Group Photo from 1st Annual Springfed Writers' Retreat, Harbor Springs, October 11, 2008.
(Photo by Charlie Auringer)

Jeffire Chimes in on Springfed Writers' Retreat
John Jeffire, SA-MDW member attended the 1st Annual Springfed Writers’ Retreat, October 9-12, at The Birchwood Inn, Harbor Springs. He writes, “…I can tell you I’m ready to go again next year.  The bonuses?  Well, the setting is gorgeous (we stayed at the Birchwood Inn overlooking Lake Michigan), right when the leaves are turning color and the air begins to bite back.  Most important, though, is the chance to commune with some fantastic staff members and receive individual critique.  I was teamed up with novelist Jack Driscoll for a 30-minute session, and I came away with a number of solid ideas for revision.  Jack’s comments were cogent, thoughtful, and honest, and the chapter of my novel he reviewed was covered with more correction ink than a tenth grader’s first thesis!
The $656 cost covers three nights and four days at the Inn and all but one meal (we did one fancy dinner on our own).  The faculty included novelists Driscoll and Christopher Knight, poets M.L. Liebler, Cornelius Eady, and Maria Mazzagotti Gillan, playwright Sandra Seaton, and songwriter Michael Smith.  Director John D. Lamb puts his heart into making the weekend a productive one, and I learned as much from my fellow students (some of whom were immensely talented) as from the instructors. “

More photos from 2008 Springfed Writers’ Retreat