Quoddy Writing Retreat
Refresh. Write. Connect.
Next summer give yourself a treat. Refresh. Write. Commune with like-minded writers. Rediscover what drew you to teaching in the first place. We invite you to join us this summer for a unique experience in Lubec, Maine.
Ralph Fletcher
Georgia Heard
The 2026 Quoddy Writing Retreat is officially on!
This will be our third year. Headquarters will be at Cobscook Institute in Trescott, Maine. Georgia Heard and I will kick off the retreat at Cobscook with a welcome reception on Sunda,y July 26. The retreat will end after lunch on Friday, July 31.
A Time for Renewal
As a teacher, you give and give during your career. But what do we do to recharge our batteries—as a teacher, a person, and a writer? Quoddy Writing Retreat will provide an opportunity to replenish your spirit and help you find your stride as a writer. We feel renewed when we get in touch with our inner selves. Renewal happens by connecting to the body, the natural world, a community of like-minded professionals and, especially, by personal writing. Writing has a unique way of putting us in touch with what’s important in our lives.
This five-day retreat will take place in Lubec, Maine, the easternmost town in the United States. There you’ll be able to experience the countless pleasures of Downeast Maine, a place few people ever see, one that features rugged coasts, unspoiled nature, stunning scenery and harbors. All that plus the freshest lobster you can get!
Time for Writing
The headquarters for the retreat will be the Cobscook Institute, a vibrant learning center. Each day we’ll meet at Cobscook for breakfast and lunch. The Quoddy Writing Retreat will focus on personal writing. Bring a piece of writing for poetry, a picture book, memoir, a middle grade novel, adult fiction, or an article for a professional journal. Or come with an idea for some writing you’d like to work on.
You’re welcome even if you don’t have a specific idea but feel the urge to stretch your writing muscles.
Each morning before we start writing Ralph and Georgia will give practical tips on the craft or writing. After an hour of writing, you’ll get into a small response group where you can get supportive feedback for your writing. Participants will also have individual conferences with Georgia and Ralph.
Morning Schedule
Time | Activity |
|---|---|
7:00 – 8:00 am | Yoga with JoAnn (optional) |
8:00 – 9:00 am | Breakfast |
9:00 – 10:00 am | Craft talk with Georgia and Ralph |
10:00 – 11:15 am | Writing time and individual conferences |
11:15 – 12:15 pm | Response groups |
12:15 pm | Lunch |
Afternoon Schedule
Personal time to wander, explore, write, or hang out with friends. Each day we’ll suggest local outings for those who wish to participate.
You’ll be able to experience the countless pleasures of Downeast Maine, exploring Lubec, the easternmost town in the US. It’s a place few people ever see, one that features rugged coasts, unspoiled nature, stunning scenery and harbors. All that plus the freshest lobster you can get!
COST: $1,095. This amount covers all breakfasts, all lunches, two wine and cheese receptions, a lobster dinner, and one other dinner. It does not cover lodging. See below for detailed payment information.
NOTE: The retreat fee does not include lodging or other dinners. We encourage participants to stay at the retreat headquarters at Cobscook Institute, but don’t require it.
OTHER INFO:
The Quoddy Writing Retreat will focus on writing, but it won’t be all serious work. There will be plenty of time for guided sightseeing, nature walks, and exploring deserted beaches. It’s often said that you can’t take a bad picture in Lubec, so don’t forget your camera!
Bring your passport, too. Campobello Island (New Brunswick, Canada) is barely twenty minutes away from downtown Lubec. We’ll have the opportunity to visit the cottage where President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his family spent many happy years. Participants can sign up for “Tea with Eleanor.”
Next summer give yourself a treat: The Quoddy Writing Retreat: Refresh. Write. Connect with other writers. Rediscover what drew you to teaching in the first place. Lubec Maine is the first town on the east coast of the US to receive the sun’s rays. Come bask with us in that fresh new light.
Georgia Heard, JoAnn Portalupi, and Ralph Fletcher
All educators (including retired teachers), writers, and writing enthusiasts are welcome!
Registration and Payment
Cost of the 5-day retreat is $1,095. A $300 deposit will secure your spot at the retreat. This amount is refundable, minus $20 processing fee, by December 31, 2025. After that date this amount will be 50% refundable until February 15, 2025. Balance should be paid in full by March 1, 2025.
If you’d like to pay by Venmo, shoot me an email and I’ll send you my business Venmo handle. You can also mail a check made out to me (Ralph Fletcher). Mail to: Ralph Fletcher, 6 Caverno Drive, Lee NH 03861.
Feel free to contact me, Ralph Fletcher, with any questions: figpudding@gmail.com
