Writing Retreats
One way the University Writing Program provides ongoing support for faculty writers from across campus is through our low-cost Spring Writing Retreats that provide time for individuals to dig into their own projects and/or small groups to collaborate on any writing projects they may have. These retreats are open to all ECU faculty who have current writing project that need some time and attention. Each year, the UWP sponsors around 10 writers per retreat by funding ½ the cost of the retreat; and each writer is then responsible for either securing matching funding from their department/college or paying the other part themselves. Current costs to faculty are $235.00 for a 3 night/4 day retreat, or $160 for a 2 night/3day retreat. Retreat lengths vary each spring break based on lodging availability.
Since March 2016, we have been writing together at the beach for a few days over Spring Break with marvelous results. If you’re interested in joining us at the Trinity Center in Salter Path, NC, over ECU’s Spring Break to retreat, write, and reflect together, we’d love to hear from you! Contact Dr. Kerri Flinchbaugh (flinchbaughk@ecu.edu) with any inquiries about the annual retreats.
Retreat Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What does one do on a writing retreat?
Our retreats provide time for individuals and small groups to dig into any writing projects at any point of their writing process. The UWP also works with writers throughout the retreat to set goals, identify resources, receive feedback, and develop action plans to support their goals. As writers ourselves, we also know how important it can be just to be left alone and allowed uninterrupted time to think, draft, revise, and be lost in the work of writing. To that end, we try to leave writers alone to do that work and encourage writers to ask for the help they need.
What is a typical writing retreat day like?
After eating breakfast from 8:00-9:00 am, we walk to the beachfront cottage to write until lunch. Snacks are provided around 3:00 pm. We usually wrap up writing by 5:00 pm. After dinner from 6:00-7:00 pm, there is time to rest or gather with others in a common room. During the day, we can help you connect with other writers or UWP staff for “thinking partner” time (feedback on your writing), but the way that writers spend their time is up to them. We do hope you take some time, weather permitting, for a leisurely walk on the beach.
Who pays for what?
These writing retreats are cost-shared between the University Writing Program and your home department/program. The UWP sponsors 10 writers each year at ½ the cost of the retreat, and writers are then responsible for securing matching funding from their department/college ($200). If your home department cannot provide matching funds, then you may pay the other half yourself.
What are the accommodations like?
The Trinity Center offers a 44-room retreat from the noises and chaos of the world — it’s an ideal place to get away for a few days and retreat! Trinity provides 4 housing clusters, each one containing 8-12 rooms. You will find a double and single bed in each room, as well as a private bath. Towels, sheets, and toiletries are provided, as are a small desk area, lamps, and an alarm clock. Each room has an individual heating/cooling unit, as well.
How do we get there?
While the UWP does not provide transportation, we will help with organizing ride-sharing options for those who are interested.
What should I bring with me?
Bring what you need to be a productive and successful writer. The beach house has WiFi, as does the common room in the center of each housing cluster, but an internet connection is not guaranteed at all times in individual rooms. Also, bring snacks and/or beverages you would like to have on hand for yourself or to contribute to the group’s stash.
How have previous faculty participants described their experiences?
Faculty comments tend to reflect the ideas expressed by these two writers:
- “The retreat gave me a boost to reach my writing goals for the semester. It also highlighted how well I work with others who have similar writing goals, and I became part of a weekly writing group on campus.”
- “The faculty writing retreat was essential to helping me get back into the habit of writing. The sense of accountability and responsibility that accompanies writing as a group is a critical element that motivates me to continue projects that have fallen to the wayside since the start of the semester.”
