Leadership Lodge at Rock Springs Ranch
There are several ways writers can gather together to concentrate on writing. Conventions, big or small. Conferences that offer workshops. Retreats that give writers the option to have lots of time to write plus a few other things offered.
Read here about one state organization that is trying a Writing Retreat instead of the usual convention.
Kansas Authors Club (KAC) is a state organization that has members throughout the state. The organiztion began in Topeka in 1903 with a few people interested in writing. In the 120 years since then, KAC has grown and grown and grown.
KAC has sponsored a state convention and a state literary contest for many years. The state is divided into seven districts, and each district takes a turn in planning the annual convention in a city in that district. During the pandemic years, the convention was done on zoom which proved to be quite successful. Still, members liked the benefit of being together at conventions.
This year, District 3 & 4 were to be hosts, but they have fewer active members, making it more difficult to plan and run a full convention. Some state leaders talked about having a Writing Retreat instead. There would still be planning but not on such a large scale. District 3 & 4 picked up the banner and moved with it.
The committee selected Rock Springs Ranch, just outside Junction City, KS. Most people know about Rock Springs because of the many 4H camps held there over the years. They also welcome other groups to use the facilities in this beautiful wooded area. The lodging, meeting, and dining halls have been updated and are very nice. (See photo of one building) I toured the area several weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised at how nice all the buildings were as well as sparkling clean. The aroma of food being prepared in the Dining Hall made our taste buds tingle. All the buildings are nestled among tall, stately trees.
OK, the place is great, but what will writers do at a writing retreat? There will be a motivational speaker on Friday evening and a social time. On Saturday, yoga and nature walks, campfire storytelling and music, guided writing exercises, writing prompts, staffed critique rooms, small group discussions, open mic practice, a make your own chapbook station, and of course, writing time wherever, whenever, and any length of time you want to spend. All of the choices listed here are exactly that--choices. You can choose to do one, none, or all.
On Sunday, there will be time for more yoga or nature walk, a Book Fair, Annual Meeting time, Rosemary Time (recognition of members deceased this past year), and Member awards announced. After lunch, the awards for the annual Literary Contest will be announced.
Writers will do all this in a truly lovely setting on an October weekend. The cost is a great deal less than a convention at a hotel which can leave some members out as it is not in their budgets. This Writers Retreat is something new for KAC, and I think it will be enjoyed by all who attend.
The KAC Writing Retreat is open to all members and also non-members. Any nonmember who attends will be given a 2024 KAC membership.
More details can be found at https://www.kansasauthorsclub.org/upcomingconvention.html
You don't want to be one of writers who say "I wish I had gone to the 2023 KAC Writing Retreat." October 6-8, 2023 is the time.
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