My 2023 experience at the Matanzas Writing Retreat in Florida, hosted by author and teacher Connie May Fowler, was exceptional in every way. Connie is an excellent mentor and writer. She is kind but truthful with her critiques, clever with her prompts, and generous with her time. You can count on Connie to do a deep and close read of your writing and to offer genuinely helpful advice. She will coax the best out of you. I cannot emphasize enough how much I’ve learned from her. In addition, I felt warmly embraced by the other attendees, enjoyed readings and conversations, partook of wonderful dining, excursions, and morning walks along the ocean. If you’re looking to hone your writing in a nurturing, fun, environment. Connie May Fowler’s Matanzas Retreat is the place for you! ~ Carolyn Walker, Author of Every Least Sparrow and Questions Counted Like Stars
Matanzas Writing Retreat
April 20-27, 2024
Write and renew during a full week at an unspoiled beach. Get in touch with your creative self amid sunrises, sunsets, sea oats, and the surf song
A Typical Day
Rise with sun, walk the gorgeous deserted beach, write, eat lunch, and in the afternoon join the community who gathers to read each other’s pages and explore their possibilities. These manuscript sessions offer lively and nurturing discussions about that day’s work. In the evening: sunsets, dinner by the sea, good cheer, and sweet sleep amid the surf song.
Lodging
The retreat is held at Summerhouse and participants stay in individual condos. Upon acceptance into the retreat, make your reservations promptly. We will also help pair you with another participant in order to share a two-bedroom condo, if you’d like.
Apply
The retreat is limited to twelve participants, so apply early. First, email us to see if there is an available slot. If there is, email five pages of prose—double-spaced, Times New Roman Font. If accepted, we will send payment instructions and more. If you are currently in an InkBlossom monthly workshop, you do not need to apply. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2024, but we urge you to do so earlier so that you can secure Summerhouse lodging.
Fees
$900, includes opening and closing night receptions and six afternoons of writing/manuscript work with Connie May Fowler.
Nonrefundable $200 deposit due February 1.
Balance of $700 due March 1.
Balance refunds are given only if a new participant fills the space. Late cancellations create a hardship for us; while we understand that emergencies arise, please inform us at your earliest opportunity.
Private Consultations
Participants can opt for a one-hour consultation with Connie. Bring up to three pages of work in progress and experience a word-by-word critique: $200 due with retreat balance.
Location: Matanzas Inlet, Summer Haven, and Crescent Beach
Unspoiled, uncrowded white sand beaches and more:
https://www.nps.gov/places/000/matanzas-inlet-river.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuzGQrUprHE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raF6ohABecQ
Airports/Distance to Summerhouse
Daytona 50 minutes
Jacksonville 1 hour and 7 minutes
Orlando 1 hour and 28 minutes
Connie May Fowler’s Matanzas Writing Retreat offered uninterrupted writing mornings followed in the afternoons by gentle, yet precise, suggestions on each day’s efforts. Connie’s kind advice set the tone and lit the path during this reaffirming, inspirational and productive week. Shut away from most daily distractions, we concentrated on honing works in progress as well as setting sail via the wings of new inspirations. Now it’s time for us to fly. ~ Michael Kilgore, Writer
