I was chatting with the “From Inner Critic to Inner Ally” course author, Andrea Patten, the other day, when she casually mentioned she was co-hosting a special writer’s retreat in August. Since Andrea’s not one to blow her own horn, I asked a few questions about the retreat.

You see, I enjoy writing – both fiction and non-fiction. I once attended a conference for fiction writers, but when it came time to read my assignment to the class, I got the feeling the instructor didn’t care for it. Others in the class wrote these long descriptive paragraphs with mind-numbing detail about the particulars of the dress their Victorian heroine was wearing. Lots of comments from others and praise from the instructor.

As a cozy mystery writer, I like to start with ACTION! So I raised my hand and read my piece. When I finished, the class was deathly still for the LONGEST time. I literally held my breath. Finally, a gentleman behind me spoke up. He liked it. (What a rush) No one else chimed in, and the instructor (herself a fiction author) just stared at me like I was in the wrong class and was too stupid to know it. Then she quickly moved to the next topic. No asking for other classmate’s responses like she did with the others, just “Yes, well, moving on…”

Maybe I overreacted. After all, writing is the equivalent of giving birth. It can be long and painful or quick and easy, but either way, no one thinks their baby is ugly. And budding writers are vulnerable to every look and nuance when it comes to their work.

Truthfully, I expect more from instructors because teaching is my love. I expect them to understand the implications of their actions and words and to choose both accordingly. In retrospect I judged the instructor too harshly, as she was an author, not a trained instructor.

That’s the beauty of this particular retreat with Andrea and co-host David-Matthew Barnes. They’re dedicated to their crafts (Andrea non-fiction and David-Matthew fiction) AND they know how to teach and facilitate. No way you can say “those who can’t do, teach” regarding these two!

They also practice what they preach. Can you imagine creating such an event if your Inner Critic was there in your head (or your gut of wherever that little so-and-so hides) throwing down warning flags and creating obstacles in the hopes you forget this silly BIG idea? Andrea doesn’t just teach you how to turn your inner critic into an inner ally; she uses the same techniques with herself.

This promises to be a retreat like no other. Several things set it apart:

• The retreat is capped at 10 writers
• You have to apply, but you don’t need to be a published author
• There’s an emphasis on creating a group that will ‘mesh’ in a way that benefits all and maximizes learning (what a novel idea!)
• 25 hours of access to both Andrea and David-Matthew
• A peaceful out-of-the-way location which will nurture your soul

What you get in return:

• Free manuscript critique from both facilitators
• Writing time and immediate feedback
• Discussion on topics which interest you, taken from your application
• Instruction and practice time, and time to ‘just be’ so that it all soaks in
• How to capitalize on your “baby’s” beauty

There’s no way I can describe all you’ll receive in this workshop. Nor can I accurately communicate Andrea’s and David-Matthew’s enthusiasm and desire to work with YOU. Fortunately, you can read more about this unique Writer’s Retreat at the Pond from this amazing webpage they’ve created to tell you all about it.

But before you go, let me tell you one more thing you won’t find on the website. Ladies and gentlemen, the applications are already coming in and the retreat has been partially filled already. So go to their webpage now and if it’s for you, fill in that application RIGHT AWAY. And if you want a little advantage, mention you read about the retreat in Annie B’s Inner Critic Gone! blog. But seriously, don’t wait another second. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind limited access writer’s retreat now!