I’m relishing the memory of my week-long alumni retreat at Joyce Maynard’s Write By The Lake in San Marcos la Laguna, Lake Atitlan Guatemala. This is my third time attending WBTL–my first was in 2007–so you know I’m a fan. Retreats are different from regular writing workshops because days are spent however you like. Mine started with a morning sauna, dip in the lake, yoga class and breakfast. (Tough life!!) After that, on most days, I chose to listen to other people’s conversations, stay quiet and think. Except for the days I boarded a boat for San Juan to visit a weavers’ cooperative, hiked to neighboring villages, or got a massage. In late afternoon we gathered for craft talks by Joyce, followed by drinks and snacks, discussions and questions. At night, we ate delicious dinners prepared by a local chef and reconvened for readings.
The week was the most inspiring, supportive and invigorating I’ve spent in a long time. Fourteen women attended and by the end, we’d bonded over our dedication to writing and shared joy at being at beautiful Lake Atitlan, absorbing the wisdom of Joyce, our master teacher.
Here are a few pix.
Casa de Joyce, view from the water
