PREPARE TO BE INSPIRED
June 6-9, 2024 at
Squam Lake, NH
Rockywold-Deephaven Camps
18 Bacon Rd, Holderness, NH 03245
(603) 968-3313
Squam Writes is a four day retreat for writers in all genres looking for time and space to practice their craft, and for connection with other serious writers doing the same.
For the last 8 years, this small group retreat has offered writers a chance to focus on craft in a stunning natural setting. In addition to ample writing time, we offer optional critiques from published authors, the chance to receive feedback from your peers on your work in progress, and nightly discussions on common roadblocks and career hurdles many writers face.
Connect with other writers and recharge your creative batteries on lakeside walks, and start each morning with a rush of adrenaline (and inspiration) on hikes in the White Mountains. Past attendees include New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lana Harper and Newberry honoree Rajani LaRocca.
For the first time we'll be offering the Golden Pond Scholarship to a writer of exceptional promise. This scholarship will reduce the cost of the retreat to just $450 for shared accommodations.
Space is very limited and fills quickly. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
Applications for 2024 open December 1st.
Relax.
Experience the magic of a four-day retreat at a historic campsite nestled against the edge of beautiful Squam Lake. Optional morning mountain hikes, meditation sessions, and plenty of free time to explore will give you the mental space you need to create your best work.
Connect.
Renew old friendships and forge new ones. The intimate setting and limited enrollment make this retreat the perfect place to get to know your fellow writers and make the lasting personal connections that will serve you at every step of your career.
Advance.
Learn from your peers (many of whom are traditionally published), participate in optional manuscript exchanges, and hone your skills during technique presentations from the directors. This exclusive retreat is designed to help writers at any stage in their careers. We hope you'll join us.
THE DIRECTORS
Melissa Hed, Retreat Co-Director (www.melissahed.com)
Instagram: @petrichor8
Melissa loves the smell and sound of rain and going for a walk at 2 a.m. to inhale moonlight. She's a 2021 graduate of the Breakout Novel (BONI) Story Lab, a 2017 PitchWars mentee, and a children’s fiction award recipient in the 2014 Sandy Writing Contest.
Jilly Gagnon, Retreat Co-Director (www.jillygagnon.com)
Instagram: @jillygagnon
Jilly Gagnon is the author of All Dressed Up, Scenes of the Crime, and Love You, Mean It, as well as a young adult novel, #famous. She co-authored the Choose Your Own Misery dark comedy series with Mike MacDonald.
Jilly lives with her family and two black cats in Salem, MA.