Dumas Bay Centre in Federal Way, WA. We'll welcome award-winning illustrators Kelly Murphy and Sergio Ruzzier to lead us in a weekend of sleeves-up craft, camaraderie, hard work, and relaxation. We will orchestrate both fun and some quiet for those needing that, too. It’s bound to be a fruitful weekend, and we can’t wait to spend it with you.

We have a limited number of spots available and a lot of interest, so be ready to register the minute registration opens. Affordable pricing options will be based on single or double occupancy and will include seven meals, small group workshops with both retreat leaders, optional ad hoc peer-led workshops, and optional evening programming.

Please make a note of these important dates:

July 14: Registration will open to SCBWI members in Western Washington and Oregon. Watch  your email for the invitation. Each of the two sponsoring regions have reserved 25 spots apiece. 

July 28: Registration restrictions end, and any spots remaining will be available to SCBWI members from any region and non-members.

August 11: Last day to cancel registration for a full refund (minus a small processing fee).

August 18: Registration closes (if we're not already sold out).

All this means you’ve got to be ready to act if you want to play! So mark your calendars, and we’ll see you in October!

2013 Weekend on the Water Retreat!

SCBWI Western Washington invites you to apply for its Fall 2013 "Weekend on the Water" Retreat, taking place Friday, November 8, to Sunday, November 10, 2013, at the lovely Inn at Port Ludlow, a premier Northwest destination about 90 minutes northwest of Seattle. This intimate, craft-focused retreat will give you the opportunity to focus on a current work-in-progress with the guidance and expert insight of our two retreat leaders, as well as to connect with a network of talented local authors, which will include exchanging manuscript pages with several peers. 

Pull out your work-in-progress and get ready to dig in with an outstanding editor/author duo: Patricia Lee Gauch and Linda Urban. The legendary Patricia Lee Gauch, author and iconic editor of many children’s book luminaries, is returning to the Pacific Northwest for this event. Those of you who have worked with Patti before will want to come running back for more, and if you’ve never had the pleasure of learning from Patti, you won’t want to miss this opportunity. Patti will be partnering with award-winning author Linda Urban. When we asked former retreat faculty whom they would love to learn from, at the top of their list was Linda Urban. So we had to invite her join us, and we’re thrilled she said yes!

Selected writers will spend the weekend working with Patti and Linda. Our focus will be on examining works-in-progress to identify opportunities to go far enough with our work; stretching and going beyond to create amazing books. Both Patti and Linda will take a close look at specific areas of craft, giving us exercises to challenge us and take our writing to the next level. There will be an opportunity for small group interaction with Patti and Linda, as well as optional peer critique groups. For the picture book writers, Patti has offered to set aside time to meet and discuss picture books specifically. The weekend will include time for individual writing, walks, kayaking, resting, and networking.

Retreat fees range from $540 to $580, depending on whether you are a member of SCBWI International (members receive a $40 discount). Prices include all workshops and activities, optional peer group critique, two nights’ lodging with one roommate, six catered meals, Internet access, and endless inspiration from the spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains and the serene Ludlow Bay. Private rooms are available for only $165 more.

The application and submission deadline is fast approaching: September 13, 2013. You will not be considered for the retreat if you don’t meet the deadline. No exceptions.

View complete information, application details, and deadlines for WEEKEND ON THE WATER by clicking on the link below:

View Complete Details & Apply

Retreat Roundup

If you weren't able to join us for the Fall 2011 Weekend on the Water Retreat (or even if you were), here are some retreat wrap-up blog posts we wanted to share!

From Laurie Thompson: Lessons learned at the 2011 SCBWI WWA retreat

From Sperry Hung: Weekend on the Water 2011

From Tina Hoggatt: arthur levine & linda sue park: WOW | big ideas

REMINDER: "Weekend on the Water" Retreat applications due NEXT WEEK!

The application deadline is fast approaching for SCBWI Western Washington’s fifth annual fall retreat, and we don't want you to miss out! Remember, you can always cancel later if you decide it doesn't work for you, but you must have all application materials in by September 2nd to even be considered.


We’ll be returning to the past years’ hugely popular Alderbrook Resort on Hood Canal to work in an intimate setting with two of the industry's most masterful teachers: Newbery Award-winning author Linda Sue Park and Arthur Levine, author, publisher of Arthur A. Levine Books, and a vice-president at Scholastic Inc.

Weekend on the Water also includes:

• Two nights’ lodging in a luxurious room (shared with one roommate) at the Alderbrook Resort & Spa, one of the premier resort destinations in the Northwest that truly evokes “the spirit of Hood Canal.”
• Five catered meals.
• Free time for writing, networking, hiking, playing word games, kayaking, swimming, and resting.

Apply now to join us at our fifth annual working retreat for selected writers and writer/illustrators this fall, November 4 – 6, 2011.

For more details and to apply, click here!

Our Fabulous Fall Retreat Editors...

