Isn’t it time to write your story?
Be part of this luscious weekend of creativity and self-care in community with a dozen writing women.
Chef and hostess Leigh Kellis and author, editor and writing teacher Catharine H. Murray have created a weekend of rejuvenation and inspiration to nourish you body and soul with home cooked food, creativity and connection.
Discover the hidden gems inside of you while you bask in the warmth of new friendships on the coast of Maine.
“The mix of lavish food, periods of reflection, direct instruction, and personal writing time was perfect.”
–Beth A.
memoirsonthemarsh@gmail.com
“The marsh was the perfect back drop for healing, hoping and finding my voice.“
INCLUDED:
+ All food
(Dinner and Wine Friday and Saturday night, Breakfast and Lunch Saturday and Sunday).
Leigh’s amazing culinary skills will produce homemade dishes, baked goods and divine desserts, all catered to your specific dietary needs, throughout the weekend.
+ Practical, professional instruction on how to write your story.
+ Time and writing prompts to follow your creative urges in silence and solitude.
+ The magic and warmth of being in a small group of women writing their stories.
+ Informal discussions about the business of writing and publishing.
+ Tips on how to continue to work at home.
+ Guest author Melanie Brooks will talk about the process of publishing and marketing your memoir.
memoirsonthemarsh@gmail.com
NOT INCLUDED
– Accommodations
WHERE:
Scarborough, Maine
WHEN:
4 PM Friday September 20th to 6 PM Sunday September 22nd, 2024
COST: Early Bird Special $895. Lock in this special price by paying in full or by paying a $195 deposit one month in advance of the writing weekend. You can pay your remaining balance any time up to one week before the writing weekend.
Regular cost is $1095.
All payments are non-refundable. Emergency situations will be considered.
To hold your spot, send a deposit of $195 via Venmo (@magiconthemarsh) OR via this credit card LINK.
For More Information Email:
memoirsonthemarsh@gmail.com
“This weekend reminded me that I’m a writer. I left the first night crying tears of joy.” -Melissa
“The combination of instruction, self-reflection & confronting our inner critic was transformative.” -Annie
The Site
“Open & inviting with lots of natural light, spectacular view and great private writing spaces to explore.”
In a sunny weather-beaten bungalow with writing nooks and views of the ever-changing views of the Spurwink River where it meets Casco Bay, you will enjoy both camaraderie and quiet. All meals will be prepared in house by Portland’s acclaimed chef and hostess Leigh Hollis. One of Portland’s best sandy beaches is a walkable mile and a quarter from the house.
Located between the tranquility of the ocean and the bustling shops and eateries of downtown Portland, the workshop site is only 10 minutes from the Portland International Jetport. Free shuttle service to and from the airport, bus and train terminals will be provided.
“The space inside was cozy, and outside, beautiful and inspiring.“
“Catharine’s style is easy, loving, fun and professional all at once.”
Catharine H. Murray, author and editor, will be provide instruction on the craft and practice of writing. Catharine has helped hundreds of students find their voices through writing. Her memoir Now You See the Sky (Akashic Books, 2018) topped Portland’s best-seller list for non-fiction the month after it was released. Venues for workshops and lectures have included Ocean Park Writers Conference, Stonecoast Writing Program, Harvard University, and Seattle Children’s Hospital.
“Food was perfect, healthy and delicious, clearly prepared with love.” – Jan
Leigh Kellis founder of The Holy Donut will provide food, drink and site management. Leigh is passionate about food, donuts, connection and creativity…All things sweet.
Sunday afternoon Melanie Brooks, writer, college professor and author, will share lessons learned over her career as an expert at memoir. She will address the navigating the world of publishing and marketing.
Melanie Brooks is the author of the memoir A Hard Silence: One daughter remaps family, grief, and faith when HIV/AIDS changes it all (Vine Leaves Press, 2023) and Writing Hard Stories: Celebrated Memoirists Who Shaped Art from Trauma (Beacon Press, 2017) She teaches creative nonfiction in the M.F.A. program at Bay Path University and in the M.F.A. program at Western Connecticut State University and professional writing at Northeastern University. She holds an M.F.A. in Creative Nonfiction from the University of Southern Maine’s Stonecoast writing program and a Certificate in Narrative Medicine from Columbia University. She has had numerous interviews and essays on topics ranging from loss and grief to parenting and aging published in the The Boston Globe, HuffPost, Yankee Magazine, Psychology Today, The Washington Post, Ms. Magazine, Creative Nonfiction, and other notable publications. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband, two children (when they are home from university), and chocolate Lab.
Weekend Schedule (Subject to Change)
All events on site unless otherwise specified.
Friday
EVENING
5-6 pm ARRIVE Wine and nibbles before dinner. Meet and mingle with the rest of the group, enjoy in the view and the fabulous company.
6-7 pm Dinner
7-8 pm Gather for Introduction to the Art of Memoir
8-9 pm Stay to socialize if you so desire.
9 pm head home or to your hotel
Saturday
MORNING
8-9 Light breakfast buffet, coffee and tea
9-12 Writing Instruction, Discussion and Practice: The Transformative Work of Memoir
“The writing prompts inspired and opened me.”
AFTERNOON
12 – 1 Lunch buffet
1-3 Writing Instruction, Discussion and Practice: Writing Well: Structure, Style and Stamina
3-5 Rest time Options for beach visit or on-site massage and facials (contact Jen for add-on costs)
EVENING
5-6 Wine and Nibbles.
6-7 Dinner
7-9 Socializing over dessert and wine, coffee, tea.
Opportunity to join music jam (guitars and piano available).
9 Head home or to your hotel
Sunday
MORNING
8-9 Light breakfast buffet, coffee and tea
9-12 Writing Instruction, Discussion and Practice: Coming to Terms with the Inner Critic
“This weekend gave me the freedom to go where the pen was leading.” -Amy
AFTERNOON
12 – 1 Lunch buffet
1-3 Writing Instruction, Discussion and Practice: Inspiration: Finding It Keeping It
3-4 Break
4-5 Wine and Appetizers and From Process to Product: Guest Author Melanie Brooks shares her wisdom
5 Farewells
6 DEPART
“After the weekend, I’m raring to go!”
Catharine H. Murray 