Stranger in a Fresh Green World: Off I Go to Quebec

Quebec Writers' Federation Workshops

Spring Session 2011

STRANGER IN A FRESH GREEN WORLD*: A WEEKEND RETREAT FOR POETIC SOULS WHO ADORE NATURE AND WALKING

*The phrase "Stranger in a Fresh Green World" is from Raymond Souster’s "Get the Poem Outdoors."

Friday, May 20, 5:00 p.m. to Sunday May 22 at 3:00 p.m.

Manoir d'Youville: 498, boul. d'Youville,
Île Saint-Bernard, Châteauguay QC
Cost: $260 for QWF members; $285 for non-members – single room (shared bathroom) & six meals included

Maximum number of retreat participants: 12  (WORKSHOP IS FULL)


Workshop leader: Shelley A. Leedahl

Join multi-genre Edmonton writer Shelley A. Leedahl for a dynamic weekend of writing-on-location. We will take the advice of Raymound Souster and “Get the Poem Outdoors.” Fiction and nonfiction writers are equally welcome. All that’s discussed can be applied to any genre, and writers may modify the exercises to suit their preferred genre.

You will receive encouragement and gain inspiration through readings, discussions, and critiques in a picturesque, rural setting. The focus is on walking and crafting nature-inspired poems. Several springboard exercises will be offered, and ample time is allocated for solitary walking and writing. Six meals (dinner Friday through lunch Sunday) and single-room occupancy lodging (with shared bathrooms) are provided from Friday evening at 5:00 p.m. through Sunday afternoon at 3:00 p.m.

Friday’s dinner will be followed by Leedahl’s address on the subjects of walking, writing, and place. Bring paper and pens for a meditation exercise designed to break the senses wide open. Reading material will be distributed.

After Saturday’s breakfast, we will gather for an hour-long experiential walk (participants are randomly paired and will take turns being led blindfolded for 20 - 30 minutes each) and writing response. Lunch will be followed by a brief discussion and three fun writing exercises. You will have the remainder of the afternoon to walk and write. You are also welcome to schedule time with the workshop leader for one-on-one discussions of the work you’re doing on location, to receive feedback on work previously submitted, or for general writing-related discussion.

After dinner Leedahl will present her short multi-media piece “Greig Lake Suite,” and participants will be invited to share their work with the group. This will be followed by a nocturnal walk.

Optional writing exercises will be presented on Sunday after breakfast. Free time to walk, to write, or to meet with Leedahl continues until departure at 3:00.

Pre-retreat:
• Participants are invited to e-mail the workshop leader (shelleyannleedahl@shaw.ca) with up to 10 pages of work for critique. This material must be received by May 1st.
• Participants are required to bring writing materials (including computer), flashlights, clipboard and paper, and good walking shoes. Magnifying glasses, bird and plant books, and cameras are suggested.

Dates of Retreat:

Friday, May 20, 2011(Check-in from 2:00 p.m., Activities begin at 5:00 p.m.)

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Sunday, May 22, 2011 (Optional activities after breakfast; check-out time 11:00 a.m., lunch will be served; optional activities continue until departure at 3:00 p.m.)

Shelley A. Leedahl has been writing poetry, essays, stories, and novels almost since she learned to walk. Much of her work is walking and nature-inspired, and her poetry is often written on location (at international artist retreat centres, or in her own garden and rooms). Her eight books include The House of the Easily Amused, Orchestra of the Lost Steps, Talking Down the Northern Lights, A Few Words For January, and The Bone Talker. She recently began producing multi-media works which incorporate poetry, song, still photography and video. A long-time Saskatchewan resident and active member of that province’s writing community, Leedahl relocated to Edmonton in 2010, where she continues to write and explore the natural world. Forthcoming titles are Wretched Beast (poetry, BuschekBooks) and The Moon Watched It All (children’s illustrated, Red Deer Press). www.writersunion.ca