Inkslingers
Writing Workshops, Retreats, Mentoring

Sue Reynolds

Request a reservation for a self-directed retreat

Prices include meals unless otherwise noted.

Writers’ Retreat Pricing for Uplands

Skip Booking Form

Booking the Uplands Self-Directed Retreat Space

Available
Booked
MTWTFSS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31





    This form uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your data is processed.

    When your reservation request is confirmed, we will send you an invoice for the deposit (50% of the total). The remainder is due one week before your arrival. Deposit is refundable up until one week before arrival.

    How to Be Productive in a Pyjama Writing Session


    Here is an overview of how the sessions will work:

    Prepare for your session
    1. Turn off your phone and put it out of the room or at least out of sight.
    2. Remove any other sources of interruption: close your door, turn off notifications on your computer, etc.
    3. Get water/coffee or use the bathroom before the session begins.
    4. The zoom room will open 15 minutes before the scheduled start – feel free to sign on early and chat. Silent productive time will begin at 7:30 EST or PST – whichever one you’re attending.
    5. Make sure you are visible in the video.  Pyjamas are optional but clothing is not—you should be appropriately covered up. 🙂

    Pyjama Writing

    Kick off your session
    1. Plan what you intend to work on and accomplish in that session.
    2. Break your commitment down into specific tasks
    3. Post your plan in the chat area
    4. Start working at 7:30 when the community goes into silence.
    Get to work
    1. Work in silence on your tasks. Unless there’s a necessary reason, leave your video on.  It’s so encouraging to look up and see the community all working together.
    2. Stay with your posted commitment. If something comes up and your attention needs to go elsewhere, say goodbye.  If you’re in the room, please be working on your intended task.
    3. If you need to take a bio break, post in chat that you’re leaving for a few minutes and you’ll be back.
    Wrap up
    1. Sue will keep the room open for at least one hour.  Before you go, if you choose to, post a sentence or two (no more than 50 words MAX) from what you’ve been working on in the chat. Other writers have a chance to read your work and offer strengths-based feedback in the chat.
    2. Be supportive to others, and celebrate your own productive session!

    Uplands Self Directed Writing Retreats

    Would you like to write in Narnia?

    I’m always looking for good retreat spaces for myself. I do my best work in separate spaces where I don’t have to think about (or take care of) anyone or anything else while I’m there. I need a space where I can go and be quiet to concentrate on my creative projects. And I know that other writers are looking for that too.

    Many of you know that James and I live in a bungalow, overlooking a pond, on a 500-acre piece of land. It’s only an hour from downtown Toronto (on a day of reasonable traffic!). It’s also an hour from Peterborough, just over an hour from Barrie. We’re ringed with cities and towns, but here we are surrounded by a wilderness of forests, fields and water. We affectionately refer to it as Narnia because it is a whole other world.

    Last year it was decided that the house we live in needed new windows. I have always believed that the space I have used as my office for the last 11 years needed its own separate entrance, so in the process of replacing the windows, we ensured that double doors were added to that room. This not only gives more beautiful light to the space, along with an expanded view of the pond; it also means that room, and its ensuite bathroom can now be a separate retreat space.

    So now, along with our guided retreats away from home — both in Canada and international — James and I are delighted to announce that we are able to provide this beautiful space for self-guided retreats.

    We are offering day use time and also overnight reservations (for up to 3 nights max at the moment). Meals are included. You can click here for the price list:

    Writers’ Retreat Pricing for Uplands

    CLICK HERE TO MAKE A REQUEST FOR RESERVATION

     

    Below is a small gallery of photos to give you a sense of the space.

    Testimonials:

    Something Magical Happens

    This is the place to allow your Muse to join you in wonderful ways. Sue and James have created a beautiful and inspiring spot to advance your writing. Once you arrive, you can immerse yourself in your project or gaze out the window at the squirrels and birds creating live entertainment. There is a choice of comfy chairs or the desk to write at, with the option of an outdoor spot.
    …..Sue welcomes you with her own special smile, attention (and even homemade muffins, if you’re lucky!). I managed to write a tricky passage in my short stay. Something magical happens when you stop your daily routine long enough.
    …..And the evening conversation over dinner adds to the ‘at home’ feeling while away. I recommend this retreat to new and seasoned writers who want space to stretch your physical, mental and emotional muscles.

    ~ Rose Cronin, author, The Healthy Business series

    A Tranquil Oasis
    …with everything you could possibly need right at your fingertips. If you’re looking for a retreat space where you can unplug from your workaday world and focus on what feeds your heart, this is it.

    ~ Phil Dwyer, author, Conversations on Dying

    I didn’t want to leave!
    This space is a true oasis of peace and inspiration. I didn’t want to leave!
    …..Butterflies and hummingbirds hover in the colourful flower gardens and herons fly over the pond. Every meal was absolutely delicious and I loved all the fresh vegetables from the garden. A wonderful place for writing, walking trails in the woods and enjoying good company for dinner.
    …..I am already planning my next visit!

    ~ Fiona van Wissen, writer

    Get Some Of Your Best Work Done
    The zen like grounds create the perfect environment for creative writing. Whether you are gazing out the windows or walking down to the lake, you will undoubtedly feel inspired.
    …..Delicious foods and a super comfy bed and chairs make this an ideal place to nurture your body so your brain can fire on all cylinders.
    …..Escape to Sue’s Sanctuary and get some of your best work done. I did a very important piece of writing there and highly recommend you consider this oasis. When you need the space and time to take your writing to the next level, this is the place to be!

    ~ Della Smith, writer

    Private post for Marg Wilson

    You can register using this form below. Please note – you have to hit “Submit” twice — the first time consolidates your information, the second time registers you.

    For Anne McTaggart

    You can register using this form below. Please note – you have to hit “Submit” twice — the first time consolidates your information, the second time registers you.

    Beta Reading Resources

    A number of writers who have been working in community in PJ writing have reached a stage where they need new eyes on their manuscripts; consequently they’re looking for Beta Readers.

    If you’re one of those writers, Sue has created a process whereby you can put out a request for volunteers to read your work and offer feedback.

    Here are the resources:

    You can fill out this form

    Here is a template for your specific email or letter to your beta readers.

    Here is a template for general (and specific) instructions on how to be a good beta reader.

    Sue will download and distribute the beta reader spreadsheet of options to the PJ community once a month (the final Friday — the day of our extra half hour discussion).

    If you are interested in being a Beta Reader for a project, please email the author directly. Also indicate what is the scope of the work you’re willing to do. (ie. you may not have time to commit to an entire manuscript, but perhaps you could read 20,000 or 30,000 words and offer feedback on the opening or the first act.)

    FYI: Of course, it is expected that, given the volunteer nature of this, there will be reciprocity. i.e., if you ask people to read your 80,000 word manuscript and offer timely feedback, it is not unreasonable to expect that you will offer to beta read for others.

    If you have any questions or suggestions as to how to improve this service/interaction, please let Sue know at sue (at) inkslingers.ca