Writers' Retreat memories by Leanne Dyck

In November (22 to 25), 2012, I attended the Federation of BC Writers writers' retreat. 

Located high on a mountain on Denman Island, this retreat included a blue pencil critique as well as an opportunity to share our writing. It was well worth attending.

Part of the fun was the journey... 

 

Our first stop...

Lunch with friends (Gail Woodward, Amber Harvey, Doreen Dyck (our driver and my mother-in-law), me and Robin Spano (who meet us at the restaurant)

Rivendell Retreat Centre on Bowen Island

 

Walking the labyrinth (Thanks to Crystal Favel for this photo and the one below)

 

Back row:  Amber Harvey, Kelly Dycavinu, Patricia Dobie, Rosemary Rigsby, Crystal Favel
Front row:  Pandora Ballard, me (Leanne Dyck), Ben Nuttall-Smith, Gail Woodward

 

Where the magic happened

Each night we were invited to read our work. I read a flash fiction piece the first night; a short story and poem on the second night. I was delighted to have such a supportive and attentive audience.
(Thanks to Pandora Ballard for this photo and the one below)

 

I appreciate Ben Nuttall-Smith taking the time and trouble to fine tune my writing. His pencil moved skillfully through my manuscript adding clarity and removing "fatty" extra words. I know I will continue to benefit from his guidance.

 

Retreat organizer Pandora Ballard and Federation of BC Writers vice-president Ben Nuttall-Smith worked tirelessly on behalf of the group. The retreat was a great success and I look forward to next year.

My room contained a comfortable bed and a large desk. What more could my muse and I ask for?

After four days I missed my husband but really didn't want to leave.

Amber Harvey writes about this retreat on her blog

Book Review: Hearts In Atlantis by Stephen King

From the back of the book:

 As the characters in Hearts In Atlantis are tested in every way, King probes and unlocks, the secrets of his generations for us all. Full of danger, full of suspense, and most of all full of heart, Stephen King's new book (released in 1999) will take some readers to a place they have never been...and others to a place they have never been able to leave completely.'

What attracted me to this book:  -the book was written by one of my favourite authors.
-the central theme (1960s)

My thoughts:  Hearts In Atlantis is a cleverly designed story. The four chapters--1960, 1966, 1983, 1999--could read like stand-alone short stories and novellas. What weaves them together are relatable characters. Like the master storyteller he is, King isn't afraid to waltz between first and third person point of view as he moves from chapter to chapter. Chapter one and three read like a Stephen King story. What I mean is that he sets you firmly in reality and then takes you to places you could never go without his help. Chapter two and four have surprises of their own but your feet never leave the ground. Thank you, Mr. King for this entertaining read.