BOOKS AND THINGS

Today we’ll be talking about “things.” The KenTen Writers Retreat in particular.

Six years ago six authors met for a “retreat.” The retreat was built around getting to know each other and learn more about writing. The firsts retreat was at Ken Lake State Park. We had such a good time and bonded with each other. We enjoyed it so much that we decided to arrange for another retreat, which we did. So far we have had five retreats and the next one is planned for June 11-13, 2018. We’ve tried several venues, but I believe this one will be the best.

Over the past five years we’ve rented a house, rented cabins at state parks, and last year when we had outgrown the cabins, we went to Paris Landing State Park in Paris, Tennessee. It was so nice to have a room all our own to meet in. We found nooks where we could brainstorm and do critiques. This was the best by far for our retreat. There were a few drawbacks, and the layout of the hotel made it difficult for some people with disabilities to maneuver around.

Soon after the retreat we began to look for a better facility, and it seems we found one, Montgomery Bell State Park outside of Nashville, TN. The one thing that impressed me more than anything was how the inn was laid out. The entrance to the inn, the handicapped rooms, the dining room, and the conference area is on the same level. The inn gave us a great discount on rooms, which was also good. Each room has a balcony or patio. All rooms overlook a lake. And it is so peaceful. The discount rate is in effect until April 27. Tell them when you reserve your room that you’re with KenTen Retreat to get the discount.

What are we going to do at the retreat? Lots of learning. There will be sessions for all parts of writing, and a fun night with a mystery play. It was so much fun getting the great list of writers together to speak to us. We have all genres represented. Everyone will learn lots of new things. We only have one session at a time, no break-out rooms. We like this better because we don’t miss something we want to go to. Our whole retreat is geared for forty people. That is the cut-off limit. No more than forty.

The $80 registration will go through May 1, then the price goes up to $90. We will not be able to take anyone after June 1. On June 11, we will have our annual picnic with barbecue and all the fixings. Then on Tuesday morning, June 12, sessions will begin. Lunch is included in your registration fee for Tuesday and Wednesday. The food at the inn is very good. We’ve eaten breakfast, lunch, and dinner there, and can vouch for the food and the service. You can order from the menu or do the buffet.

How do you find out more? Go to http://kentenwriters.org and click on 2018 Registration. We also have a writing contest, the Sandra Robbins Inspirational Award, so enter by April 15. The rules are on the website. Sandra was a wonderful author that inspired all of us in our writing. She passed away in January and we are honoring her memory with this award.

We will have brainstorming sessions, a time to rest for those who need it, and fun all the way around. We are very relaxed, jeans, tee shirts, capris. We do ask for not shorts. We look forward to seeing you June 11, 2018. We are filling up fast, so register as soon as possible.