Welcome Home
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You already understand the power of Composed.
And now, you want more. At the Composed Alumni Retreat, you'll get the same quiet and community you enjoyed the first time around. But you'll also also get more writing time. Next level training. And the option to receive 1:1 coaching. You know what works. All you need to do is slow down and reconnect to it. |
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Composed is a community of incredible human beings. Coming back always helps me refocus my writing practice and build skills--it provides the space and time to reconnect."
Anna Livia Brand, PhD Associate Professor, Landscape Architecture & Environmental Planning University of California, Berkeley |
How Is the Alum Retreat Different?
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The Alum program follows you--not the fixed curriculum of the original Composed retreat. Whatever your challenge, you'll strengthen your ability to diagnose and troubleshoot your writing dilemmas--even the ones that fall outside the original Composed curriculum. Here's how:
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Results
You already know what works.
The Composed Alum Retreat will help you work what you know:
The Composed Alum Retreat will help you work what you know:
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"One of the principles I've learned at Composed was that I write best when I'm able to situate my writing within my larger purpose. I had been feeling a bit disconnected from my writing because I'd forgotten how writing is also a spiritual practice for me. The first day of Composed helped ground and remind me."
Mabel Gergan, PhD
Assistant Professor, Asian Environmental Studies
Vanderbilt University
What Brings Alums Back to Composed?
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The Composed Alum writing retreat is tailored to each group, and results in a wide range of outcomes. Most fall into one of these three categories:
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"I Need a Refresh"Maybe your Writing Refuge has fallen apart. Or you're now ready to tackle the issue that was too much to deal with at your first Composed. The Alum retreat provides short, powerful reviews of the original curriculum. So you can get back on track quickly and with ease.
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"I Miss My Community"It's not just writing in the same room with other Alums. It's the support you give each other when things get tough; the delight of finding connections between one another's work; and the relief of having your own struggles--and triumphs--reflected back to you with care instead of critique. Just a week of writing with your InkWell community can boost you up for months.
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"I Want to Reconnect to Writing"It's easy to lose touch with your writing in the midst of the teaching term. Give yourself a week to slow down and remember how and why you write. Whether you're reconnecting to your practice or want to jump start a new project, Composed gives you the time, space and community you need to reground yourself in your work.
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"This retreat is transformative even if you've done it before. It's like when I'm at home and everything is on fire, I forget that I have all these tools available to help me get back to my writing. I'm so glad my past self made the decision to book Composed--maybe she knew I would need it."
Benita Bamgbade, PhD
Associate Professor, Pharmacy & Health Systems Science
Northeastern University
Details About Your Five-Day Retreat
Dahlonega Resort & Vineyard
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Registration is Opening Soon!
About Dahlonega
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Some of you may remember this retreat center from the late 2010s. Since then, they've spruced up their 72 acre campus but kept the fabulous food, the amazing views, and best of all--those rocking chairs. It's tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, so it invites the calm you need to dig into your writing dilemmas. All rooms have en suite baths, and some have two beds, so you have the option to share. None have writing desks, but you'll find plenty of quiet places to work--in your rooms, on the porch, in the dining room, and inside our meeting room.
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This location is not fully accessible to a wheelchair--it has ramps and lower lodging rooms that do not require stairs, but no wheelchair accessible shower. There's a labyrinth, a spa, and walking trails that amble through meadows and woods. This level of serenity takes a solid 2 hours to get to from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, and it's worth it. Once you get there, it's just you, the quiet, and your writing.
The Composed Writing Retreat Includes:
Customized Writing Training
Pre- and Post-Retreat Support
Room, Board, and Lodging
- Five days of tailored writing coaching. Rather than following a set curriculum, morning Spotlight Coaching sessions are customized at each retreat to address the particular needs of the group.
- Optional (and limited) 1:1 coaching. Enjoy Michelle's undivided attention, for an extra fee, during two, 30-minute private coaching sessions. For issues that are especially knotty or particular to you.
- Five days of dedicated writing time. Hone your ability to recall and deploy the principles of Composed when unexpected problems arise.
- Five days of daily yoga, open to and suitable for all levels and designed to keep you refreshed and energized for full days of writing.
