Join award-winning author and Oregon Book Award finalist Charlie J. Stephens for a generative writing workshop filled with readings, thoughtful conversation, creative writing exercises, and practical prompts. Designed for writers at any stage, this weekend warmly welcomes beginners.
Through short excerpts from contemporary writers, we will look closely at what they are doing, why it works, and how those choices shape our experience as readers. From there, we’ll use lively exercises and prompts to create our own pieces across genres, with a primary focus on fiction and memoir. Poets are always welcome.
As a guiding thread for the weekend, we’ll turn to Milan Kundera’s reflection on weight and lightness: whether heaviness brings us closer to truth, or whether lightness lifts us away from it. Using these ideas as a lens, we will explore how beauty and darkness can live side by side on the page.
With a strong emphasis on building a safe, supportive writing community, this retreat also offers ways to stay connected and accountable to your writing once the weekend ends. You can expect to leave with multiple new drafts in progress, a refreshed set of tools for sustaining your writing practice, and a deeper sense of your place as a writer in the world.
There is no one who can tell your stories the way you can. In these times, we need more voices sharing their truths through fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry.
Whether you are just beginning or returning to projects that need fresh inspiration, this weekend is designed to offer the time, support, and space to dive back into your creative practice.
The schedule for this retreat can be viewed here.
The Grove offers a simple, restful stay with one queen bed dressed in a fitted sheet, creating a comfortable space to unwind after a day of wellness activities. Shared bathrooms are located nearby for easy access, and the room is warmed by adjustable geothermal radiators, helping maintain a cozy atmosphere throughout your visit.
Designed with a natural, understated feel, this room includes an outlet with limited power for basic charging needs. A meaningful detail of the interior is the trim, which was crafted from wood salvaged from the 2020 wildfire, adding a quiet sense of resilience and connection to the surrounding environment.
Ideal for guests seeking a peaceful retreat setting, The Grove combines practical comfort with a thoughtful, nature-inspired character.
The Grove offers a simple, comfortable stay with one full bed and one twin bed, each prepared with a fitted sheet. It is a practical choice for guests traveling together who appreciate a restful space with a natural, grounded feel.
The room is located near shared bathrooms for easy access, and it is heated by adjustable geothermal radiators, helping maintain a cozy temperature throughout your stay. Please note that the outlet provides limited power, which may be useful to keep in mind when planning what to bring.
One of the most meaningful details of the space is its interior trim, crafted from wood salvaged from the 2020 wildfire. This thoughtful feature gives the room a quiet sense of resilience and connection to the surrounding landscape, adding character to an already welcoming retreat setting.
This cozy room offers a simple, restorative stay with one full bed and one twin bunk bed, each prepared with a fitted sheet. It is a practical choice for guests traveling together, with shared bathrooms located nearby for easy access throughout your stay.
Comfort is supported by adjustable geothermal radiators, allowing you to set the warmth to your preference. The room also includes an outlet with limited power for basic charging needs. Thoughtful interior trim details were crafted from wood salvaged after the 2020 wildfire, adding a meaningful sense of place and resilience to the space.
Designed for rest, privacy, and a grounded connection to the surrounding environment, this room offers an unpretentious retreat setting where you can unwind between wellness activities and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.
Designed for a simple and restful stay, this lodge room features one full bed with a fitted sheet and easy access to shared bathrooms nearby. The room is heated by adjustable geothermal radiators, helping create a cozy atmosphere throughout your visit, and includes an outlet with limited power for basic charging needs.
Just steps from the dining hall, this accommodation offers convenient access to meals and the heart of daily life at Breitenbush. As the Lodge serves as a central gathering place, guests should expect some activity and occasional noise outside quiet hours from 10pm to 8am. It’s a practical choice for visitors looking for comfort, simplicity, and a close connection to the retreat experience.
This unique converted dairy trailer offers a simple and characterful stay for guests who enjoy a cozy, offbeat setting. Inside, you’ll find a twin bunk bed, with a fitted sheet provided for each bed. Guests are welcome to bring their own bedding, or they may choose to add a bedset rental below for added convenience.
The lodging includes access to shared bathrooms and is heated by adjustable geothermal radiators, helping create a comfortable atmosphere throughout your stay. Please note that the outlet provides limited power, so it is best suited for basic charging needs.
