The 2009 Writers in the Round Retreat on Star Island is a multi-day creative retreat for songwriters and poets in a beautiful natural setting. The retreat is a time for creative growth in a safe environment, fostered by instructors who are experts in their art, be it songwriting, poetry, or spoken word, and who are whole-souled in their approach to life.

A Supportive Approach

The small group experience consists of classes for instruction, workshops for creative expression, and evening programs, which support a healthy group dynamic.

Participants are encouraged to take risks and push themselves to explore new aspects to the process of writing. Honesty, compassion, and humor are qualities valued by retreat organizers and participants.

Activities: New Beginnings and New Horizons

The development of a nurturing, yet challenging creative environment is a central goal. Formal activities are focused exclusively on this goal. There are also opportunities for informal networking, which are supported as a part of retreat activities. Through immersion in the formal and informal activities, participants often embark upon new creative directions never before touched upon, and form new creative associations with others outside of their daily walk in life. As such the retreat fosters diversity, and celebrates new beginnings and new horizons.

Star Island 2009 Retreat

E-mail talk@witrhome.org

Meet our 2009 Poetry Instructor:

Marie Harris, NH Poet Laureate 1999-2004, is a writer, teacher, editor and businesswoman. In 2003, she produced the first-ever gathering of state poets laureate. She has served as writer-in-residence at elementary and secondary schools throughout New England, written freelance articles for publications including the NY Times, the Boston Globe, NH Sunday News, and Corvette Fever. Harris is the author of four books of poetry--the most recent of which is YOUR SUN, MANNY: A Prose Poem Memoir--and is the editor of several poetry anthologies. Her two books for children are G is for GRANITE: A New Hampshire Alphabet, and PRIMARY NUMBERS: A New Hampshire Number Book. She is currently working on a novel for young readers involving America's first female composer, Amy Beach. www.marieharris.com

Meet our 2009 Songwriting Instructor:

Craig Werth has been writing songs and performing them at coffeehouses, folk festivals, concert halls, and schools (from kindergarten to Elderhostel) for more than thirty years. He also brings to his writing and performing a life-load of experience as a counselor, teacher, outreach caseworker, builder of musical instruments, and family man. Craig's compositions explore topics ranging from natural wonders like whales, dinosaurs, and zucchinis; to relationships, parenting, his Newfoundland heritage, and his Long Island and Catskill Mountain roots. He performs primarily with voice, guitars, bouzouki, and mountain dulcimer.

Since October 2006, Craig has held the position of accompanist, arranger and touring partner for three-time Juno Award winner David Francey . Craig served as co-producer for Francey's "Right of Passage" which won a best album Juno in 2008. David describes Craig as his "favorite songwriter". Craig has broad experience as a teacher of songwriting, writing, and creative expression. He serves on the faculty of the University of New Hampshire's Browne Center for Experiential Learning. Craig is currently in the midst of a 50-day tour in Australia where he is performing and teaching across the country. www.craigwerth.com