RETREAT & RECHARGE: A POET’S GETAWAY
November 8 - 12, 2026
To retreat is not to withdraw, but to return—to the self, to the page, to the steady pulse of attention. Here, you’ll find space to breathe and begin again. To recharge is to fill the well: with silence, with words, with the kind of presence that makes writing possible.
“Go into yourself. Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depths of your heart…
― Rainer Maria Rilke
Escape from your daily distractions and focus on your writing
RETREAT & RECHARGE is a small in-person workshop tucked away in the wooded foothills of eastern Pennsylvania’s Pocono mountains that provides plentiful writing time in a setting that will nurture your soul and inspire your creative spirit. Discover a sense of renewal and reawakening. Experience abundant time not only to write, but also to participate in trail walks, to enjoy coffee on the patio, to relax and to work on your own.
NEW THIS YEAR: Choose from two review options: One is the one-hour, one-on-one manuscript option, a comprehensive review of your collection (up to 70 pages) focusing on naming and curating a full length manuscript including creating narrative arcs and thematic echoes. Two is the poem review option, a full critique of 2 poems including line edits and a full page overview of each poem. This is conducted in a small group setting and includes discussion and feedback.
ALSO NEW THIS YEAR: The retreat is one day longer! We moved to 5 days/4 nights in response to past participants whose overwhelming request was for an additional day to spend focused on time for writing on their own. We made that happen, and now you will experience all the workshops, reviews, activities and one full day to process and write (or explore, or dream). Your time. Your choice!
“Experienced much more encouragement, joy, and engagement than expected.” Juanita
”It was lovely to get to be part of a poet’s community and be nurtured, prompted and fed (!) so well. Thank you,
Robbin and RHR” Ellen
RETREAT & RECHARGE is a great fit if…
You want to get away and dedicate your time and energy to your writing
You need a boost of creativity and a reminder of purpose
You look forward to engaging with other poets, or
You want to escape and have solitary time
You want to engage in structured and unstructured writing time
You are a poet with intermediate or more experience and/or skills
Click on the images for more information
“Everything was beautiful and well-planned.” Rashna
”This place is AMAZING.” Julie
All-inclusive:
5 Days/4 Nights Lodging, Meals, Workshops, Hiking, Materials, Facilities, Poem Critique or Manuscript Review
by River Heron Editors
(not including travel/transportation)
$1650
Early Bird Pricing
April 25 - May 8
$1550
Reserve with a $400 deposit
“The comments I received on my poems were perceptive, generous, and helpful. I can back feeling it was more
than worth it, especially considering that the retreat included yoga, wine at evening meals, the critique session
and all those writing materials.” Linda