Almost six years ago, I got a quill tattoo on my foot as a reminder of my commitment to writing. Over the past few months, I’ve looked at it and realized I haven’t been honoring that commitment. It felt like a permanent lie. I stopped trying to find representation for my first novel and shelved the second one I started years ago. I’ve upped the writing on here, but that’s not enough. Something needed to change to get back to where I wanted to be. Enter Write Doe Bay.
Back in March, I came across the website for Write Doe Bay. I hadn’t heard of it before. I didn’t have a close friend who attended. I’ve actually been working with Claire Bidwell Smith, a writer I greatly respect and someone who understands mother loss deeply from personal experience. Finding this opportunity to finally meet her face-to-face bundled in with a writing retreat seemed like too strong of a sign to resist – and something in keeping with my personal theme for 2018 I had to admit I needed.
I signed up planning to go alone, intentionally ignoring the full series of steps required to get to Orcas Island set in. I later found out it meant a flight to Seattle, renting a car for the 2+ hours to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, a 45 minute ferry ride to Orcas Island and then an approximately 45 minute drive to the other side of the island to Doe Bay. So. Far. When Theodora opted to join as well, I was excited she would be there – and admittedly relieved not to make the journey solo.
I didn’t know what to expect. When we arrived at Doe Bay Resort & Retreat, we made our way down the road and parked by the General Store. Around the corner, we found the cafe, which would be home to Thursday’s open mic and Saturday’s full group dinner.
After checking in, we were pleasantly surprised we had our own little house for those few days. Our space was along the edge of the property, putting us close to the water. In the mornings, I’d roll over a few times as the light stared to peek into my room and as the waves kicked up in intensity.
It was mostly rainy yet beautiful and perfect for writing. The mix of attendees for Write Doe Bay was inspiring, ranging in age, medium and experience. There were published authors, new writers, bloggers, photographers, poets, musicians and people figuring out their next step.
Our first session was with Daniel Blue. Daniel is lead singer and guitarist for Seattle-based band Motopony. We did an extensive writing session that managed to both work through character development and identify some of our biases, even if the latter was the primary focus. So powerful to see so much of our own selves appear on those pages intended to summarize experiences with another person.
Second up was Joy Prouty. She started by showing us one of her photos and we wrote about what we saw – what we thought was happening and how we’d describe the scene. We then learned it’s part of a series she’s working on. Next we listened to a reading of a poem of hers followed by watching a video with a voiceover of the same. We discussed what we felt in both experiences – with and without the visual. It was so so powerful – a beautiful piece only heightened by the addition of her beautiful photos. See here for yourself.
Listening to Joy open up about her process and her experience was so touching and inspiring — and makes me want to pick back up my DSLR as another outlet for my creativity.
I knew the session with Claire Bidwell Smith would be amazing. As I mentioned, it was a huge part of the reason behind my 2,952 mile journey to Doe Bay. Her workshop was rooted in something important in writing – dramatic structure. We took a turn at outlining the various points – intro, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution – in our own lives. I struggled with what to write. The story arc playing over in my mind didn’t have a real “resolution” – unless it was a negative one
She then continued the exercise with one of the most powerful things for me from the weekend – shifting the narrative. What would happen if we took that ending point and made it the starting point of a new arc? What would happen then? So simple yet so freeing to consider. In the moment, it feels all-consuming but I have the ability to shape the next big arc in my life. I am more than this moment.
Our final workshop was with Kimberly Garner who runs Dwellosophy. Her session focused on our homes – both the physical on and our inner home – and how the two can impact our productivity. I loved how she described our homes as a living version board. I’ve been thinking about that ever since – about the things in our own home and whether they have a place in that construct. We discussed qualities of places where we’re our most creative selves and where inspiration finds us. The place I find myself resigned to tackle most of my writing (mass transit) came through as a non-creative space and a surprising inspirational place (outdoors/beach) emerged. Hoping to spend more time outdoors to tap into that creative energy this spring/summer.
I wish I’d spent even more time talking with our new friends, but see this as a start of a new chapter of inspiration of a different sorts. And of course it took traveling cross-country for two friends who live 33 miles apart to be able to share some time together. I wish neither of us had mother loss in common, but know I’ve found her a helpful confidant over the recent months. Letting loose like Theodora and I did in our finale to Saturday evening’s epic lip sync battle (cause who doesn’t love “Total Eclipse of the Heart”?) was just the beginning of externalizing some of the liberation taking place inside.
Over those few days, we shared the beauty and lowlights of our life experiences. Of writing and creating through pain and heartaches. Of our commitment to needing a more solid and ongoing outlet for creativity in our lives.
Blood is thicker than water. Unless you’ve been in the salt sea with me.
I came home the following Monday trying desperately to cling to the newfound inspiration fueled by Write Doe Bay. I’ve hopped in with others on Instagram for #100DaysOfWDBMagic (check it out!) to commit to at least 100 days of some form of writing beyond a simple blog post. I couldn’t stop listening to Daniel Blue’s band, Motopony, on repeat – this particular album on Spotify the only thing I turned on for days.
To new endeavors. To prioritizing the pen. To putting the key I received at Write Doe Bay to unlock my story to its intended use.
Dana says
Such a wonderful post. This is truly an inspiration. Glad I found this.
kumamonjeng says
Looks like a really nice little house overlooking the lake, I would really love to experience few days there too.
Nati says
What an amazing experience! I had no idea of this kind of gathering existed and I am glad tha it has fueled your inspiration.
Repnpepper says
It looked like you had a great time. I think we all need a break at some point to reset our minds and find the motivation again.
Tiffany - Explorethe6 says
Looks like this retreat was definitely worth the distance! While I’m sad to know that you & your friend both suffer from mother loss, I’m glad that you have each other. I love that you’re taking this 100 day challenge. I hope it helps give you that fuel towards fulfilling your commitment to the pen!
Katie says
This looks so relaxing! I love the views and daffodils. Perfect corner of the world
Elizabeth O says
What a great trip this sounds like it was. I love the idea of a retreat to motivate and find our creative passion. It looks like you had a lot of fun