- All-Alum community, get and give support from those who share a common framework, language, and commitment to sustainable writing practices.
- Gorgeous writing environments, with outdoor and indoor spaces for writing in silence and solitude or quiet companionship, whichever you need.
Pre- and Post-Retreat Support
- Get-Ready Mini-Course: Almost the same as the First-Timer's guide (let's face it: all retreats require the same kind of prep) with special suggestions on how to prepare for Spotlight Coaching.
- Go-Home Mini-Course: A mix of old and new lessons, designed help you use your particular strengths to address Alum struggles.
- Monthly Collective Office Hours throughout the following academic year, to help you integrate your individualized insights into your everyday writing practice.
Room, Board, and Lodging
- Six nights in serene sleeping quarters that restore your energy for work and play. Includes all facilities and grounds fees, resort fees, state and local lodging taxes, and gratuities.
- Six nights of healthy, delicious food including all meals from Sunday evening through Saturday morning, freshly prepared, in accordance with your dietary restrictions.
- Optional restorative amenities and activities such as massage, body work, and hiking. All within beautiful, natural environments. Check your retreat for specifics.
Frequently Asked Questions (+ Lovingly Offered Answers)
(How)
What is the structure of this retreat?
A bit more open than the original Composed retreat. Each day includes a late morning spotlight coaching session and long, uninterrupted blocks of writing time. Several days a week we'll hold optional peer-led discussions. And if you're interested (and early) you can opt for private coaching sessions for an extra fee. As usual, we share all our meals together and have a daily yoga class to support your extended writing schedule.
What's the private coaching like?
Um--fabulous. And fun! You'll have two 30 minute sessions, spread throughout the week, on any topic you want to discuss: I'll help you prep so you can dive right in the minute you sit down and get the most from your session. Outcomes depend on what we discuss, but they generally include surprising insights (that somehow make complete sense), shifts in perspective, and manageable action items you can implement immediately. You tell me what you need and together, we'll get you there.
How big is this retreat?
Depending on your willingness to share rooms, we'll have between 20 and 28 participants.
A bit more open than the original Composed retreat. Each day includes a late morning spotlight coaching session and long, uninterrupted blocks of writing time. Several days a week we'll hold optional peer-led discussions. And if you're interested (and early) you can opt for private coaching sessions for an extra fee. As usual, we share all our meals together and have a daily yoga class to support your extended writing schedule.
What's the private coaching like?
Um--fabulous. And fun! You'll have two 30 minute sessions, spread throughout the week, on any topic you want to discuss: I'll help you prep so you can dive right in the minute you sit down and get the most from your session. Outcomes depend on what we discuss, but they generally include surprising insights (that somehow make complete sense), shifts in perspective, and manageable action items you can implement immediately. You tell me what you need and together, we'll get you there.
How big is this retreat?
Depending on your willingness to share rooms, we'll have between 20 and 28 participants.
(Where)
How do I get to the retreat?
That depends on which retreat you are attending. You will find addresses, directions, as well as other helpful information in your personal retreat page to help you navigate the trip.
Do you provide ground transportation?
We do not provide airfare, ground transportation, or travel insurance. However, we do help you connect with other scholars prior to the retreat so you can coordinate ride sharing.
That depends on which retreat you are attending. You will find addresses, directions, as well as other helpful information in your personal retreat page to help you navigate the trip.
Do you provide ground transportation?
We do not provide airfare, ground transportation, or travel insurance. However, we do help you connect with other scholars prior to the retreat so you can coordinate ride sharing.
(Who)
What if I attended the retreat in 2016 or 2015, before it was structured the way Composed is now? Can I attend the retreat?
You can. You should! We'd love to have you. The challenge you'll face is that we'll often discuss material you never learned--or more correctly, that you learned in part, through private coaching, and not as a coherent curriculum. If you're fine that then please--join us! If that will be frustrating, it makes more sense for you to attend the original Composed Retreat.
Can I bring my family?
Not unless your family member is a scholar working on a manuscript. We want you to be the center of your universe for the week.
You can. You should! We'd love to have you. The challenge you'll face is that we'll often discuss material you never learned--or more correctly, that you learned in part, through private coaching, and not as a coherent curriculum. If you're fine that then please--join us! If that will be frustrating, it makes more sense for you to attend the original Composed Retreat.
