Intimate experiences where you aren’t just a number.

What makes WISDOM & WORDS Writing Retreats so special?

It’s about your work, not someone else’s.

Agenda specially tailored to the writers who attend.

 Craft Talks and small-group writing workshops with special guest authors
(recent guest authors include: Steve Almond, Kelly McMasters, Rebecca Makkai, and Christie Tate).

One-on-one afternoon brainstorming and writing coaching sessions.

Afternoon free time to write or enjoy the surroundings.

All meals prepared using local, farm-fresh ingredients.

Lodging reserved for retreat guests only.

Final night Story Salon so writers can share their work and celebrate their progress.

Upcoming Retreats

Fall 2025 Vermont Writing Retreat
October 17 to 20, 2025
Pittsfield, Vermont

SOLD OUT!

Spring 2026 Writing Retreat
June 4 to 7, 2026
Waterford, Maine

COMING SOON!

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Writers work in a 200-year-old barn
Special guest author Steve Almond gives a craft talk and workshop
Afternoons are freetime for writing or simply sitting on the dock with your toes in the water
Evening chats around the fire pit
Darcey Gohring
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Craft conversation with author Steve Almond.
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Workshop with author Steve Almond.
Workshop with host Darcey Gohring.
Workshop with guest instructor Kelly McMasters.
Craft conversation with author Rebecca Makkai.
Craft conversation with author Kelly McMasters.
Craft conversation with author Christie Tate.

Testimonials

  • "I’m still beaming with joy from the bond we formed in the barn. Stories shared through written words in such a sacred space felt truly special. Bear Mountain Inn and the Wisdom and Words retreat were a twelve out of ten!"

    - Danielle

  • "The Wisdom and Words Retreat was like nothing I have ever experienced before. Darcey led us throughout with her knowing and gentle hand. We made magic on that mountain in Maine, an organic evolution of the deep well of community starting, all starting with a pen on the page. The energy provided a disarming atmosphere beginning with our first meeting in the glorious 200-year-old barn that became our cathedral of words. The collective consciousness that emerged was infused with creativity, vulnerability, humor, strength, and more than a few shenanigans, all in a safe, inclusive space. New writers, seasoned writers, published and unpublished writers: every story mattered as evidenced in our extraordinary Saturday Story Salon. CALL TO ALL WRITERS: Do not miss the next Wisdom and Words retreat (and the next, and the next, and the next!) So grateful to Darcey and the incredible group of writers who made it all happen."

    - Daphne

  • "Wow, what an amazing retreat in beautiful Maine with wonderful writers! It sparked so many ideas for me - and so much of the information in the workshops has stayed with me days later. The readings by participants were electric and moved some of us to tears. Words and Wisdom was the petri dish of all things wonderful to do with writing and creating."

    - Judith