The Retreat From Harsh Reality

       A much-anticipated annual event annual event since 1985, the the Mid-Michigan Romance Writers of America's Retreat From Harsh Reality begins Friday evening and ends Sunday at noon. The Retreat is open to members and non-members alike, and the only requirements for attendance, besides advance registration (including the registration fee), are an interest in writing and the desire to discuss that interest with others.

       We are returning to the Yarrow Golf & Conference Resort in Augusta, Michigan for this year's Retreat From Harsh Reality. Yarrow is the perfect setting to kick back, open your mind, and reconnect with your muse. Magnificent scenery and unparalleled hospitality make Yarrow the place to rest, relax and renew your creativity.

        For general information about the Yarrow Golf & Conference Resort, check out their website at http://www.yarrowgolf.com. They also provide a map and driving directions to help you find your way. Just click on the "MAP" link in the upper right hand corner of the Yarrow Home page.

        Who can resist a weekend in a beautiful setting, away from spouses, kids, traffic, and the rigors of day-to-day life in the "Real World," coupled with the chance to talk "shop" with other authors and aspiring authors? Dress is sweatshirts-and-jeans casual, and one-on-one conversation with the featured speaker is not only allowed, it's encouraged! Attendees welcome this rare opportunity to relax and talk writing, to learn and to share.

       The list of guest authors featured at past Retreats reads like a Who's Who of Romance Writers: Rosanne Bittner, Lindsay Longford (Jimmie Morell), Jennifer Greene (Alison Hart), Debra Dixon, Bettina Krahn, Cindy Dees, Ruth Ryan Langan, Elizabeth Bevarly, Elizabeth Grayson (Karyn Witmer-Gow), Merline Lovelace, Julie Kistler, Jo Ann Ferguson, and Thea Devine. The 2012 Retreat From Harsh Reality features an encore appearance by Eileen Dreyer (and her evil twin Kathleen Korbel). You can read more about her, as well as her workshops, on our Guest Author page.

        In addition to our guest author's workshops, the Retreat From Harsh Reality includes many enjoyable activities such as the book sale and author signings, and author critiques. New this year: chances to win a blogsite/website design package; a Kindle Fire; books; luggage; and a one-year membership to MMRWA! Also, the refreshment committee will be contacting attendees to see who wants to bring what for our after-dinner dessert on Friday night.

To keep your muse up and running all weekend, may we suggest:

	Saturday Muse Sessions: Bring your own work in progress to share with other writers and get great feedback and suggestions for improvement. We suggest you focus on your main characters, your plot/timeline or your 5 page synopsis and/or query letter for a small group brainstorming session. Detailed information will be e-mailed with your pre-Retreat packet. To make it even easier, you can download suggested forms for two of the sessions: GMC Charts for the Character session or Plot timeline for the Plot/timeline session. You just fill them in and bring them to the workshops to tap into the massive brainpower available! (You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader; if you don't already have it, it's free.)
	Download GMC Charts        Download Plot Timeline        Download Acrobat Reader
	Published Author Critiques: MMRWA's published authors are again offering a limited number of one-on-one critiques. For a cost of only $15.00, you will receive an in-depth critique of your first fifty pages and your synopsis, either in person at the Retreat or by phone or mail. Make arrangements early - last year we sold out! Contact Dawn at members@midmichiganrwa.org or see our Details about Individual Critiques page for more information. Deadline to register for critiques is March 20, 2012.

Just for fun . . .

Things to Remember:

1. Registration will be open through 9 April 2012. You may make a minimum deposit of $50 to hold your spot with the balance due by 9 April. Registrations for weekend or day only packages may be accepted after April 9th if space remains. Please contact Julia to verify availability and pricing. New this year: you can either print, fill out, and mail your check and registration or register and pay online! Please see our Registration Page for details.

2. Registration closes on Friday, 9 April 2012. Full payment and room and roommate selection must be made by that time. No refunds after the payment deadline.

3. Retreat Packages are flexible to accommodate your busy schedule. Attend Saturday only with lunch, or lunch and dinner, or come for the whole weekend. One-night stays can also be arranged.

4. Confirmation will be sent via email immediately upon receipt of your registration form . Additional pre-Retreat information will be sent two weeks before Retreat.

5. Desserts and goodies: Bring your favorite dessert to share Friday night!

6. Please notify Retreat Chair Julia Masters if you require special room arrangements or have special dietary needs.

        Mark your calendar now to join us for Retreat From Harsh Reality! You may download a Brochure and / or Registration Form with current dates and prices or register and pay online; see our Maps/Driving Directions to Yarrow Golf & Conference Resort to find out how to get there. You may access additional Retreat information on this website using the links below; this information will also be sent to you in a confirmation packet upon receipt of your registration. Please contact Julia if you would like further information.