Poets on the Coast: A Dream Come True for Women Writers

I love anticipating a stay by the sea with poets

One cold December evening three years ago, Kelli Russell Agodon and I chatted over a glass of wine about conferences and festivals where we had been invited to teach. More than once I was given a stairway to teach in (once it was heated, once not) and Kelli, too, had her own unusual conference stories. Our conversation soon led to this: what if we ran our own weekend writing event?

We knew right away that for our writing retreat  there would be plenty of snacks and gifts for every participant. A delicate balance of nurture and new challenges is what we imagined. Yes, there would be plenty of time to write together, to provide ideas on how to live a  life in poetry, and one on one sessions with each student. Everyone would be welcome from beginner to published author. (Some of our participants are prose writers who don't consider themselves poets but want that cross-training.) We knew there would also be built-in time for walks on the beach or to actually retreat to one's own room. From one chat over a glass of wine Poets on the Coast was born. "What if..." is a powerful phrase in the world. Or at least in my life...

Although September is 9 months away, we have only 5-6 spots left for this year's Poets on the Coast: A Writing Retreat for Women. The magic of Nye Beach Oregon and the Sylvia Beach Hotel (where every room is designed in honor of a writer) add a dimension to the weekend that we could never achieve in Seattle. This is a magical place, especially in September after the tourists have gone.

And just so no one gets bored, this year we've added an optional component of a manuscript workshop on Friday afternoon. Each year we add something new based on what we learn from the women who join us. Here is more  information but if you want to register now - click here. If you would rather not use paypal just send me an email to srich18(@)gmail.com and we will hold you a spot. 

Join Kelli Russell Agodon and Susan Rich for the third Poets on the Coast Weekend Writing Retreat September 6 - 8th, 2013 at the Sylvia Beach Hotel in Newport, Oregon on historic Nye Beach. We will gather to write, read and share our work inspired by the landscape and creative energy around us.

This retreat has been designed for women writers of all levels, from beginning poets to well published. Sessions on creativity, generating work, publication, a Master Class workshop, and one-on-one mentoring are included as well as morning yoga. 



We only have a limited number of spaces available and they will be filled on a first-come basis.


With the Sylvia Beach Hotel, designed to inspire writers with its literary-themed rooms, this retreat will offer you a unique experience to explore your writing and creativity. Come spend a weekend with other women poets. Be ready to be nurtured, inspired and creative.

Also, this year we're including an OPTIONAL Manuscript Workshop on Friday, September 6th from 10 am - 1 pm for $75
(This workshop is designed to help poets put together a full or chapbook length collection. All participants will receive a free chapbook by another poet to help them after the class.)