Novel Revision Retreat
Marcia Strykowski
♦ August 27, 2014
♦ 32 Comments
First, another interview about the Amy books to share. Click here for Marcia Meara’s popular Bookin’ It blog.
This past weekend I returned to Rolling Ridge for my second Novel Revision Retreat. My first time was four years ago when I was still polishing Call Me Amy. Darcy Pattison is the wise instructor at the helm of these nation-wide workshops. This particular retreat (along with two other workshops) was organized by author Anne Broyles.
Rolling Ridge, a 40 room Georgian estate on Lake Cochichewick is located in Massachusetts. There are 38 acres of woods, water views, and rolling hills.
There were only ten of us this time, but along with Massachusetts commuters, participants came from Arkansas, Kansas, Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia.
The dining room is filled with local art and water views. Delicious meals accommodated many special requests from gluten-free to vegan.
There was quite a bit of work beforehand to prepare for the retreat. For example, each person read all the full novel drafts of everyone else in their group. Here’s my group:
After lunch I took a walk around the grounds and was excited to come across a lone red wheelbarrow (we had just discussed William Carlos Williams’ poem about plums earlier that same morning).
It wasn’t long before I spotted several kayakers paddling smoothly across the lake.
All in all a very successful retreat and I recommend these workshops for anyone who wants to work hard at making their novels shine.
- Posted in: Art ♦ Books ♦ Writing
- Tagged: anne broyles, darcy pattison, drafts, interview, marcia meara, massachusetts, novels, retreat, revision, rolling ridge, writing
Marcia Strykowski 
This looks like a wonderful retreat venue. I recognize Trinity there! I’m glad you had a wonderful time.
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Joyce, I wish you could have joined us!
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What a beautiful place! The workshops sound fabulous, too!
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They were both great!
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Almost forgot the interview, awesome!!!!!!
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Thank you!
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Marcia, what a wonderful place to learn and grow. And Darcy is so generous!!!
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She is! Thanks for stopping by, Vijaya!
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My mouth parted when I saw that house- gorgeous! I have a thing for buildings. =) What an amazing place to get to concentrate on writing at!
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It was amazing! 🙂
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The manor itself is so evocative, I can see in my mind’s eye a rich atmospheric story right there. Thank you for sharing the images.
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It would be a great place for a story. At one point, I remember feeling like we were in a Clue game. Thanks for your comment, Mirka!
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Great pictures and the place is wonderful 🙂
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Thank you for your comment!
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I’ve heard of writing retreats but never revision retreats. What a great idea! Especially for people like me who’ve got to write the continuation of a series over the next several years. Definitely have to look into this one. 🙂
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It works really well–first it forces you to finish your drafts faster (for the retreat) and then helps to make them stronger. Thanks for stopping by, Barbara!
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Thanks for the report on the Novel Revision Retreat. You’re right! The Rolling Ridge Retreat Center would be a great place for a Clue Game! So glad we had an opportunity to re-connect!
Darcy
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Your workshops are wonderful, Darcy, and thanks for your comment!
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What a pretty, pretty place! I can imagine revising my stories by the lake or at the dining room table or on the white bench in the yard. That red wheelbarrow bit must have been a fun moment.
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You’re right, lots of comfortable spots for creativity. Thanks for the comment, Claudine!
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This seems heavenly! A retreat like this is on my bucket list….
Yvonne
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Go for it, Yvonne!
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What a beautiful setting for a retreat! A wonderful opportunity for authors like you to learn and share ideas and be in community with each other!
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It is the perfect opportunity. 🙂
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Oh, wow, this is an amazing place for a retreat. Thanks for sharing your experiences and the pictures.
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You’re welcome! Thanks very much for visiting!
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That looks wonderful, Marcia! Closing my eyes to be there virtually.
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Glad you can visit, even if only in your imagination! 🙂
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“Be still my beating heart!” What an amazing writers’ retreat. This is bucket-list worthy!
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So glad you stopped by, Ali!
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Excellent post. I am impressed! 🙂 I care for such info a lot. Thank you and best of luck.
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Thanks for visiting my blog, Mariam!
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