The 2020 retreat has been postponed to October and registration is currently closed. Join our email list for scheduling updates:
Memories from Write on the Ocean: Women Writers’ Retreat 2019
In March 2019, OC87 Recovery Diaries hosted its first Write on the Ocean Women Writers’ Retreat, a weekend of connection and reflection set against the backdrop of peaceful, historic, Victorian Cape May, NJ.
This relaxing getaway encompassed an all-inclusive two-night retreat in Cape May for women looking for a quiet place to withdraw from the chaos of their everyday lives to a tranquil place and time to write.
The inspirational weekend featured space to collaborate and workshop writing, and culminated in a night of sharing and camaraderie featuring special guest Natasha Tracy.
How was your overall experience at #writeontheocean?
“The entire experience was FANTASTIC and I felt so grateful to be there each moment. You created a safe space where we all connected quickly on the deepest level of our humanity, which is no easy task. I’m honestly getting goosebumps again just writing this.”
“The amount of love and support I felt this week was overwhelming. I think the activities were brilliantly planned and being right on the ocean made for an inspirational weekend.”
“Everything was so great I can’t just check off one thing — the ancient Greeks prescribed watching plays for emotional issues. Maybe now the American cure for emotional imbalance will be retreats like these.”
“To be given the space and time to write in such a beautiful setting was such a gift.”
“Incredible. Inspiring. I LOVED it.”
“The element of the ocean during the off season was perfect. There is something mind-opening and safe about the ocean. It made for the right location to dig into some difficult topics. The sea air was cleansing for the mind, body, and soul.”
What did you take away from this event?
“I don’t even know where to start, but this retreat soothed and filled my soul! I was able to connect with so many wonderful women (and Gabe [OC87 Recovery Diaries’ Editor in Chief] of course!) and really focus on writing which I have so little time to do in day to day life. I loved the opportunity to present at the open mic and to hear everyone’s stories. This event felt miraculous and so much needed in my life at this point in time. I walked away with extreme gratitude in my heart.”
“I left with a little more courage in talking about my mental health and a little more confidence in my writing. Also I got some pretty amazing connections and friends and I was able to think about mental health and my own life in a different way, both good and bad.”
“This weekend was transformative. In many senses I feel like I have found my ‘tribe’. I never felt judged, i felt like I had the freedom to take some risks with my writing, and I met people who I hope to be friends with forever.”
“I am taking away several new friendships, a renewed enthusiasm for writing and a feeling of rejuvenation in my life.”
“The ocean is an amazing place to spark deep thought. Water connects us all in such a beautiful way, all our landmasses connected in our oceans…”
“I am so grateful for #writeontheocean. It was exactly what I needed at this moment at my life and I couldn’t have done it without Bud [OC87 Recovery Diaries’ Publisher], obviously, and without the donor. I’m excited to write more and see where it takes me.”
