Treat Yourself to an Immersive Writing Retreat and Make Your Writing Passion a Priority
Our 2023 Winter Writers Retreat is Live!
Enjoy a class, two-day pass, or an extended weekend of inspiration and self-discovery set against the waterfront backdrop of beautiful, historic downtown Kingston
Finding the space, time, and energy to write can be a challenge. Families, jobs, day-to-day chores, and the inertia of staring at the same four walls can sap your motivation and stunt your creativity. This March, take your own break, and treat yourself to a weekend committed to your writing and yourself, to get away, recharge, and get inspired.
Our Writers Retreat classes offer you the opportunity to learn practical writing techniques from a dozen award-winning and critically acclaimed authors in an intimate, judgement-free environment. Whether you’ve been writing for years, or just putting pen to paper, these classes will improve your skills, increase your confidence, and help you to become a more expressive, effective writer.
Tickets are on sale now!
The 4-Day Retreat includes access to all 12 writing classes in a limited enrollment comfortable setting with all appropriate safety and social distancing measures in place. Enjoy coffee, tea and baked goods in the morning and post-lunch sessions. All workshops will be held at the Delta Hotel Kingston Waterfront.
The full retreat ticket package is $360 includes all HST and handling fees (a $480 value). The retreat package is now on SALE.
The 2-day pass is $180 includes all HST and handling fees (a $240 value). Buy Now
The 4-Day Pass and 2-Day Pass do not include registration to our optional-add-ons, these must be purchased separately.
Stay where you write at a great price. Enjoy accommodation at the Delta Kingston Waterfront at our preferred retreat rate of $189CAD. Staying a couple of nights and want a free $100 Visa gift card and a great meal? Check out these amazing Kingstonlicious packages, courtesy of Visit Kingston.
Limited enrollment. No substitutions.
4-Day Retreat Pass
Buy Now
2-Day Retreat Pass
Buy Now
2023 Schedule
Thursday March 16
Day 1
9am-11:30am
Telling Your Story
Jean Rae Baxter
**CLOSED**
12:30pm-3:00pm
Step Aside, Inner Critic
Adrian Michael Kelly
**CLOSED**
3:45pm-5:45pm
Optional Virtual Add-On
Sixty Second Story Pitch
**CLOSED**
6:00pm-8:30pm
Writing Natural Dialogue
Catherine Hernandez
**CLOSED**
Friday March 17
Day 2
9am-11:30am
Measure Twice, Cut Once
Tanis MacDonald
**CLOSED**
12:30pm-3:00pm
Zine Making 101
Cole Pauls
**CLOSED**
3:45pm-6:15pm
The Word & The Line
Paul Vermeersch
**CLOSED**
7:45pm-9:00pm
Optional Add-On
Stoked Saunas
**CLOSED**
Saturday March 18
Day 3
9am-11:30am
Extraordinary Elements in Fiction
Dimitri Nasrallah
**CLOSED**
12:30pm-3:00pm
Unshackling the Bonds
Dennis Bock
**CLOSED**
3:45pm-6:15pm
Rom-Coms 101
Farah Heron
**CLOSED**
7:45pm-9:00pm
Optional Add-On
Stoked Saunas
**CLOSED**
Sunday March 19
Day 4
9am-11:30am
Creative Writing Kick-Start
Richard Scarsbrook
12:30pm-3:00pm
Editing Your Own Poetry
Otoniya J. Okot Bitek
3:45pm-6:15pm
Writing and the Body
Wanda Praamsma
Your Waterfront Retreat
Your writing getaway starts when you check in at the Delta Hotel by Marriott Kingston Waterfront, nestled right on the shore of Lake Ontario. Each room features a desk with multiple connectivity docks, an ergonomic chair and complimentary Wi-Fi, so you’re ready to write whenever inspiration strikes.
Need a bit of fresh air? Step outside and you are on Kingston’s 8km waterfront trail, and steps from historic sites, vibrant downtown shopping, hip coffee shops, and world-class restaurants.
Prefer to stay cozy? Enjoy fine dining at the award-winning AquaTerra restaurant (or order it to your room), or visit the Vu lobby bar for a night cap and a bite to eat after a long day of writing and sightseeing. And don’t forget to pack your swimsuit for a dip in the pool or a whirlpool unwind!
There is more incentive than ever to make the short trip to Kingston, or treat yourself to a staycation. Explore Kingston’s incredible culinary scene with special Kingstonlicious prix fixe deals throughout the city. Visit Kingston is offering you the chance to enhance your stay with indulgent add-ons to help you feel truly rejuvenated and relaxed. Experience and invigorating, guided sauna cycle, or soothe body and mind with a spa unwind.
Here’s what people say about our Winter Writers Retreat:
“Fabulous. Helpful tips interspersed with writing exercises and small break out groups was excellent. So inspiring and stimulating.”
“What a gem – the most genuinely inspiring few hours I’ve had the fortune of experiencing.”
“Well organized, writer-friendly, good exercises, well-answered questions.”
“Absolutely fantastic! … Engaging, funny and insightful… so positive and encouraging to us as fledgling writers… I came away from the workshops with 27 post-it notes of specific things to integrate into my writing.”
“Quite delightful and engaging. Thought-provoking… Creates a safe space.”
“Excellent presentation of both abstract and detailed material… The exercises were fun and helpful.”
“I learned a great deal and I did not feel that my lack of experience was a hindrance.”
“Loved the writers retreat. Sessions long enough to really learn something… I will be back!”
Class Policy
Masks are recommended and masks, along with hand sanitizer, will be provided for all.
Lastly, please respect the health and safety of our instructors and guests, and stay home if you are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms or have been in contact with someone with Covid-19.
Cancellation Policy
It is your responsibility to read and understand our cancellation policy before making a reservation. Since spots for the retreat are strictly limited, all sales are final.
If you are unable to travel to the event due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances, please email us at info@kingstonwritersfest.ca .
If KWF must cancel an event, a refund will be issued to registrants.
Thank You to Our Supporters!
