Spring Retreat:

Writing at the Edge of the Sea

Sou’wester Lodge, Seaview, Washington, April 10-13, 2025 with Tele Aadsen and Marianne Monson

During this writing retreat on the Oregon coast at the historic Sou’wester Lodge, we’ll reconnect with our creative spirit and the land and sea that sustain and inspire us.

Guided writing practices offer an opportunity to connect deeply, open our senses, and allow thoughts to flow freely. In the mornings, we’ll walk, read, and write together with engaging prompts to prime the creative well; afternoons offer free time to write, rest, or explore on your own; evening will be for sharing writing, discussion and reflection.

All writing levels and genres welcome.

**Early bird pricing ends December 31st, 2024

Give yourself the gift of time, space, and guidance.

Whether you're working on your first story or your fifth novel, whether you write poetry or prose, memoir or fiction—this retreat offers a sanctuary for your words to take flight.

Space is limited to ensure an intimate experience. Reserve your place today and step into the story that's waiting to be told.

Your Registration fee includes:

  • All group sessions and instruction held in the conference spaces at Sou’wester lodge. Group sessions will begin Thursday evening and conclude Sunday morning.

  • Endless coffee and tea

  • Catered box lunch on Friday and Saturday

  • 20% discount off of Sou’wester regular rates

Not included:

  • Lodging (on your own or at Sou’wester Lodge)—after registering for the conference, please book your room directly with the Sou’wester Lodge. You can choose a variety of accommodations. Let the resort know you’re with our retreat and receive 20% off your stay.

  • Additional meals. Every Sou’wester room includes a kitchen with cooking facilities. There is a grocery store and restaurant options within walking distance of the Lodge.

Your Retreat Leaders:


  • Tele Aadsen is a commercial fisherman, an essayist and creative nonfiction writer, and a lapsed social worker. She is the author of What Water Holds, an award-winning memoir of lyrical essays and performs annually with Astoria's FisherPoets Gathering.

  • Marianne is a poet, novelist, editor, and author who focuses on women’s stories from history. The author of twelve books, she is the founder of The Writers Guild and co-host of KMUN’s River Writers. She’s been teaching creative writing for more than two decades.