As the walls are fairly thin, light sleepers may wish to bring earplugs or consider another lodging type. The top bunk is reached by stepping onto the desk and using the provided handle, so a little extra care is needed when climbing up.
Settle into a simple mountain stay in this unheated canvas wall tent, designed for guests who want to feel close to nature while enjoying a few thoughtful comforts. Inside, you’ll find one queen bed with a fitted sheet, and additional twin-sized camping pads can be added upon request for extra flexibility. A covered porch offers a peaceful spot to relax outdoors, while shared bathrooms are available for convenience.
Please note that this lodging does not have heating. The property’s limited hydroelectric system cannot support electric heaters, so it’s important to come prepared with warm layers and blankets. Nights in the mountains can be chilly, especially after sunset, making cozy bedding a welcome addition to your stay. An outlet with limited power is also available for basic needs.
This is a rustic, comfortable option for travelers seeking a quiet retreat with a back-to-nature atmosphere.
Settle into a classic canvas wall tent designed for a simple, comfortable mountain stay. This unheated lodging includes one queen bed and one full bed, each made with a fitted sheet, with additional twin-sized camping pads available upon request. A covered porch offers a peaceful spot to relax and take in the surroundings, while shared bathrooms are conveniently located nearby.
Please keep in mind that this accommodation does not have heat, and the limited hydroelectric system cannot support electric heaters. Guests should come prepared with extra blankets, especially for cooler nights in the mountains. An outlet is available, though power is limited, making this a great choice for those seeking a more grounded, nature-connected experience.
This unheated 10x10 canvas tent offers a simple, restful stay for guests who appreciate a more grounded camping experience. Inside, you’ll find two twin-sized floor mats, each made up with a fitted sheet, creating a comfortable setup for up to two guests. If needed, up to two additional twin floor mats can be added upon request, making this option flexible for small groups or families.
Set in a calm outdoor environment, the tent is designed for those who want to stay close to nature while still having access to practical comforts. Shared bathrooms are located nearby, and the space does not include electricity, helping preserve the quiet, unplugged atmosphere. With its straightforward layout and natural setting, this tent is a great choice for guests looking for a peaceful, low-key retreat stay.
Settle into a simple outdoor stay with camping in the woods along Strawberry Meadow, where you can create your own comfortable base in a peaceful natural setting. This option is designed for guests who prefer the freedom of bringing their own setup while enjoying the calm atmosphere of the surrounding forest and meadow landscape.
Each site is suitable for either two small tents or one mid-sized tent, making it a practical choice for friends, couples, or solo travelers who want a more flexible camping experience. With the focus on open-air living and a relaxed connection to nature, this stay offers an easy way to unwind and enjoy the outdoors at your own pace.
If you are looking for a straightforward camping experience with room for a modest tent arrangement, this setting along Strawberry Meadow provides a quiet and welcoming place to stay.
This comfortable room offers one queen bed with a fitted sheet, making it a simple and restful place to unwind during your stay. Guests will have access to shared bathrooms, and the room is warmed by adjustable geothermal radiators for a cozy atmosphere throughout the day and night.
For added convenience, the room includes an outlet with limited power, which is suitable for basic charging needs. Its close proximity to the Lodge makes it an easy and practical choice for guests who want to stay near the main facilities while enjoying a quiet place to rest.
This cozy lodging offers a simple and memorable stay with one twin bed and a fitted sheet included. Guests are welcome to bring their own bedding, or arrange a bedset rental below for added convenience. Set in a unique converted dairy trailer, it provides a distinctive atmosphere for those looking for something a little different during their retreat experience.
The lodging includes access to shared bathrooms and is heated with adjustable geothermal radiators, helping create a comfortable environment in cooler weather. There is also an outlet with limited power available for basic needs.
Please note: the walls of the Milky Way are fairly thin. Light sleepers may want to bring earplugs or consider a different lodging option for a quieter night.
Charlie J. Stephens is a writer and teacher from the Pacific Northwest, shaped by a life spent moving between cities, coastlines, and wild landscapes. Born and raised in Salem, Oregon, Charlie has lived across the United States and brings a wide range of lived experience to their teaching, from working as a bike messenger and wilderness guide to teaching high...
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53000 Breitenbush Rd SE, Detroit, OR 97342, USA
Detroit
Fri, Jun 12 – Sun, Jun 14