Can I bring my family?
Not unless your family member is a scholar working on a manuscript. We want you to be the center of your universe for the week.
(Pay)
What form of payment does InkWell accept?
We accept all major credit cards. We do not accept paper checks.
How does the payment plan work?
If you opt for the payment plan, the full cost of your retreat will be split into 3 or 4 even payments. The 1st payment will confirm your place at the retreat. You'll receive reminders to make the remaining payments each monthly.
Do you provide invoices for my university?
We don't recommend invoices, as your spot is not confirmed until we have received notification of payment and updated our records. However, if you prefer this option, we're happy to provide invoices, as long as your institution is willing to pay them in full by credit card through our online portal. We do not submit W-9s to your university, become university vendors, or accept paper checks. To request an invoice, contact us at [email protected].
We accept all major credit cards. We do not accept paper checks.
How does the payment plan work?
If you opt for the payment plan, the full cost of your retreat will be split into 3 or 4 even payments. The 1st payment will confirm your place at the retreat. You'll receive reminders to make the remaining payments each monthly.
Do you provide invoices for my university?
We don't recommend invoices, as your spot is not confirmed until we have received notification of payment and updated our records. However, if you prefer this option, we're happy to provide invoices, as long as your institution is willing to pay them in full by credit card through our online portal. We do not submit W-9s to your university, become university vendors, or accept paper checks. To request an invoice, contact us at [email protected].
I have more questions!
We have more answers! Send an email to us [email protected] and we'll do all we can to help.
Cancellation Policies
Cancellation Policy
Our policy is designed to let you change your mind without requiring Michelle to lose the opportunity to work with another scholar. Specifically:
If InkWell cancels or postpones a retreat, you may do one of the following:
- transfer your retreat payment to a future online or in-person retreat.
- receive a full refund to the original form of payment.
If you cancel your registration:
- 90 days or more prior to the start of the writing retreat, you receive: a full refund, minus credit card fees.
- 89-45 days prior to the start of the writing retreat, you receive: a 100% credit to be applied toward another writing retreat within 12 months.
- Fewer than 45 days prior to the start of the writing retreat, you receive: no refunds or credits.
To Cancel Your Registration
Please email us at [email protected]. Your cancellation is complete when you receive a confirmation email.
Travel Delay Policy
We do not give refunds or discounts for late arrival, early departure, flight cancellations, travel delays, or illness. We wish we could provide compensation for these unforeseen circumstances, but unfortunately we can't afford to cover the extra costs incurred by these predicaments.
Health & Safety Policies
Vaccination: All in-person retreat participants must provide proof of full vaccination within one week of registration. No exceptions.
Masking: Masks are not required, but we love up on anyone who wants to wear them (from afar of course). Most of our retreats have outdoor eating and writing spaces as well as single rooms - check your specific retreat to confirm.
Social Distancing: We typically have several measures in place for participants who want to practice social distancing. Check your specific retreat to confirm:
Masking: Masks are not required, but we love up on anyone who wants to wear them (from afar of course). Most of our retreats have outdoor eating and writing spaces as well as single rooms - check your specific retreat to confirm.
Social Distancing: We typically have several measures in place for participants who want to practice social distancing. Check your specific retreat to confirm:
- The reservation of our retreat center is often exclusive to our group, meaning no one outside of our group will be present, except the retreat center staff.
- Housekeeping service is not typically supplied during your stay, so only those you invite in will visit your room.
- Our retreat center includes indoor and outdoor seating for dining, as well as multiple indoor and outdoor spaces for writing.
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Michelle Boyd, PhDMichelle Boyd, PhD is an award-winning writer, former tenured professor, and the founder of InkWell Academic Writing Retreats. She spent the first part of her career studying the political significance of black racial identity, and won a Best Book Award from the American Political Science Association for her first book Jim Crow Nostalgia: Reconstructing Race in Bronzeville.
Since leaving faculty life, she's helped hundreds of scholars move past their anxieties, reconnect with their writing, and develop a calmer, more confident, more productive writing practice. Her second book, Becoming the Writer You Already Are, was featured in Inside Higher Ed. |
