“All the poems that existed, that originated in song and stories, live deep in the earth around us; they flow under our feet like an underground stream. Contemporary poetry taps into it, consciously or not, and draws the water of that ancient music into itself.”
If you love the sound and shape of words, if you are ready to express the small narratives and emotions of your life, 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, you will experience a blend of approaches to ensure a balance between instruction and opportunities to apply what you have learned. Lorna will invoke the works of many poets, raise questions, offer suggestions, and by these means, explore the craft of poetry with all of you.
Imagine yourself in the room. 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 instructions to prepare 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 mingling a bit with your fellow poets, you will enjoy a bountiful dinner prepared in the Wintergreen kitchen. Over dinner, Lorna will describe the architecture of the week and address any questions you may have about how the week will unfold.
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 — details TBA.
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. Payment is by donation to the instructor (suggested amount $20).
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.
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 long after the retreat ends.
CHAPBOOK
For an entire decade, 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:
This is How You Do It (2024)
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)
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 almost 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 + HST includes tuition, chapbook publication and author copies, meals (17), and accommodation (6 nights). Included in the cost is a $300 non-refundable deposit.
Upon filling out the registration form, which includes your top three choices for accommodation, you will be assigned a space and invoiced directly for the full amount (payment plans are possible — just ask!). HST will be added to the prices listed below.
We know that the fee for this workshop is considerable, and may not be accessible for all interested participants. A full scholarship is available for a participant who might not otherwise be able to join the workshop, thanks to a generous donation by poet and friend of Wintergreen, Elizabeth Paulette-Coughlin.
You might also consider enrolling in Lorna’s virtual course, filmed at Wintergreen, as a more affordable option. And just as much fun! (Well, nearly.)
We also realize that even with a substantial fee, this workshop is extremely popular, and not everyone who is interested will secure a place — especially people who have not taken it before and may therefore not be on the lookout for this year’s workshop. We will hold three spots for new attendees, and open them up to former participants should they not be filled a month after the workshop registration opens.
REFUND POLICY
If you cancel before April 7, 2026, all but $300 will be refunded to you.
If you cancel between April 8 and May 24, 2026, 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 $300 non-refundable deposit would be refunded to you.
If you cancel after May 24, 2026, refunds are not available.
OFFSITE
Facilities and meals, but no overnight accommodation – $2,000
WINTERGREEN STUDIOS*
Tenting/Camper in the Camping Meadow – $2,100
Hobbit House (remote woodland cabin with small double bed) – $2,400 private
Parthenon (remote woodland cabin with double futon) – $2,400 private
Forest House (woodland cabin close to the Lodge with double bed in loft; upper level with ladder stair access only) – $2,750 private
Treehouse (remote woodland cabin with double bed) – $2,600 private
Phoenix House (woodland cabin close to the Lodge with double bed on ground level) – $2,750 private
Porch Room (room in the Lodge with 1 double bed; ground level) - $2,750 private
Spanish Room (room in the Lodge with 1 queen bed; ground level) – $2,750 private
Maple Room or Courtyard Room (rooms in the Lodge with 2 twin beds; ground level) – $2,750 private/$2,300 shared
North Room or Garden Room (private rooms in the Lodge with 1 double bed; ground level) – $2,750 private
Sauna View Room or Green Roof Room (private rooms in the Lodge with 1 twin bed; upper level with stair access only) – $2,750 private
REGISTRATION WILL OPEN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2025, AT WHICH POINT THE BUTTON BELOW WILL BECOME LIVE.