Considering going to the Fall Retreat? Curious about who's speaking at the retreat? Here's a blog post by fellow SCBWI member, Amanda Humann, about our Fall Retreat Editors. Her post shares links on both Jill Santopolo, Executive Editor at Penguin's Philomel Books imprint, and Nancy Mercado, Executive Editor at Roaring Brook Press. Thanks Amanda!!

Application deadline extended for Fall 2010 "Weekend on the Water" Retreat

GREAT NEWS! We've extended the application deadline for SCBWI Western Washington's Fall 2010 Retreat for Writers and Writer-Illustrators of Children’s Books, "Weekend on the Water." This event will take place Friday, November 5, to Sunday, November 7, 2010, at the luxurious Alderbrook Resort & Spa, nestled on the scenic shores of Hood Canal less than two hours west of Seattle. Don't miss your chance to spend the weekend learning from not one, but two, executive editors from NYC's big six publishers!

In an intimate, craft-focused retreat, Jill Santopolo, executive editor at Penguin’s Philomel Books imprint, and Nancy Mercado, executive editor at Macmillan's Roaring Brook Press, will bring their considerable editorial and teaching experience to bear on the idea of “connections,” with a focus on plot, putting emotion on the page, and the all-important revision. 

Selected writers will spend the weekend alternating between sessions with Jill and Nancy, including a group first-page intensive, with time built in for individual writing, group critiques, walks, kayaking, swimming, resting, and networking.

Retreat fees range from $535 to $550, depending on whether you are a member of SCBWI International (members receive a $15 discount). Prices include all workshops and activities, one first-pages intensive, two nights’ lodging with one roommate, five catered meals, Internet access, and endless inspiration from the spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains and the Hood Canal—a glacier-carved fjord more than 60 miles long.

The application and submission deadline is now October 8, 2010. You will not be considered for the retreat if you don’t meet the deadline for the online registration AND manuscript submission. No exceptions.

View complete information, application details, and deadlines for WEEKEND ON THE WATER by clicking on the link below:

View Complete Details & Apply

Apply now for the Fall Retreat!

SCBWI Western Washington invites you to apply for its Fall 2010 Retreat for Writers and Writer-Illustrators of Children’s Books, WEEKEND ON THE WATER, taking place Friday, November 5, to Sunday, November 7, 2010, at the luxurious Alderbrook Resort & Spa, nestled on the scenic shores of Hood Canal less than two hours west of Seattle.

In an intimate, craft-focused retreat, Jill Santopolo, executive editor at Penguin’s Philomel Books imprint, and Nancy Mercado, executive editor at Roaring Brook Press, will bring their considerable editorial and teaching experience to bear on the idea of “connections,” with a focus on plot, putting emotion on the page, and the all-important revision.

Selected writers will spend the weekend alternating between sessions with Jill and Nancy, including a group first-page intensive, with time built in for individual writing, group critiques, walks, kayaking, swimming, resting, and networking.

Retreat fees range from $535 to $550, depending on whether you are a member of SCBWI International (members receive a $15 discount). Prices include all workshops and activities, one first-pages intensive, two nights’ lodging with one roommate, five catered meals, Internet access, and endless inspiration from the spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains and the Hood Canal—a glacier-carved fjord more than 60 miles long.

The application and submission deadline is fast approaching: September 27, 2010. You will not be considered for the retreat if you don’t meet the deadline. No exceptions.

View complete information, application details, and deadlines for WEEKEND ON THE WATER by clicking on the link below:

View Complete Details and Apply

Hotel info for Deb Lund's Orcas Island writing retreat

Deb Lund is coming to Orcas Island! The Orcas Island Writers Festival will host a one-day writer’s retreat workshop with Deb Lund: “Fiction Fire! for Teens and Adults.”

Saturday, June 5, 2010, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Orcas Island Public Library, Conference Room, Eastsound, Washington

Tickets: $65

Whether you write (or want to write) adult, middle grade, or young adult fiction (or most genres, for that matter), these hands-on activities will provide the kindling you need to ignite new stories. Create characters with unique voices, sizzling settings, and plots that keep readers blazing through your pages. Deb Lund is the author of several picture books, including her celebrated “Dino” series and her latest book, Monsters on Machines.

Registration is available online.

For more information, visit the Orcas Island Writers Festival site, or call Festival Director Barbara Lewis
at 360-317-4383.

Find more about Deb Lund at her blog or website.

COMING FROM OFF THE ISLAND?

We have reserved rooms at the beautiful Cascade Harbor Inn for the retreat. Ask for the Water View Rooms Group B with 2 Queen Beds per room for $98.60 per night, or $102.77 with tax. These rooms can be shared with other
participants. Up to four people can stay in the rooms with no additional charge. Be sure to mention the Orcas Island Writers Festival when making your reservation at Cascade Harbor Inn's site.

Cascade Harbor Inn
1800 Rosario Road, Eastsound, WA 98245
(800) 201-2120 (360) 376-6350 FAX (360) 376-6354
E-mail: CASCADE@ROCKISLAND.COM

Pacific Coast Children's Writers Workshop

Take part in a team-taught seminar for writers of character-driven MG and YA novels at the eighth annual Pacific Coast Children's Writers Workshop.

