April 2024 Scotland Walk & Write

Service Description

The research is in. Walking, walking in nature, traveling to a less familiar place, and risk-taking do boost creativity and enhance writing. That's why so many well-known writers have spent time traveling to and writing in places far from home. And it's the premise of Compass Writers retreats. By getting out in nature, moving our bodies, and engaging in simple artistic activities, we fire the creativity centers of the brain and give oxygen to the work on the page. During this 9-day writing retreat, we will explore several themes, including:seeing and listening deeply; facing the writing void; and exploring one's truth in narrative, poetic, or personal journaling form. Along the way, we will discuss aspects of the writing craft. What are the beats of the traditional story arc? How do we get to realistic dialogue? How to say a lot with a little? Each day will start with gentle yoga (no experience needed), a physical form of art. We'll have breakfast and begin our first day of walking. Throughout these seven days, we will traverse an ever-changing variety of lush scenery and spectacular views, from verdant forests to rural farmland to quiet Northumbrian beaches. This walk traverses Scottish countryside at its very best. Along the way, we'll encounter abbeys, historical sites, castles, the River Tweed with its pristine water and diverse wildlife, Roman fort ruins, friendly locals, farms, and a lot of sheep. Throughout this moving retreat, we'll find spots to stop and write, discuss writing, interact with the scenery around us, and get to know each other and our writing muses a little better. On shorter walking days, we'll gather for afternoon sessions and each night we'll gather to dine before moving into an evening workshop session. Throughout the workshop, we will utilize an integrated arts approach to inspire our writing: nature drawing, light clay work, music et al. Each participant will be asked to lead one arts-based prompt session – a wonderful, inclusive way to build community and share our writing interests equally. This workshop is also grounded in the Amherst Writers & Artists method, which helps keep each of us safe and recognizes all of us as the artists we are. Non-refundable deposit of $1,000 must be made on Venmo (@Nestinginstincts) or via PayPal (cherylmurfin@gmail.com) as part of registration. Remainder $2,500 is due via Venmo or Paypal by June 1, 20 For a full description and workshop FAQs go to compasswriters.com/cuthbertsway.

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