An Eastern Shore literary inn has become a favorite of regional writers, especially during their weekend writers’ retreats. The Alexander House Booklovers B & B hosts retreats from November through February.
So what happens at a writer’s retreat? Writers discuss their work over breakfast, lunch, and in the evening…receiving feedback, suggestions, ideas and inspiration. In between discussions, they spend the morning and afternoon writing, while silence is observed by all throughout the inn.
Writers are able to avoid all the home distractions, and are inspired to write by the literary ambiance throughout the inn (photos, portraits and quotes of famous authors; rooms named after authors and designed to appear from their time and place). They get inspirations and suggestions from other writers during the discussions over meals and in the evening.
Participants have remarked that they get much more writing accomplished than they would at home, receiving great tips from other writers, while enjoying a relaxing getaway and wonderful meals. Some choose to write in the Mark Twain Parlor and Library with a comforting fireplace, or in the bright and colorful Cafe Collette, or in their own rooms for those staying overnight. Most bring laptops, with which they can check their email or go online for research using the free Wi-Fi around the inn.
Aspiring writers find inspiration to get started and often discover hidden talents. Holly H. a recent attendee, is a retired nurse and realtor from Annapolis. She had never written creatively before and thought it might be fun. After the weekend of writing and discussing her work with more seasoned writers, including two participants who taught creative writing, she found herself with the beginning of a novel that received raves from the others.
“I’m so glad I decided to do this, it has opened up a new avenue in my life, I found I really enjoyed creating this new world for myself.”
Innkeeper Elizabeth Alexander is herself a retired English and creative writing teacher who continues her own writing at the inn. She wanted to create a space for other writers to find support and inspiration, and to escape from all the daily distractions that often stop one from writing. She participates in the discussions and uses the energy from the retreat to do some of her own writing as well.
The Alexander House Booklovers’ B & B is a literary-themed Victorian home in the Princess Anne historic district featuring dramatic colors and whimsical details that create a feel-good, relaxed atmosphere. Guests can immerse themselves in the jazzy Harlem Renaissance of The Langston Hughes Room; dream a high seas-adventure in The Robert Louis Stevenson Room; revel in the romance of Regency England in the grand Jane Austen Room, relax with a book in the Mark Twain Reading Parlor & Library, enjoy tea and pastries in the Parisian Café Collette or sit on the private verandah and listen to the garden fountains.
Fri afternoon to Sunday Afternoon.
Friday afternoon arrival, evening wine and cheese reception.
Accommodations, 2 Breakfasts and 2 Lunches Included (Sat and Sun), afternoon tea and pastry, evening liqueurs and a free book of your choice from our shop.
Silence observed, except during meals and Sat. night writing discussion/share.
Retreat package Includes: 2-night stay, 2 full-cooked breakfasts, two hot lunches, wine and cheese reception, afternoon tea, coffee and pastry, evening liqueurs and teas, your choice of one free new book from our gift shop. FREE WIFI.
Retreat for 1 (single occupancy room): $275.
Retreat for 2 (shared room and bed): $425.
10 % discount for second retreat.
Day Rates (no bed and breakfast) includes use of space, lunches, afternoon tea/coffee and pastry, and evening discussions (Sat.)
$75 two days or $50 Sat. $30 Sunday
www.Bookloversbnb.com
Contact: Elizabeth Alexander, editor, writer and innkeeper: 443 880 6858
Winter Writer’s Retreats 2015-2016:
November full
December 4-6 (1 room left)
January 8-10
January 22-24
February 5-7
February 26-28
Detailed Schedule:
Friday afternoon check-in 3-6 pm
Friday evening wine and cheese reception 7-8 pm
Saturday
8:30-9:30 am: Group breakfast and discussion of writers’ current project.
10 am-12:30 pm: Silence observed throughout the inn for writing (may use the verandah, Cafe Collette, Mark Twain Library/Parlor, or your guest room.)
12:30-1:30 pm: Hot Lunch served in Café Collette (Healthy and Vegetarian)
1:45-5:45 pm: Silence observed throughout the inn for writing, including verandah.
6 pm: Dinner on own at various local restaurants (not included in package price).
8-9:30 pm: Facilitated group discussion of writing process, with emphasis on offering suggestions, support and guidance to fellow writers.
Sunday
8:30-9:30 am: Group breakfast and discussion of writers’ current project.
10 am-12:30 pm: Silence observed throughout the inn for writing.
12:30-1:30 pm: Hot Lunch served in Café Collette (Healthy and Vegetarian)
1:45-3:45pm: Silence observed throughout the inn for writing.
4:30: Checkout.
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