It was a small group, but a powerful one.

Eleven writers met in the colorful, peaceful wilds of Michigan to reflect, pray and write together in a tiny little community. We listened to inspiring speakers and critiqued one another’s work. We spent time with Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.

Our retreats are a different experience from our conferences. Smaller, more intimate, more focused on the craft and vocation of writing.  It is an experience, a slice of living outside of our normal lives. Margaret Rose Realy (the retreat coordinator) has already written a bit about her experience this week. You can read some of her thoughts here and here. I hope to hear from others. (Retreatants – if you blog, please post a link in the comments below!) Meanwhile, here are some photos from our week in Michigan.

First – we had our meals together in the scenic retreat house dining room. This is our first meal together:

IMG_20131013_182222_094

Margaret Realy leads retreatants on a walk through the gardens that she designed at the retreat center.

1385971_10151752374159195_1357576256_n

1377396_10151752379194195_805589638_n

Here’s award-winning novelist Michelle Buckman, giving the first of her series of talks during the week – “God is in the Details.”

1378414_10151752376219195_1029091141_n

Ave Maria Radio Show host of “Kresta in the Afternoon” – Al Kresta – came with his producer Nick Thomm to give his talk on “Knowing Jesus, Sharing Jesus.” He inspired us to evangelize…and to not be afraid. He and Nick spent the night and watched a movie with us the night before his talk. It was great to have him with us.

 

1381865_10151752377709195_1038382088_n

Michelle leads a critique session in front of a comfy fireplace. She was freezing most of the time, poor Southern girl… 😉

1375958_10151752381214195_426889385_n

The entire retreat gang:
Top (left to write): Tim Neboyskey, Connie Beckman, Sister Anne Marie Walsh, SOLT, Margaret Ann Stimatz, Michelle Buckman
Middle: Margaret Rose Realy, Leticia Adams, Leslie Lynch
Bottom: Ann Margaret Lewis (me), Michelle Jones and Jessica Yankovit

1395285_10151752382979195_2066285241_n

Things I forgot to take pictures of  (no, seriously, I forgot my phone a few times and I cannot believe I did this, so if other folks have pics, please share): We had a bonfire and toasted marshmallows under the stars, and speakers David Krajewski (who took us through “The Call to Write” and how it relates to the Joyful Mysteries) and Fr. David Rosenberg, who spoke about how he accomplished a very special project though collaborative writing.

It truly was a lovely time, and I hope more of you join us next year!

Born and raised in Waterford, Michigan, Ann Margaret Lewis attended Michigan State University, where she received her Bachelor's degree in English Literature. She began her writing career writing tie-in children’s books and short stories for DC Comics. Most recently she published a second edition of her book, Star Wars: The New Essential Guide to Alien Species, for Random House. After attacking the Star Wars universe, Ann plunged into writing science fiction/fantasy, historical fiction, and, of course, mysteries. Her latest book is Murder in the Vatican:The Church Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes published by Wessex Press. She is also co-writing a historical novel entitled Roman which tells the true story of a priest in 1840s southern Indiana who was accused of assaulting a woman in a confessional. Ann is a classically trained soprano, and has performed around the New York City area. She has many interests from music to art history, to theology and all forms of literature. She is the President of the Catholic Writers Guild, an international organization for Catholic Writers and the coordinator of the Catholic Writers Conference LIVE. After living in New York City for fifteen years, Ann moved to Indianapolis, Indiana with her husband Joseph Lewis and their son, Raymond. Together they enjoy their life in the heartland.

By Catholic Writing and Publishing3 Comments on Catholic Writers Retreat – a Peaceful, Rousing Success

3 Replies to “Catholic Writers Retreat – a Peaceful, Rousing Success”

  1. I’m glad you pointed out Michelle sitting almost in the fireplace. Her dark sweater blended with the background. That photo seems to sum up the mood of the conference. The comfy chairs and coffee cups reflect a tone of intense relaxation.

Comments are closed.