My first writing retreat: Chautauqua Institution in Western New York

Kwame Alexander convinced me to say yes to something I’d never done: join a writing retreat. 

Nine authors, two of whom I already knew, convened [and lived together] about an hour from Buffalo at the scenic lakeside Chautauqua Institution [founded 1874]. 

front row: Kwame, Jordan Holmes, Nikki Shannon Smith, Tori Bachman

back row: Ann Marie Stephens, Sydnye White, Bonnie Berry LaMon, me, Malcolm Newsome

This was the first week of June, a tranquil period shortly before thousands flood the cultural arts education center/resort for summer.

ghost light

actual ghosts?

mysterious set of years on a door

The writing component alone was rewarding. But it was also a scouting-for-ghosts, scanning-for-Northern-Lights, sharing-home-cooked-meals, going-on-ice-cream-runs, watching-St. Elmo’s Fire * retreat.

In other words, I’ll be back.

You’re on notice, ghosts.

* The 1985 film was partially inspired by an experience the screenwriter had as a young man while working at a hotel at Chautauqua called...you got it, St. Elmo.