Forest & Field- A Workshop for Creative Writers with Janisse Ray

October 7th, 2010
Details:
Forest & Field
A Workshop for Creative Writers
with Janisse Ray

October 7-11, 2010
Reidsville, Georgia

Come write and study writing for a long weekend in a unforgettable place -- our organic farm in rural southern Georgia. The days begin with coffee and songbird walks, then a country breakfast, and proceed into morning classes on the craft of literary nonfiction and nature writing, surrounded by lovely views of coastal-plain forests and fields. Afternoons include hikes, yoga, farm experiences, a river paddle, and more writing. Evenings will be rich with bonfires, stargazing at the most amazing sky you?ve seen since childhood, readings, and conversation with people who care about words. On the farm you will be able to gather eggs, feed cows, explore the gardens, and perhaps milk a goat.

Schedule:
The weekend begins with a cocktail reception and orientation on Thursday evening in the farm galley. Hors d'oeuvre served. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are packed with classes and outings, including a hike in Moody Forest and a canoe trip on the Ohoopee River. The weekend ends on Sunday evening, although breakfast will be served on Monday morning to those who depart on Monday.

7 a.m. Coffee and Bird Walk
8 a.m. Breakfast & A Bit of Singing
9-noon Class
12-1 Lunch
1-5 Outside
5 Yoga/ Free Time
5:30 Drinks
6 Supper
7 Evening Readings, Bonfires, Walks

Fee: $350 includes classes, all activities, all meals (mostly local & organic), and camping at the farm.

Lodging: You may choose to bring a tent and camp free of charge on the grounds of the farm, with access to hot showers and bathroom facilities. New cabins are available at Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park, in downtown Reidsville -- they are priced at about $110 per night and each cabin has two bedrooms and sleeps eight people. (http://www.gastateparks.org/GordonAlt) The Nelson Hotel in downtown Reidsville costs about $75 a night. (http://www.nelsonhotel-ga.com/

Travel: If you live too far to walk, bike or drive here, consider coming by Amtrak train. The nearest station is Jesup, Georgia. If you have to fly, the nearest airport is Savannah, Georgia. Carpooling encouraged.

Massage: You may want to schedule a massage during the weekend with a local therapist. The cost is $55 per hour session. Please let us know of your interest in this.

Weather: Fall weather is typically still hot. Plan for highs in the 90s, lows in the 60s. Autumns are typically dry.

Neighborhood Sights: Old River Road, Old Campground Confederate Cemetery, Pearson's Chapel, Slaughter Creek.

Nearby Attractions: Consider adding extra time to your trip and spending a day at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Cumberland Island, Savannah, or many other amazing places along the Georgia coast.

Apply: Return the application to the address below.
For more information, email wildfire1491@yahoo.com or write Janisse Ray, 895 Catherine T. Sanders Road, Reidsville, GA 30453. Limited to 12-15 people.

Participants:
Forest & Field Application

Name _________________________________________________

Address________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Phone #1_______________________________________________

#2_______________________________________________

#3_______________________________________________

Email __________________________________________________

In case of emergency, contact: _______________________________
Person?s relationship to you? _______________________
Emergency Phone numbers: _________________________________

Any medical conditions we should know about?
(This information will be kept confidential except in the case of an emergency.)
Are you on medications we should know about? ______If possible, what & how often? (This information will be kept confidential except in the case of an emergency.)

What are your diet restrictions, if any?

Activities:
Any physical limitations we should know about?

Are you interested in hiking?

Are you interested in canoeing? Can you swim?

Are you interested in bird-watching?

Writing:
Please briefly answer these questions and also attach a short example of your writing.

Why are you interested in attending this workshop? Are you currently writing? How often? Do you work as a writer? Have you published? Have you studied writing elsewhere? Where? Do you keep a journal? What is your writing goal?