Our chalet at Camp Lebanon
The first weekend in May a group of twenty writers from Minnesota (along with a few Wisconsin neighbors) got together for a weekend writers retreat. No teacher, no speaker, no agenda. Just time to write, recharge, and spend time with other writers in a beautiful setting–lake-side Camp Lebanon.
Some of us went up early on Friday to start our weekend with a tour of three historic sites in and around Little Falls, Minnesota, home of debut author and local history enthusiast, Gabrielle Meyer. Together we toured the Charles Lindbergh Home & Museum, Fort Ripley Military Museum, and the historic Weyerhaeuser Mansion.
Fort Ripley
Charles Lindbergh House
After that, we drove to the camp to join those already gathering there. We shared a lovely chalet with private and semi private rooms, and a large meeting area. The best part of the camp for me were the lakeside trails to walk. It felt so good to be outside after our long winter!
More laughter than work!
Speed Scrabble!
Some of us brainstormed new book ideas. Others wrote. Some edited. In the evening, we enjoyed a campfire, and a round (or six) of Speed Scrabble. (A game which has existed long before someone put scrabble-type letters in a yellow tube and marketed it as Bananagrams.) I usually have to bribe my husband and sons to play with me, but these fellow word-nerds loved it!
I didn’t get a lot of work done, but I didn’t really expect to with so many writers to talk with, and beautiful trails to explore. It was a good time for me to unwind after working on revisions for my December release, and before I start the next book in earnest. I came away with a few new ideas and a few new friends, plus I was able to spend time outdoors on a beautiful spring weekend. Ahhhh….a relaxing and restorative retreat. Now I’m ready to move ahead with the next book!
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Oh Julie….how wonderful!! 🙂
Attending a writers’ retreat (exactly like the one you described) sounds like a dream to me, and I’m sure all those attending returned home refreshed and renewed.
Not only your fellowship and game time, but the sight-seeing and the chalet all appeal to me (if you ever decide to move to Georgia, let me know – – I’d be the first to sign up for a retreat with you and other authors!). 😉
Thanks for sharing, and blessings on your week.
Hugs, Patti Jo
p.s. Meant to tell you that a few weeks ago I went to Destin, Florida with my best friends from high school (none are writers but they are super-supportive of my writing). 🙂 Anyway, while there I browsed a Christian bookstore and purchased YOUR book, THE SECRET OF PEMBROOKE PARK. When my friends picked me up (they’d gone to the grocery store while I browsed the book store) I was sooo excited as I showed them your book and told them what an awesome author you are. 🙂
Thanks so much, Patti Jo! Hope you love the book. And you are always welcome to come up here to MN and join us on our next retreat. 🙂
I’ve been to all of those places, having grown up within dish-rattling distance of Camp Ripley! (And trust me, the big guns can rattle dishes for MILES). I have even spent the night in the Musser House, right next door to the Weyerhaeuser Mansion. Glad you could unwind in such a wonderful area!
The Musser House looked amazing from the outside, Rachael. Hopefully I’ll get to see the interior one of these days. Thanks for letting me know!
What a wonderful idea! It sounds restful and fun. I’m so glad you had this opportunity to get away. There is nothing like time with writer friends!
Thanks, Carrie. You’re right. There’s something about spending time with people who “get” us.
Sounds lovely to relax and brainstorm new ideas. I can’t imagine still wearing long sleeves and sitting next to a campfire when we already hit 90’s last week.
In the 50s here right now, Janella. Enjoy your warmer weather.
I was hoping your retreat would have been in July when I’m in town. 🙂 I loved meeting you all and am thrilled to have new favorite authors from that weekend. I’m especially thankful I found you and your books before I went to London. I felt so much better prepared for what I was seeing. May the Lord continue to bless your writing so you may bless others.
I know, Mindy! I forget you’re not a Minnesotan sometimes, since you joined us a few years ago!
Sounds like fun, Julie. I also love to walk in the woods to recover and refresh.
Thanks, Lynn. If you lived closer, we’d definitely have to go for a walk together!
Oh oh Julie! I feel the “travel bug ” coming on and one very long flight! Now how am I going to manage visiting Minnesota from Ontario in the few weeks we have available? Your Country is so beautiful. Perhaps one day you might visit us. I’m sure you would be inspired when you see what we have to offer down under.:)
Good luck with writing your next book.
Thanks, Rosie. Maybe someday!