Writers' Retreat
at Gillette Castle State Park
featuring Brian Evans-Jones
May 22, 2016 | 10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. |$85
Gillette Castle State Park
67 River Road | East Haddam, CT 06423
Grab your quills and pens and join us for an exciting day of writing and creativity as we gather inspiration from Gillette Castle State Park where we will have EXCLUSIVE access to the castle for a couple of hours. This workshop is perfect for aspiring and experienced writers, playrights, historians, poets and authors. We will enjoy a day exploring a unique castle and its grounds to help get our creativity flowing. Your hosts for the day include Wendy Vincent, owner of
E.P.I.C. Publishing Services and Kandie Carle, Producing Artistic Director of the East Haddam Stage Company.
Our writing guide for the day is creative writing teacher Brian Evans-Jones. Originally from the UK, Brian has been writing poetry since the age of 16. He has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Warwick University and has been teaching the craft of writing since 2005. He currently hails from New Hampshire where he is working on his Masters in Poetry at the University of New Hampshire. Brian has led writing workshops titled The Influence of Place at several historic sites. For more information on Brian click here.
Let the castle be your muse!
Our setting for the day is Gillette Castle State Park. You never know what hidden secrets at the castle will spark your creativity. Gillette Castle is a mysterious, quirky fieldstone castle that was home to the legendary stage actor, William Gillette. The castle is situated on a 184-acre park on a hill overlooking the majestic Connecticut River. Gillette was best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on stage.
The schedule for our day-long retreat:
10:00 a.m.
Participants arrive at Gillette Castle State Park Visitor's Center for check-in, coffee & tea, greetings and introductions.
10:30-11:00 a.m.
Evans-Jones to say a few words about the day ahead.
11:00 a.m.
Take in the views as we walk from the Visitor's Center to Gillette Castle. Please note, the walk will include slopes and stairs.
11:15 a.m. -1:15 p.m.
Once inside, a docent will be available for questions about the house. This block includes writing time, creative thought, meditation, etc. This is a unique opportunity to visit the house without the general public there and enjoy the grounds along the CT River.
1:30 p.m. -2:15 p.m.
Break for lunch: picnic on one’s own at the Castle. You can either bring a packed lunch from home, stop by the Hadlyme Country Market for a sandwich, or check out Sherlocks Grill on the grounds of Gillette Castle State Park. Retreat participants will recieve $1 off their orders at Sherlocks Grill if they choose to lunch there. Click here to check out the Sherlocks Grill Facebook page.
2:30 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Afternoon workshop / writing led by Evans-Jones. There are several areas with picnic tables, one near a lovely pond, one up on a hill and a more public area near the house. There is also a nice conference room available for our use at the Visitor’s Center. Workshop location will be determined the day of the event, pending weather.
*Schedule subject to change
Presented by E.P.I.C. Publishing Services, Gillette Castle State Park and the East Haddam Stage Company.
REGISTER by filling out the form below and pay via the BUY NOW button. Payment must be received by May 10 to reserve your spot. Space is limited.
Email or call 850-204-7450 with any questions. Please do NOT call Gillette Castle for information.
