Sweetwater Retreats

Hosted by Joseph Boyden and Laura Vukson, Sweetwater Writers Retreat will be held at our stunning, century-old farmhouse built in 1867 near the southern shores of Georgian Bay.

You’ll have your own private bedroom, and there are cozy places to write indoors and out. For the adventurous, consider a glamping experience in a beautiful yurt or bell tent. The property sits on fifty acres with plenty of lovely trails to wander. In your downtime, choose as many adventures as you’d care to participate in, including horseback riding, hikes, and of course, our great big hot tub to relax in whenever you like.

The retreat days will consist of workshops, one-on-one discussions with Joseph and free writing time. Our dinners are home-cooked and a chance for everyone to mingle, play DJ and have a cocktail if that’s your thing. A special highlight is the closing evening readings by the group.

 

Fall Dates: September 25 – 28, 2025

Sweetwater Writers Workshop / Retreat Package:

  • Three nights, three days
  • Two submissions each | four writers | workshop style (Each submission is 15 pages, double-spaced, 12-font, and a Word Document)
  • Cozy places to write indoors and out
  • One-on-one writing discussions with Joseph Boyden (per writer)
  • Thorough comments and endnotes on each submission by Joseph
  • A list of places to explore in the Grey Bruce and West Grey Area
  • Exceptional meals provided by local farmers. Gluten-free meals (Celiac Safe) can be provided.  We like to cook. Writers are encouraged to join in!
  • Price is $1450 plus 13% HST.

AGENDA

Thursday, September 25
Arrival 4 pm and on
Casual Dinner/Meet and Greet from 6 PM

Friday, September 26
Breakfast 8 – 9:30 AM
Workshop #1 (two writers) 10 AM – 12 PM
Lunch 12 – 1
Workshop #2 (two writers) 1 PM – 3 PM
3 PM – 6 PM (free time/writing and one-on-ones with Joseph )
Dinner 6 PM

Saturday, September 27
Breakfast 8 – 9:30 AM
Workshop #3 (two writers) 10 AM – 12 PM
Lunch 12 – 1
Workshop #4 (two writers) 1 PM – 3 PM
3 PM – 6 PM (free time/writing and one-on-ones with Joseph )
Dinner 6 PM

Sunday, September 28
Brunch / Special presentation by Joseph
Short readings by writers
Departures at 3 PM.

To apply, please email laura@swwritersworkshop.ca a short bio, writing goals and a two-page writing sample.

What People Are Saying

I’ve enrolled in Sweetwater Writers’ fiction classes both online and in person. In the workshops, I encountered dedicated writers who provided honest, sympathetic, intelligent criticism of my work. The process left me with concrete ideas about next steps in my novel, and I am a stronger writer for the experience.

In addition to his insight and guidance as an instructor, Joseph Boyden knows how to run a workshop so that everyone contributes and everyone benefits. I will return to Sweetwater again in the future.

Jay Connolly  Gabriola, British Columbia

“Your home, curated so beautifully, is so inviting. You, gracious hosts, welcomed us with open arms and hearts. We bathed in friendship and laughter. Immersed ourselves in craft and story. I left inspired, tired and eager to continue.”

Kristyn Drever, British Columbia 

“I  feel a real optimism with my writing now, grateful for everyone’s sincere feedback and caring. I am looking forward into settling into a routine of writing.
In spite of this  world’s transformation,
I am hoping we can all create our own place of creativity and hope.
Thank you to all of you for your
encouragement.” 
Donna Dolson, Midland, Ontario 

“What is it you would like to hear of? The drive there, sweaty palms griping the steering wheel, music blasting to drown out the inner voice asking, “Who do you think you are going to a writers retreat?” Or perhaps the drive home, hands loose on the wheel and ideas running so abundantly that the desire to just pullover and write is now the inner battle.

No, of course, it is the in between you wish to learn more about. The quick settling into the space which was welcoming and calming. Joseph and Laura’s quiet yet purposeful attentiveness to the differing personalities and needs. The first meal together of delicious food and gently exploratory conversation. Receiving validation and possibilities during the workshops. Being drawn into other’s stories – both lived and written. Realizing that you are in the right place with the people you needed at this time. Knowing that you will hold in your memory forever the moments of joy, sadness and shock that others reflected in their faces in response to your writing. Validation.

Yes, of course, you are seeking validation. This is the place. So come, full of trepidation, and give yourself over to the experience of being in community with other writers. Leave full of possibilities and new directions for your writing.”

Shelley Yearley, Huntsville, Ontario

Sweetwater Retreat

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Where to find us

Sweet Water Writers Workshop
Durham/West Grey, Ontario

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