Join 49 Writers at one of Alaska’s most pristine wilderness lodges for a weekend of inspiration, relaxation, camaraderie, and instruction with acclaimed author David Vann. Born on Adak Island, David Vann (www.davidvann.com) spent his early childhood in Ketchikan. His Legend of a Suicide, winner of the Grace Paley Prize and a California Book Award, has been on 25 “Best Books of the Year” lists worldwide. Translated into eight languages and soon to be released in 50 countries, Vann’s book was chosen by Lorrie Moore for The New Yorker Book Club and also selected by The Times (London) Book Club; it will be made into a film by Chris Meloni from Law & Order SVU.
Our retreat brings this world-class author to an inspirational Alaska setting where wilderness and luxury meet. Nine ocean miles from the seaside town of Homer along Kachemak Bay, the Tutka Bay area boasts rugged coastlines, deep fjords, dramatic mountains, quiet beaches, old growth Sitka spruce forests, and amazing tidal fluctuations. To get to Tutka Bay Lodge, either fly or drive to Homer and then take a twenty-five minute water taxi south across the bay. Along the way, you might observe various shore and water birds, sea otters, orcas, humpbacks and other marine mammals.
At the lodge, a seasoned Within The Wild staff offers full-service lodging and award-winning cuisine. After settling in at your well-appointed guest cabin, we’ll welcome you at our unique retreat center – a whimsical crabbing boat dry-docked on a tidal lagoon. Walk the beach, hike the forest trails, slough away stress in the outdoor hot tub, enjoy an invigorating sauna, or simply lounge on the spacious oceanside deck. In addition, retreat guests may opt for fee-based amenities including massage and yoga, cooking classes, and guided adventures such as ocean kayaking and boating.
Between festive and plentiful meals, we’ll juxtapose thought-provoking instruction in style, language, and craft with ample opportunities to create and relax. "In our four 90-minute craft sessions," Vann says, "we’ll be looking at a range of short published works (which I’ll make available beforehand). We’ll study these works for style and voice, landscape description, characterization, and dramatic structure. Authors will include Annie Proulx, Marilynne Robinson, Elizabeth Bishop, Cormac McCarthy, Ray Carver, Flannery O’Connor, Nabokov, and others. We’ll have several brief writing exercises that explore what we’ve discussed, and we’ll consider the writing process a bit, including development and revision."
PROGRAM (subject to change):
Friday, Sept. 3
1 p.m. Gather at Mako’s Water Taxi for travel from Homer to Tutka Bay Lodge
2 p.m. Tutka Bay arrival
3 p.m. Welcome, introductions, orientation (includes a writing activity)
4 p.m. Free time until dinner: Hiking, hot tub, sauna
Dinner
7 p.m. Instructional session with David Vann
8:30 p.m. Rest, relaxation (hot tub, spa), and writing time
Saturday, Sept. 4
Breakfast
9:30 a.m. Instructional session with David Vann
11 a.m. Optional activities and writing time
Lunch
1 p.m. Instructional session with David Vann
2:30 p.m. Optional activities and writing time
4:30 p.m. Creativity/Inspiration with 49 writers staff (includes a writing activity)
Dinner
7 p.m. Reading with David Vann
8 p.m. Participant readings, sharing, discussion
9 p.m. Rest, relaxation (hot tub, spa), and writing time
Sunday, Sept. 5
Breakfast
9:30 a.m. Instructional session with David Vann
11 a.m. Evaluation: the retreat experience (includes a writing activity)
Lunch
2 p.m. Depart Tutka Bay for Homer via Mako’s Water Taxi
ACCOMMODATIONS
Retreat registration is limited to fourteen participants. Accommodations are in shared cabins, with three private room options available at $60 each. Rooming and cabin requests may be made at the time of registration, but we reserve the right to place participants according to availability.
Eagle’s Nest Guest Chalet: A romantic, private haven situated on a knoll; four beds. Main floor is 20’ X 24’ with prow front (600 square feet). Large open room with huge windows, sitting area, wet bar, sleeping area (king-sized bed) and restroom. Sweeping panoramic ocean and mountain views. Upper floor is a 14’ X 20’ (280 square feet) open half loft accessed by spiral staircase: three full-sized beds.
Kittiwake Guest Cottage: Four beds: Main floor is 20’ X 24’ (480 square feet) with sleeping and sitting area (king-sized bed), wet bar plus a spacious restroom. Upper floor is 20’ X 24’ (480 square feet) one large bedroom (three single beds) accessed by spiral staircase. Views of Tutka Bay from both up and down.
Loon Guest Suite: Situated right on the water; three beds. (Building has water under it at high tide.) Two bedrooms (one king; two singles), each with large private restroom. Adjoining common area with wet bar, balcony and lovely north-facing view of Tutka Bay. 650 square feet.
Steller's Jay Guest Cabin: Privacy and comfort; three beds. Main floor is 576 square feet with 12’ X 16’ sitting room, large restroom and private 12’ X 16’ bedroom (king-sized bed). Upper floor has private 12’ X 16’ bedroom (two single beds) with stairway access. Nice view of Rocky Point.
THIS RETREAT IS SOLD OUT! TO WAIT LIST, EMAIL 49writers@gmail.com.
REGISTRATION: (click here for online form)
Last name:
First name:
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Fees: (check all that apply)
Retreat fee (includes lodging, food, gratuity, instruction): $395
Water taxi fee from Homer: $80
Private room fee (space available): $60 ADDITIONAL
49 Writers membership (if not already a member) $60
Massage: 1 hour $100
Massage: 1.5 hours $150
Kayaking w/guide: 1.5 hours $150
Yoga: per class $25
Cooking Class: $125
TOTAL retreat fees:
All retreat fees must be prepaid in full to hold a reservation. The retreat fee is non-refundable after Aug. 3, unless we are able to find another participant to fill your spot. Water taxi departs from Mako’s Water Taxi in Homer at 1 p.m. on September 3; participants are responsible for their own transportation to Mako’s/Homer. Optional activity reservations may be made up to two weeks prior to retreat start date.
Remit fees by PayPal (access via 49writers@gmail.com), check to 49 Writers, PO Box 221086, Anchorage, AK 99522, or by credit card:Credit Card Number:
Expiration (month/year): /
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Fees are transferable but not refundable unless cancellation is made within 30 days of retreat start date and we are able to fill your spot from our wait list.
Room requests:
I want to share a room with:
Cabin preference (use 1, 2, 3 to indicate first, second, and third choices):
Eagle’s Nest
Kittiwake
Loon
Steller’s Jay
Special needs, including food allergies and restrictions:
This 49 Writers retreat is made possible through the contributions of Carl and Kirsten Dixon of Within the Wild Adventure Company.
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