People sometimes ask authors if they have a favorite book they’ve written. I always say that my books are like my kids, or grandkids, I don’t have favorites. Mostly because (unlike your kids and grandkids) you get really, really sick of a book, especially a novel, after you’ve finished it finally. You’ve lived with the story for God only knows how long, and you’ve written it and published it and it’s over and done.  But a book about writing might be different. The reason is that you’re writing about what you need to read, to know, to remember. I just dipped into my own A Year of Writing Dangerously, and not to blow my own horn or anything, but I thought all this stuff about discipline and rituals etc. is something I really need to remember. I quote a lot of truly wonderful writers in it and tell stories about them, so it’s not all me, me, me.  But I realized, hey, I do have a favorite book.

Next fall I’ll be teaching a new course called “Eight Weeks of Writing Dangerously” in the Writers’ Program at UCLA Extension, and in October I’m conducting a private writers retreat in Lake Arrowhead. Some info about it is below. (The list for the retreat has been filled already – but I’m trying to decide if I should do a second retreat in November. So if you’re interested please let me know. Thanks.)

2016 Writers Retreat in Lake Arrowhead

 Come join us at the Writers Retreat in Lake Arrowhead next fall – Friday October 14^th to Sunday 16^th. Maybe you have a final draft to complete, or maybe you’re just beginning and want to jumpstart your writing. Wherever you are in your work you’re welcome. You’ll have stretches of time to write, plus daily workshops where you can get feedback on your work, be inspired and do writing exercises.

The retreat is held at the UCLA Conference Center in the beautiful mountain town of Lake Arrowhead (less than 100 miles from Los Angeles). It begins at 1:00 on Friday and lasts until after lunch on Sunday. Enrollment is limited.

The price of $840.00 includes everything – the workshop and one-on-ones with me, two nights in a shared condolet at the Conference Center (beds on separate floors with two private baths) three-course dinners with wine, buffet lunches and breakfasts, and tips provided for the staff. A fitness room, Jacuzzi, hiking trails, pool and tennis courts are available too.

To sign up, a non-refundable deposit of $200 is required by June 1st, with the remainder of the fee, $640.00 to be paid by September 14th. (If you need to drop out and your place can be filled BEFORE September 14th you’ll be refunded $150.00 of your deposit.)

A number of participants in previous retreats have asked if it’s possible to stay on to continue writing for another day or two at the Convention Center for the basic price of just room and board and I’m looking into this option.

For more information please email me at: B.Abercrombie@Verizon.net