We all know the soothing effect of listening to a good story, equally soothing is sharing our own stories but most soothing is writing down the stories we tell. In fact, writing is therapeutic. Want to experience all this? Join us at our quaint country house in the scenic Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. While the region is known for its natural beauty-waterfalls, lakes, farms and vineyards; Ithaca is especially known for its rich literary culture and is associated with a galaxy of internationally known personalities-Carl Sagan, Ann Druyan, Christopher Reeve, Rod Serling, Vladimir Nabakov, Pearl Buck, Toni Morrison, Alex Hailey, Allison Lurie to name a few. You will be writing while enjoying spectacular outdoor views and the informal and relaxed atmosphere indoors.
Women’s Narratives Retreat is an all-inclusive providing accommodation, three meals plus snacks, fruits, tea, and coffee between the meals.

We all know the best stories are those we have experienced or someone dear to us has experienced and shared with us, if you are keen to begin writing your own memoir or a memoir of someone dear to you, this retreat is the first step. If you have already started writing this is the right place to draw inspiration and vigor to write the next chapter.
Beware, given the few days of this retreat whatever you write will be just a fragment of a big story told in a memoir .
However, the good news is that even a short piece can be shaped into an essay, a poem, or a short story. Whether prose or poetry; fiction or nonfiction- anything shorter gets published sooner and provides opportunities to build your platform through magazines and anthologies. We hope you will go back revitalized to continue the long journey of memoir writing.

We do not teach writing; however, we make you aware of the components that go into the making of a good story. We give writing tips that can be used in crafting a compelling story. Above all we inspire you in your writing efforts by providing a relaxed environment, uninterrupted writing time, delicious healthy meals and the company of like-minded women.

No writing experience is required, but a desire to write will be helpful.

We can pick you up from Ithaca airport. If you are coming by road we will send you directions.

Schedule

The first and last days of the retreat are arrival and departure days, respectively.
On Saturday and Sunday Soon after breakfast we will have Parveen Talpur’s motivational talk which will not only provide the insight and guidance to achieve your writing goals but to strive for excellence in your writing. You’ll spend three hours of uninterrupted writing time, plus two more evening hours for mutual feedback and group discussions. We have balanced the activities by adding sightseeing, hiking, shopping and a few times eating out in local restaurants.

Friday July 26th:
Afternoon/evening arrival in Ithaca
Introductions, Orientation and Welcome Dinner

Saturday July 27th:
Breakfast
Talk by Parveen.
Writing until Lunch
Visit to Ithaca Farmers’ Market and Commons
Dinner and Discussions

Sunday July 28th
Breakfast
Talk by Parveen.
Writing until Lunch
Visit to Cornell and Johnson Museum of Art
Dinner at the Boatyard Grill
Discussions at the country house

Monday July 22nd
Breakfast. Departure -Drive back to Ithaca airport.