Writers Retreat - The Write-by-the-Lake Writing workshops

Write by the Lake Writer's Workshop and Retreat

Next edition: June 14-18, 2010 in Madison!

New author talks about our retreat as a “game changer.”

“I will forever be grateful for Laurel Yourke’s encouragement and critical eye. I can honestly say that taking her novel revision class two years ago during Write-by-the-Lake was a game changer for me. Her approach to evaluating prose was eye-opening and the tools she taught for assessing narrative perspective were incredibly useful. I’m also glad that after rewriting my YA novel, I used the critique service to have her look at the first 50 pages. Again, her global comments were insightful and constructive, while her line edits blew me away. I realized how much over-writing I was doing at sentence level. Following her rigorous approach, I polished the rest of my manuscript. I know that last revision made all the difference. In January this year, a great agent offered me representation and within two weeks he sold my novel to Scholastic in a two-book deal. I’m thrilled to say that Dark Life is due in bookstores in May, 2010. Thanks for all the help and guidance!!” Kat Falls, Evanston, Il.

Please note: Most of the 2009 sections of our writing retreat will be repeated during June 14-18, 2010. Please revisit us around January 1, 2010 for the new line-up. Registration will open around that time. What you see below is the 2009 version.

Optional 1-3 graduate credits in English.
Questions? Email or call coordinator Christine DeSmet, cdesmet@dcs.wisc.edu or 608-262-3447.

Immerse yourself in a focused, intensive and exhilarating writing experience this summer when you "Write by the Lake."

This program offers a graduate credit option in English.

Why consider the Write by the Lake program?

Because you're serious about making breakthroughs in your writing. Under the guidance of professional writers and writing coaches, you'll receive the individualized—and top notch—attention that you've always wanted.
Limited enrollment ensures that you receive a friendly, yet thorough and professional laboratory experience. (See comments from past participants.)
Critiques on your work will be compassionate and stimulating.
In addition, Marshall J. Cook, Christine DeSmet, and Laurel Yourke are available throughout the year, ready to answer your questions anytime as you further polish your writing. This service is included in your fee.
Come to Madison—voted America's No. 1 city on just about everybody's list. We promise more than just those wonderful views of sailboats coursing Lake Mendota out your back door. (See comments from past participants.)

The week will also offer:

Techniques on the art and craft of writing.
Plenty of time to work on your writing. (Credit students have three weeks to finish projects.)
Opportunities to re-fuel your creativity.
Additional mini-workshops included in your fee—you make discoveries from other genres and styles of writers.

"I have absorbed so much energy and information from the teaching staff and my fellow students that I'm surprised I'm not glowing." —Denise Thornton, Madison, Wis.

Enjoy the creative setting

Your workshop time will be spent in our new, state-of-the art adult education building, The Pyle Center, overlooking Lake Mendota.

It's also next door to the famous Memorial Union outdoor terrace where you'll find good food, camaraderie, and musical entertainment.

A lakeshore path running from The Pyle and Lowell Centers to the west end of our campus provides spectacular views for an inspirational walk or jog.

Nearby on State Street you'll find great places to explore: theaters, history and arts museums, public library, bookstores, shopping, new restaurants and coffee shops, the State Capitol, a Wednesday and Saturday farmer's market, and the new arts district and Overture Center. Memorial Union terrace

Our city also features a botanical garden, a children's museum, historical and research libraries open to the public, geology museum, an observatory, a beautiful free zoo, and much more to do in your spare time or with family.

You'll go home invigorated, with your goals achieved. And if goal-setting has been a challenge in your hectic life, we'll help you lay out a plan for the week and beyond.

Student comments:

"The [afternoon optional] panel discussions offered insight, information and ideas. The panel members were funny and knowledgeable and so willing to answer questions. Thank you!" —Carol Owens Campbell, Long Grove, IL

"The setting was outstanding. The instructor was perfect for the subject." —Melvin McCartney, Madison, WI

"The 3-hour class format is the best I've been in. Finally time to do more than just get started." —Peg Rosin, Ringle, WI

"Well, I almost chickened out and cancelled, but thank goodness I didn't. I found the discussion very helpful...and it gave me a confidence that surprised me. I liked the three-hour format...the pressure-free optional participation." — Martha Grasty, Madison, WI

"I feel energized, and I can't wait to get back to my computer. An outstanding experience!" — Charles P. Murphy, Abingdon, IL

"It was a breath of fresh air, much needed showers on my parched writing. Marshall was wonderful in his teaching, handouts and consultations."
— Janice Kaat, Sheboygan Falls, WI

More student comments

How to contact us:

Coordinator Christine DeSmet
UW-Madison Liberal Studies & the Arts
21 N Park St., 7th Floor
Madison, WI 53715

cdesmet@dcs.wisc.edu

608-262-3447 for program questions
608-262-7942 for registration

Join our mailing list:

To join the mailing list for any of our writing program complete our mailing list form.

Tell-a-friend:

We also encourage you to tell a friend about this page!

Also of interest:

The annual Writers' Institute: A two-day conference for fiction and nonfiction writers.

The Writing News

Receive the Writing News, our free e-mail newsletter. If you subscribe, then 4-5 times a year you will receive from the Department of Liberal Studies and the Arts a detailed e-mail with information about our upcoming writing programs as well as news about student achievements, new programs, and opportunities for writers. To subscribe send a blank e-mail message to: join-writing-news@lists.wisc.edu.

Photos by Jeff Miller, UW-Madison Publications

The Department of Liberal Studies & the Arts is a part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Continuing Studies. The units within Continuing Studies provide continuing education programs for lifelong learners, from precollege to seniors, as well as counseling services for adult learners. You will find the UW-Madison Continuing Studies home page at http://www.dcs.wisc.edu, or browse the Web site using the navigational links below.


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