Here’s a list of WordPlay Retreats — some are currently being offered; all are available. WordPlay’s programs are flexible by design and can be customized to meet the needs of interested groups, whether you’re looking for a speaker to inspire your members regarding the power of language and story or a workshop for participants to explore their goals and dreams and/or learn about the benefits and rewards writing offers — mentally, physically, and spiritually. For rates and more information about how WordPlay can serve you or your group, call 704-494-9961 or email maureen@maureenryangriffin.com. Want to take something that isn’t currently offered? Ask to have it scheduled. If there are at least six committed participants, it will be put on the calendar.

COASTAL WRITING RETREAT: Connect with Your Creativity at the Sunset Inn (Writing—and more—as Renewal and Inspiration) / 1 weekend session

Back by popular request: a weekend writing retreat full of activities to reconnect you to your creativity. Renew yourself, whether you are a practicing writer, closet writer, or as-yet-to-pick-up-the-pen writer! The techniques and prompts we’ll use will spur your imagination, and can be used to create nonfiction, fiction, and/or poetry—the choice is yours. There’ll be ample free time to savor your beautifully appointed private room with king-sized bed, private bath and balcony, the large porches with rocking chairs and swings, and the coastal setting. For more information on the Sunset Inn, which is a five-minute walk from Sunset Beach and is next to a peaceful marsh where herons and cranes live, see www.thesunsetinn.net. You’ll return home refreshed, with new ideas and energy for your writing. $392 includes retreat sessions, two nights’ lodging, two breakfasts and Saturday lunch (hotel tax and Saturday dinner at a local restaurant (not included). You’ll need a copy of Spinning Words into Gold, available for $23.76 at retreat. Or order a copy now:

WHERE: The Sunset Inn, 9 North Shore Dr., Sunset Beach, NC 28468
WHEN: Friday, November 12 - Sunday, November 14, 2010 and
Friday, February 25 - Sunday, February 27, 2011
TO REGISTER: Contact the Sunset Inn at 888.575.1001 or 910.575.1000. Register early — this is a popular event! The Inn will hold your reservation with a credit card.

PICTURING YOUR SOUL (Collaging & Writing as Self-exploration) /
1 session
A workshop combining intuition and imagery for anyone who enjoys self-exploration, using the process of SoulCollage® as described in Seena B. Frost’s book, SoulCollage.” We’ll write as well, to interpret the language of symbols, dreams, and archetypes, to awaken inner wisdom, and to explore the mystery at work in our lives. Also discussed will be the use of visual images to create powerful fiction, nonfiction, and/or poetry. $75 includes lunch and supplies. Repeater's special: If you've taken this workshop before, pay $35.
WHEN: Not currently scheduled. Contact maureen@maureenryangriffin.com to request that this class be offered again, or to arrange to have this class held for your group or organization.

THE POWER OF INTENTION (Writing--and More--as a Powerful Access to Fulfilling Dreams and Goals) 1 session
Sure you want to ______ (Fill in the blank with the creative pursuit you wish you engaged in more often), but why? What’s in it for you? Discover how freeing it is to get clarity about what "riches" your creative pursuit provides. Tap into the power of intention as you learn to deliberately (and imaginatively) design your creative life. We'll also take a peek at what hidden beliefs have been getting in your way. Through a playful, profound series of hands-on exercises, you'll kindle joy and energy that will fuel your creativity, no matter what your dreams. A writer who took this workshop LAST January whose book project languished in a drawer for over 20 years will be holding the published book (CPCC Press) in her hands THIS year! What will open up for you in 2009? $25/1 session. You’ll need a copy of Spinning Words into Gold, available for $23.76 in class. Or order a copy now:

WHEN: Not currently scheduled. Contact maureen@maureenryangriffin.comto request that this class be offered again, or to arrange to have this class held for your group or organization.

ROMANCING YOUR WRITING (Fueling a Current or Languishing Writing Project / Rekindling Your Writing Passion / Getting Unstuck) / 1 session
Maybe you have a writing project (or several) in mind or underway. Maybe you’re stuck. Maybe you’re uninspired. Maybe you just miss having writing be a part of your life. Here, in honor of Valentine’s Day, is a workshop to rekindle your writing passion. Bring your working projects, abandoned projects, and/or as yet to be begun projects, and watch what happens as you, through a series of playful and profound exercises, "show them some love." $75 includes box lunch and supplies.
WHEN: Not currently scheduled. Contact maureen@maureenryangriffin.com to request that this class be offered again, or to arrange to have this class held for your group or organization.

SEASONAL WRITING RETREATS (Writing — and More — as Renewal / Creating New Writing) / 1 session each
Renew and delight yourself. Seasonal retreats are opportunities to create new pieces of writing and/or new possibilities for our lives. Enjoy various seasonal prompts; they have not failed to elicit beautiful material that can be shaped into essays, poems, stories, or articles. After a communal lunch, you’ll have private time which can be used to walk a wooded trail, collage, work with a piece of writing from the morning, etc. You’ll take home new ideas, new drafts, and new possibilities. $75 includes box lunch and supplies.
WHERE: Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church, 9704 Mallard Creek Rd., Charlotte, NC 28262
WHEN:
Summer Solstice Retreat: Saturday, June 19, 2010, 10 am - 4 pm
Fall Equinox Retreat: Saturday, September 25, 2010, 10 am - 4 pm
Winter Solstice Retreat: Saturday, December 18, 2010, 10 am - 4 pm

TO REGISTER: Click here to download a printable registration form to mail in.
Or register online. Just click on the "add to cart" button under the retreat you'd like to attend:

SUMMER SOLSTICE RETREAT:

FALL EQUINOX RETREAT:

WINTER SOLSTICE RETREAT: