05/14/10 - 05/15/10 - Portland, ME Retreat

MERWA (Maine RWA) is pleased to announce the *4th Annual Writer's Retreat.*

Limited seating for an intimate experience and great networking – we have
filled to capacity the last three years, *so register early*.

*Friday, May 14 – Saturday, May 15*

Portland, Maine (off 295 about 2 hours north of Boston)

Embassy Suites Portland (off Portland Airport access road)

$65.00 (or join MERWA for $30 and save $5 on retreat registration)

*Featured Speaker,* Terry McLaughlin, RWA Regional 6 Director, multi-published Harlequin Super Romance author, presenting two Saturday workshops, *"First Kiss Scenes *with* Blush Free Writing: Crafting the Love Scene" *and "*Voice: "What It Is; What It Isn't."*

*Friday night: Special Program* Maine Ghost Hunters, paranormal investigation team, workshop, *"Maine Ghost Hunters: We face Your Fears,"*an in depth review of basic team processes with a focus on the scientific approach to discovering what lurks behind the veil. MGH client-centered
methods toward investigating possibly paranormally charged environments serve to bring comfort, understanding, and awareness to those who seek their services.

*Saturday workshops* include *"Blending Paranormal with Other Genres"*presented by Joyce Lamb, Berkley author of COLD MIDNIGHT *,* a romantic suspense, and the upcoming paranormal romantic suspense trilogy beginning with TRUE VISION in June, followed by TRUE COLORS and TRUE CALLING, and *"Brainstorming"* facilitated by Diane Amos, a Harlequin,
Five Star and Wild Rose Press author. This session is a big hit each year.

Retreat attendees bring WIP or ideas for new work to the session. Attendees provide great ideas and guidance.

*Editor Pitches:* Cynthia Thomas, Lyrical Press, pitches on Saturday afternoon.

*Retreat Registration:* checks can be sent to MERWA – Writers' Retreat, PO Box 6478, Brunswick, ME 04011 – or pay through PayPal on the MERWA website http://mainerwa.com.

Retreat brochures (with workshop and registration details) can be downloaded from the site, as well. Registration includes Friday and Saturday workshops and Saturday lunch. Many choose to stay Saturday night and go out to dinner as a group.

*Hotel registration:* a room block under MERWA with special rates is available if *registering by April 24, 2010.* $109, double occupancy, plus tax per night, includes Friday evening manager's reception and full breakfast. Call 1-800-362-2779. Mention MERWA to get the special retreat
rate. Hotel features Jacuzzi, lap pool, fitness room, business center, bar and restaurant open until 10 p.m., and huge lobby with tables and sofas, perfect for writing and networking.