Hang out with poets who get you.
Spend unfettered time writing and relaxing in a serene rural setting. Planned poetry workshops punctuate writing downtime—September 25-28, 2026. We welcome female-identifying poets of all levels to apply.
The Main Events
| Saturday | Sunday |
| Storytelling from the Kitchen | Spread the News: Alcohol Ink Ekphrastic |
| Poetry for the Back Row | Workshop TBA |
Plus 11 hours of writing time, which you can use to write in any of the open areas, hang out with friends, stop by the crafting corner, or anything else you think up!
Your Retreat Instructors
Rebecca Ferlotti‘s debut poetry collection is with her beta readers and will be out for submission in summer 2026. Her poems are published or are forthcoming in Poetry South, The Bayou Review, ONE ART, and other journals. Click to read more about Rebecca.
Dr. Mary E. Weems is an award-winning poet, playwright, author, performer, imagination-intellect theorist, and social/cultural foundations scholar. She is the author of more than thirteen books, five chapbooks, three one-woman shows plus numerous poems, articles, and book chapters. Click to read more about Dr. Weems.
Third instructor TBA!
Take a meaningful (writing) break.
Sometimes, poems fall onto the page, but most of the time, all of us are battling writer’s block, juggling over-packed schedules, or savoring the spare minutes we have to relax outside of work. Being in community with other writers—away from our usual distractions—motivates us to get our thoughts down without judgement.
What’s Included:
- Monthly virtual write-ins leading up to the retreat (Optional)
- A safe, encouraging space to write
- Getting to hang out with a group of highly motivated poets
- A pre- and during-the-retreat check-in with Rebecca to discuss your writing goals (Optional but Encouraged)
- Up to 11 hours of dedicated free writing time
- Four writing workshops focused on generating poems
- Group-building events scattered throughout the weekend
- Home-cooked meals by a professional chef, customized to accommodate dietary restrictions*
- 24/7 snacks and non-alcoholic drinks
- Airport shuttle for folks flying into Cleveland Hopkins International Airport*
- A stunning location as a backdrop to inspire you
- A welcome kit with treats!
*See FAQs for more information on starred items.
The Full Schedule
This itinerary may change as we get closer to September. While we recommend everyone attends scheduled workshops and events, we want you to participate in the parts of this retreat that get you energized to write.
Friday, September 25
| 5-7 p.m. | Check In and Get Settled |
| 7-9 p.m. | Welcome Dinner |
| 9-10 p.m. | Free Writing Time |
| 10-11 p.m. | Surprise Group Activity |
Saturday, September 26
| 7-8 a.m. | Alone Together Free Writing Time (Outdoors, Weather Permitting) |
| 8-10 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 10 a.m.-Noon | Free Writing Time |
| Noon-2 p.m. | Storytelling from the Kitchen with Rebecca (Includes Lunch) |
| 2-4:30 p.m. | Free Writing Time and/or Crafting Corner Demo |
| 4:30-6 p.m. | Poetry for the Back Row with Dr. Weems |
| 6-8 p.m. | Dinner |
| 8-9 p.m. | Open Mic 1 |
| 9 p.m.-11 p.m. | Surprise Outdoor Group Activity (Weather Permitting) |
Sunday, September 27
| 7-8 a.m. | Free Writing Time |
| 8-10 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 10 a.m.-Noon | Spread the News: Alcohol Ink Ekphrastic with Rebecca |
| Noon-2 p.m. | Lunch |
| 2-3:30 p.m. | Free Writing Time |
| 3:30-5 p.m. | Workshop TBA |
| 5-6 p.m. | Free Writing Time |
| 6-8 p.m. | Dinner |
| 8-9 p.m. | Poetry Book Club |
| 9 p.m.-10 p.m. | Open Mic 2 |
Monday, September 28
| 7-9 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9-10 a.m. | Goodbyes |
| 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Geauga County & Amish Country Tour (Optional, Additional Cost) |