“It simply takes a ton of time in the chair to produce fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. That’s why it is so important to enjoy the process as much as having the end project.” -Stacey Swann
“You have to figure out what you’re trying to do, what you’re trying to say, and how you want to say it– you have to bring your own vision to life. That is a lot of work, but if you’re willing to do it, you can end up with something you’re really proud of.” -Chaitali Sen
“Once you’ve written something that’s really good and you believe in it enough to be tenacious getting it out there, someone will pay attention.” -Greg Garrett
“If your writing life feels like it’s not working out the way you want it to, don’t give up. Instead, take a step back and ask yourself what you can do differently. What change(s) can you make that can positively influence the future?” -P.J. Hoover
“Every day is a new ‘now.’ Our work as writers is incremental and cyclical and cumulative. Every time we sit down to write, it’s like improvisational work, which is not to say we pluck something out of nothing. It means we awaken and mingle many somethings, many nows, that we filed away in recesses of our brain some time ago and can now bring front-of-mind and to the page. There’s no magic door or finish line; there’s only these breakthroughs and the belief that a nurtured writing practice will bear fruit in its own time.” -Cinelle Barnes
“I’ve found the challenges of being a writer are permanent… and the best way to approach them is to run away. If it’s writer’s block for a certain scene, write a different scene in your manuscript… the pressure we put on ourselves as writers to “overcome” stuff is in direct opposition to the reality of the writing and publishing world. For me, it’s about finding the strength to write everyday despite not overcoming many of these obstacles.” -James Wade
“I believe that the Summer Writing Retreat is a fantastic opportunity for writers to get their creative wells filled, so to speak. It’s almost like you can feel the re-ignition of enthusiasm and courage that seems to fire up participants as they share and refine their work. Plus, it’s a blast!” Charlotte Gullick
“There’s a special connection in the Summer Writing Retreat. Getting extended time to get to know both students and their works in progress, and to build an all-new community with them, is always tremendously rewarding.” Stacey Swann
“I love teaching at the WLT Summer Writing Retreat because it reminds me that the main reason we are on the planet is to connect with each other and share our stories.” – Donna M. Johnson
“You have to sit down and write. And you have to do it intentionally. Carve out some time, carve out a space, devote yourself to putting words down. It’s as simple as that. Inspiration follows action. Sometimes it’s the other way around, but most often it’s not. Don’t worry about how much you’re writing each day or whether it’s true to the project, particularly in the early days of a project. But do write, and write, and then write.” -Gordy Sauer
