SWC Retreat 2024: Storytellers
This annual retreat tradition has become a fast favourite! What better way to connect with fellow writers and get in some solid writing time than to set aside a weekend for it? And this year we’re expanding to a second day to maximize the opportunities to network and meet other writers in our supportive, inspirational environment! Day 2 is optional and no additional cost, so come for the presentations and prompts, and enjoy the opportunities to connect with other writers over one or two days!
Here’s how it works:
Dates: June 8th, 2024 9:00am-5:00pm, Lunch included. Workshops, prompts, keynote speeches.
June 9th 2024, 9:30am-1:00pm (optional bonus day) Networking, quiet writing spaces, roundtable on marketing.
Location: Private home <5min from Sooke core. Transportation from downtown Sooke available!
Registration closed
FULL PROGRAM:
June 8th 2024
9:15 Keynote by Jim Bottomley: Future Success strategies for Storytellers
9:30-10:45am When Words Sing - Presenter: Doni Eve
10:45-11:00 Coffee/tea break
11:00-12:15 Sensational sentences and potent paragraphs - Presenter: D. Lambert
12:15-1:15 Lunch and social. Salad/Sandwich bar provided with registration.
1:15-2:30 Prompt session - Presenter: Lynda Moore
2:30-2:45- Coffee/tea break
2:45-4:00 Panel talk: From concept to completion - Panel: Clare Winstanley, dl clay, Veronica Knox
4:00-4:15: Final keynote with Veronica Knox!
5:00pm Doors close
June 9th, 2024
Doors open 9:30am for writing space with visual prompts. Entire property is available. Informal opportunities to network, write, discuss questions, and more. Coffee and tea provided.
Informal roundtable : All things marketing at 11:00am. Bring your wisdom and questions; we will all do the same!
Doors close 1pm
Details on the sessions:
Keynote: Jim Bottomley: Your Future as a Storyteller
Session 1: When words sing with Doni Eve
Words have power. They have nuance, connotation, sound, and resonance. Storytellers use words to convey image, action, emotion, meaning, and significance.
Through examples, tips, and exercises, participants will receive an overview of why words matter, practical tools they can use in their writing and revising, and fun and engaging writing exercises to help them choose the best word for their story or poem.
For prose writers or poets and beginning or experienced writers.
Session 2: Sensational Sentences and Powerful Paragraphs with D. Lambert
To tell stories, we have to layer sentences to form paragraphs. With practice, we can make these foundational components be at their very best. We will work through what makes a sentence weak instead of potent and how to trim the fat to get the real meat of the writing. Then we will review types of paragraphs and how to utilize them consciously to construct prose or poetry that exceeds expectations.
Session 3: Prompts with Lynda Moore
Back by very popular demand! Spend some time with prompt-wizard Lynda Moore as she takes you through inspiration itself! By participating in the wide array of exercises, you’ll walk away with brand new material that will stretch your creativity and broaden your skills!
Session 4: From Concept to Completion - Panel: Clare Winstanley, dl clay, Veronica Knox
Take advantage of a trio who has ‘been there, done that’ and engage in this discussion that takes a literary project from a distant idea to solid, published work. Using their range of expertise, these seasoned writers will walk through the process step by step and highlight where they differ in approach, as well as provide tips of what worked, and what didn’t.
Closing Keynote: Veronica Knox - Storytellers