Inspired by nature
First-ever June Lake Writers Retreat promises reflection and renewal.
June Lake is one of those magical places, just ringing with nature, an incomparable collection of lakes and trees and hills, the perfect place, I’ve always thought, for fall workshops and conferences. As luck would have it, this year’s the charmer.
A weekend writer’s retreat will be held in June Lake September 25-27. Themed “Inspired by Nature” it’s a full weekend of literary inspiration, reflection and renewal with published authors.
According to the website, the retreat focuses on the inspirational process. “With expert guidance and plenty or support and time to be inspired, writers can find a direction and write what thrills them.”
With the goal of developing the writing process from inspiration to product, the reatreat will consist of three workshops spread over Saturday and Sunday, interspersed with time to gather and reflect, guest author readings open to the public, consultations, and book signings.
On the roster of four guest authors, Zoe FitzGerald Carter looks at memoir. “I will discuss the overlap between fiction and memoir and the importance of balancing action with reflection,” she says.
With a look at the big-picture world around us, award-winning poet and essayist Molly Fisk will “consider how people enter and notice the world around them,” as relating to poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction.
If the novel or short story is the chosen medium, Wendy Nelson Tokunaga aims for fun, no matter what stage of the process you’re in, and will use prompts, exercises and readings to move you forward.
Grammy-nominated songwriter Mark Turnbull brings his love of words and music to June Lake to explore song form, rhythm, melody, harmony, and lyric—the wedding of words and music.
The brainchild of Bonnie Tamblyn and Nancy Williard, Inspired By Nature Writer’s Retreat began forming in Williard’s mind in 2009 when she spent a year observing nature in June Lake and writing a series of four seasonal poetic pieces. “I then read several works about the connection between nature and artistic inspiration. I just wanted to share the experience and it became something I could not ignore,” Williard said.
She met Tamblyn at the June Lake Mountain Music Festival and mentioned her idea for a writer’s event in June Lake. Thanks to Williard’s vision and Tamblyn’s persistence, and after a year’s delay due to scheduling conflicts, the retreat takes form September 25-27. “It’s an opportunity for creative people to inspire others and renew their own inspiration,” Willard said.
“Bonnie is the driving force,” Williard said. “And Mono County Economic Development really gave us a chance, but we also need sponsors and donations.”
Tamblyn calls on the wider community of arts supporters to help. “We are full of volunteer labor and donations of professional services, but we need a fiscal base from which to operate,” she said.
The website says it well: “In late September, the skies are brilliant, the days are cool, the aspens turn to gold, and a quiet comes over the village of June Lake.” The perfect time for writing, reflecting, hiking. Words shared in this time of high color and dramatic nature, among fellow writers are certain to inspire.
Cost for the three-day event is $300. Go to junelakearts.org/writersworkshop.html to register, donate, or find more information.Email ibnwritersretreat@gmail.com or call 310.450.9606.
