Space Still Available at Yosemite Area Writers’ Retreat

July 10, 2011 - PRLog -- The Central California Writers’ Workshop (CVWW) is holding a writers’ retreat at the famous Evergreen Conference Center (ECCO) at Oakhurst from August 4th through the 7th.

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains along Highway 41 just a few miles from Yosemite National Park, ECCO’s 160 acres offers a tranquil setting for writing and is a premier location for retreats. The grounds boast a scenic pond that is home to swans and other wildlife, a swimming hole, hiking trails, and a variety of indoor and outdoor meeting spaces. ECCO’s buffet-style meals are superb and satisfying, with fresh salads, fruits, and vegetables available daily, and menus can be individualized for specific dietary needs. Lodging is comfortable and reasonable— all-inclusive quad occupancy rooms are only $265 for three days and nights.

Since everything is done for you, ECCO is a bit like a cruise minus the requirement of dressing up for dinner and the shopping for souvenirs no one really needs. And, of course, the ship is 160 acres of oak and pine trees, deer, streams, and mountain trails.
The goal of the workshop is for participants to write a minimum of fifteen new pages that will lead to longer essays, stories, and books. Writers will also share work already in process, receive feedback, and do at least one long reading of a polished piece. In short, there will be nothing for writers to do for three days and nights except write without interruptions, read to others, get feedback, and discuss the craft of writing. No TV. No internet. No kids, spouses, or pets demanding attention.

“I'm looking forward to spending three days with other writers, mulling over ideas, brainstorming, and focusing only on writing."
Barbara Jo Fleming, author of “Hymn for Celia” published in the 2010 anthology, Specters in Coal Dust

"There's nothing like the breezy mountain air to get a writer's juices flowing, especially those of us with day jobs. An escape like this is just what I need to complete my novel. I'm excited and counting the days."  HL Arledge, Amazon.com crime fiction writer

“Every writer works in isolation, but anyone who dares to write words for others needs a group that nurtures and supports their efforts. I encourage all writers to enjoy three days of writing, sharing and community building through the August 4-7 retreat."
Larry Patten, author of Company for the Journey and Ordinary Time

The workshop will be intensive and is intended for serious writers who want to improve their craft. For more information or to register, visit the CVWW website at www.centralvalleywriters.com or call (209)357-7049.

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The non-profit Central Valley Writers Workshop hosts the annual Central California Writers' Conference