It'll be held Aug 20-22 at the Pajaro Dunes private beachfront facilities near Santa Cruz, CA. There are spots for 30 savvy and/or published writers, "active observers," and teen readers and writers.

Faculty includes Kate Harrison, a senior editor at Dial Books/Penguin; Ted Malawer, an agent at Upstart Crow Literary; and author-consultant Laura Backes, publisher of Children's Book Insider.

The theme is "A Novelist's Toolkit: Architecture, Archetypes, and Arcs."

There are open critique clinics, master classes and interactive pre-workshop assignments. For the most critique options and lowest fees, apply by April 10 or asap. Limited enrollment may be open through July.

For more info, or to apply to work in the teen program, contact Director Nancy Sondel through the Children's Writers Workshop site.

Try a writer's refuge

Caitlin Sullivan went to the Whidbey Island Writer's Refuge and came back all fired up. Here's her review:

I never realized that one of the things that inspires me to keep writing is to feel like a serious writer. From the minute you book your stay at WIWR until you leave reluctantly, you are treated with respect and the assumption that you will be productive in your time here.

Everything is set up for one person--you do not have to accommodate anyone else. The kitchen is only for you, there is only one chair, one desk, etc. There aren't just pencils provided, they are sharpened. You don't just have Internet connection, it's wireless and easy to connect to. In other words, you matter, you're important, and the solitude you need is supported. I can't guarantee that everyone will have a breakthrough in their writing as I did, but it sure helps to have a steady message day in and day out that nothing else matters more than your work, your real work.

When you're done writing for the day, you can go on incredible walks through the woods, by beaches, view wildlife, keep your thoughts IN the writing. But as soon as you'd like a little contact, you can get out to the charming town of Langley where there are FOUR bookstores, several restaurants, organic grocery stores, antiques, etc. And, you're only about 45 minutes from Seattle. The site is very clear and walks you through the sign-up process; yes, it would be nice to have these kinds of retreats be free but I personally don't have time to apply to all them and I don't want to wait to see if I've been accepted or rejected. This places costs way less than a resort with the same surroundings, and you are not bothered by the hosts. I am very grateful for this refuge and will return as soon as I possibly can.

Learn more about it.

Retreat photos on Facebook

Joni Sensel posted some photos from our Weekend on the Water retreat.

You can check them out at our chapter's Facebook site (and join, while you're at it).

Michele Torrey on retreats

She has a lovely post on the value of retreats (just in time for ours next month). You can read the whole thing at her blog, but here's the start:

Writing must be the loneliest occupation on the planet. Okay, maybe working in the space station is lonelier, or captaining a sailboat after all your crew has drowned, but it’s got to rank up there somewhere. Just you and the computer . . . just you and (gulp) the blank page. . . . We writers don’t get out much. And when we do, it’s often frantic– booksignings, school visits, speaking engagements, and the like, where we blink like moles in the sun and afterwards climb back into our holes more exhausted than when we left.

Enter writers’ retreats. A place (usually somewhat remote) where writers gather together to cheer, inspire, and laugh (okay, okay — occasionally to moan, complain, and go comotose). A place where they can be with others who well know the torture of staring at a blank page for three hours straight, the quiet desperation when opening that 537th rejection slip, who are masters of procrastination, and who, most of all, can create in rich, magnificent splendor.

Read the rest.

SCBWI Oregon Retreat in Silver Falls

There's still room at this October retreat if you're itching to get away for a weekend to write, draw, network, improve your craft...and take naps.

Many of the faculty there are familiar names up here: Laura McGee Kvasnosky, Kathryn O. Galbraith, and Mary K. Whittington. Other faculty are: Mary Kate Castellani, Associate Editor, Walker Books for Young Readers; Kohel Haver, Arts Attorney; and Maggie Lehrman, Editor: Amulet/Abrams.

Here's the rest of the information you need.

Get to know Ruta Rimas

She'll be at our fall retreat on the water. Here's what she had to say to Terry Pierce:

My role is to be the champion of my authors/illustrators, through every step of the process. From our Balzer + Bray team meetings, to the oft scary Acquisitions meetings with sales, to Cover Strategy meetings, and our seasonal launch meetings, I advocate, advocate, advocate. And then, I advocate some
more.

Read the rest!

Retreat on the Water

Time is running out to apply to our fall retreat for writers and writer-illustrators of children's books. WEEKEND ON THE WATER takes place Friday, Nov. 6, to Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, at the luxurious Alderboork Resort & Spa, nestled on the scenic shores of Hood Canal less than two hours west of Seattle.

In an intimate, craft-focused retreat, Cheryl Klein, senior editor with Arthur A. Levine Books at Scholastic, and Ruta Rimas, assistant editor with Balzer + Bray at HarperCollins, will bring their considerable editorial and teaching experience to bear on the challenges of “Going Deeper,” including the interactions between character development, plot development, and theme.

Application is open from July 7 – July 31, 2009. Don't put it off till the last minute, though. You must have your properly formatted manuscript pages sent to our post office box by the 31st. More information is on our registration page.