The Retreat From Harsh Reality

        The Mid-Michigan Romance Writers of America Retreat from Harsh Reality has been a much-anticipated annual event since 1985, and is open to members and non-members alike. 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.

        Our setting for the Retreat from Harsh Reality is the beautiful St. Ives Resort in Stanwood, Michigan. Located in the center of the state, just thirty miles southwest of Mount Pleasant, the St. Ives Resort has two championship golf courses and the new forty-four room Inn at St. Ives. It's nestled amid glacier carved highlands, low country woods and sprawling wetlands, which provide a breathtaking vista for a weekend of relaxation and inspiration.

        Unwind and enjoy your weekend in the comfortable and elegant Inn, where you'll find a pool and fitness room as well as your continental breakfast. Then join us for our meetings as well as lunch and dinner in the St. Ives Clubhouse Ballroom. For general information about the St. Ives Resort, check out their website at www.stivesgolf.com. Want to see where you'll be staying? Take a virtual tour of the Inn, complete with 360-degree views of lobby, rooms, suites, the jacuzzi, etc. We also have a map to help you find your way.

        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, Eileen Dreyer (Kathleen Korbel), Ruth Ryan Langan, Elizabeth Bevarly, Elizabeth Grayson (Karyn Witmer-Gow), Merline Lovelace, and Julie Kistler. The 2008 Retreat from Harsh Reality featured Cindy Dees. You can read more about her 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 (as well as the ever popular Lazarus Connection to entertain us on Saturday night). 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 night 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. 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.

Just for fun . . .

Things to Remember:

1. Registration will be open exclusively for MMRWA members through February 2, 2008 - you may make a minimum deposit of $50 to hold your spot with the balance due by March 26. Non-member registrations will be accepted beginning February 2 if spaces remain. A waiting list will be maintained if needed.

2. Reservations close on Wednesday, March 26, 2008. 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. Desserts and goodies: Bring your favorite dessert to share Friday night. Or bring snacks to share on the conference tables. Our Refreshment Committee will contact attendees to sign up.

5. Want to relax an extra day or play golf on a championship course? Email for course and additional lodging pricing. These reservations must be paid in full by the Retreat deadline also.

6. Please notify Retreat Chair Pam Trombley 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 registration form with current dates and prices; see our Directions/Maps to St. Ives Resort to find out how to get here. Additional information will be sent in confirmation packets upon receipt of your registration, and can also be found on this website using the links below. Please contact Pam if you would like further information.