“On our earth, before writing, before the printing press was invented, poetry flourished. That is why we know that poetry is like bread; it should be shared by all, by scholars and by peasants, by all our vast, incredible, extraordinary family of humanity.”
Poet and instructor Lorna Crozier claims that Neruda would be welcome at Wintergreen during this guided writing retreat. She muses that he would have fit in with the “extraordinary family of humanity” that will come together in June to break bread at the table and to celebrate and honour poetry.
If you love the sound and shape of words, if you are ready to express the small narratives and emotions of your own lives, if you are ready to explore the spirit within you and in the people, places, and things around you, this guided retreat is for you. Everyone is welcome — beginners and published poets alike.
In this guided writing workshop and retreat, Lorna Crozier will offer a blend of approaches to ensure a balance between instruction and opportunities to apply what you have learned. She will read and comment on the works of many poets, raise questions, offer suggestions, and by these means, explore the craft of poetry with the participating poets.
Imagine yourself in the room with us. A combination of topics during the instructional sessions — which might include the craft of poetry, diction, genre, verb choices — along with quick calls and more extensive calls — will inspire new work and hone your poetry skills. Become part of a community of writers that is sure to form during this extraordinary week at Wintergreen.
This workshop is all about creating new work. A week or two before the workshop begins, Lorna will send you instructions in preparation for your time together. You will be asked to do two things in advance: respond to a “call” (writing prompt) to create a new poem, which you will bring with you when you arrive at Wintergreen with copies to share with the other poets. The second thing you will be asked to do is to bring along books of poetry by other poets that inspire you, to share with the group as the week unfolds.
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
Sunday
After settling into your room and learning about the bounties that Wintergreen offers, you will enjoy dinner with Lorna and fellow poets. Over dinner, Lorna will describe the architecture of the week and review the first “call” on Sunday evening, for participants to respond to in preparation for Monday’s session.
Monday to Wednesday
8:00 AM Breakfast (in silence)
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Instructional Sessions
Lorna will start each of these instructional group sessions by reading a poem to break the silence. In the three hours that follow, a variety of topics will be explored.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Silent Retreat
The afternoons will be spent in silence. Poets will take those hours to write, punctuated by walks down the Wintergreen trails, reading, or quiet contemplation. The silence will be broken at approximately 5 PM each day.
6:30 PM Dinner & Evening Writing Time
Thursday evening
Evening public reading by Lorna from her latest work of poetry, After That.
Thursday to Saturday
Writing retreat—time for you to dive into your work.
Afternoon craft sessions (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM) by Lorna to be negotiated, based on the wishes of participants.
Yoga and/or body work sessions (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM) may also be offered, depending on the wishes of participants. Body work sessions are optional and are not included in the fee.
Friday evening
You will have a chance to share your poetry, including work you have produced during the week as well as other work that you might have revised during your time at Wintergreen.
Remember, you will not be editing poems that have already been written prior to arriving at Wintergreen. Instead, Lorna will give you exercises meant to inspire and generate new material. You will leave this writing retreat at Wintergreen with new poems and ideas that will inspire you to continue writing when you get back home. Many participants from prior years have continued to meet weekly in a virtual format. And so, the poetry continues.
CHAPBOOK
For many years, the new poems created at Lorna’s guided workshop & retreat have been collected into a chapbook, published by Wintergreen Studios Press. Below are titles published from past retreats:
Book of Night (2023)
These Small Hours (2023)
Pink Flamingos (2021)
This Wine Into Water (2018)
Teasing the Tongue (2017)
Sound Me When I’m Done (2016)
Momma’s Prayer Flags (2015)
Lorna will tell you more about the chapbook when you’re all gathered at Wintergreen. Tuition includes five chapbooks for each of the poets. Additional copies may be ordered through Wintergreen Studios Press (at 60% list) or through Amazon (at full price).
ABOUT THE FACILITATOR
An Officer of the Order of Canada, Lorna Crozier has been acknowledged for her contributions to Canadian literature, her teaching and her mentoring with five honorary doctorates, most recently from McGill and Simon Fraser Universities. Her books have received numerous national awards, including the Governor-General’s Award for Poetry. The Globe and Mail declared The Book of Marvels: A Compendium of Everyday Things one of its Top 100 Books of the Year, and Amazon chose her memoir as one of the 100 books you should read in your lifetime. A Professor Emerita at the University of Victoria, she has performed for Queen Elizabeth II and has read her poetry, which has been translated into several languages, on every continent except Antarctica. Her book, What the Soul Doesn't Want, was nominated for the 2017 Governor General's Award for Poetry. In 2018, Lorna Crozier received the George Woodcock Lifetime Achievement Award. Steven Price called Through the Garden: A Love Story (with Cats), her latest nonfiction book, “one of the great love stories of our time.” Lorna Crozier lives on Vancouver Island.
Lorna began teaching at Wintergreen in 2010. She has returned annually much to the joy of poets who have participated in her writing retreats. Called “a poet to be grateful for” by Margaret Laurence, she has been an ambassador for poetry wherever she goes, and Wintergreen is no exception!
REGISTRATION
Pricing as listed below includes tuition, meals (18), and accommodation (6 nights), except for the off-site option. Included in the cost is a $250 non-refundable deposit.
Payment in full is required upon registration and HST will be added to the prices listed below on checkout.
REFUND POLICY
If you cancel before April 15, 2024, all but $250 (non-refundable deposit) will be refunded to you.
If you cancel between April 15 and June 2, 2024, 60% of the full fee will be refunded to you. Alternatively, your registration is transferable, so if you are unable to attend, a friend can come in your place. If we are able to fill your space from the waiting list, all but the $250 non-refundable deposit would be refunded to you.
If you cancel after June 2, 2024, refunds are not available.
OFFSITE
Facilities and meals, but no overnight accommodation – $1950 SOLD OUT
WINTERGREEN STUDIOS*
Tenting/Camper in the Camping Meadow – $2000 SOLD OUT
Hobbit House (remote woodland cabin with small double bed) – $2100 private SOLD OUT
Parthenon (remote woodland cabin with double futon) – $2100 private SOLD OUT
Forest House (woodland cabin close to the lodge with double bed in loft) – $2300 private SOLD OUT
Phoenix House (woodland cabin close to the lodge with double bed on ground level) – $2300 private SOLD OUT
Family Room (room in the Lodge with 1 double bed and 2 twin beds; ground level) – $2500 private/$2200 shared SOLD OUT
Maple Room or Courtyard Room (rooms in the Lodge with 2 twin beds; ground level) – $2500 private/$2200 shared SOLD OUT
North Room or Garden Room (private rooms in the Lodge with 1 double bed; ground level) – $2500 private SOLD OUT
Sauna View Room or Green Roof Room (private rooms in the Lodge with 1 twin bed; upper level with stair access only) – $2500 private SOLD OUT
*If your preferred accommodation choice is no longer available when you register, please email us to be put on the waiting list for a shared or private room.
THIS WORKSHOP IS SOLD OUT. PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW TO BE PUT ON THE WAITING LIST.
We also suggest checking out Passion for Poetry: One-Day Workshop with Lorna Crozier as there are still spaces available.