Spot Open for October Breckenridge Writing Retreat

As many of you know, because I've been singing it from the rooftops (not really, but only because my singing would kill the birds nesting in our chimney), I'm going to a 5-day writing retreat this Oct. in Breckenridge. The mountains and trees that time of year are ah-mazing, and I can't believe the awesome people I'll get to meet up there. Anyway, I was chatting via email today with the lovely Cicily Janus, who besides being a published author of this book:

...and former intern to uber-agent, Scott Hoffman, is also the host of this fabulous writer-ly getaway. She told me that one of the writers backed out because they found out they are a finalist for a Fulbright (must be nice to have those kind of conflicts in your schedule), and will have to postpone their retreat until 2012.  That means there's a spot open for this year--and because I know that all our blog followers are super cool, and I really want someone super cool to spend the week with, I'll share the details one more time:

You can spend 5 heavenly days here:

 "Here" is Breckenridge, Colorado where you can write and talk shop with Cicily, 3 awesome editors, an amazing agent, an Edgar-nominated author, and 12 other fabulous writers. Attendees get critiques by all staff on the first 10,000 words of their ms, and have scheduled meetings with the staff during the week BONUS: Cicily is a gourmet cook (I'm listing sample menu items below), AND there's a hot tub.My awesome hubby, who may or may not be trying to redeem himself from his shocking betrayal (can you tell I'm still not over it?) encouraged me to go for it.

Important Info is below, but check out the Writing Retreats website for more info and how to contact Cicily.

DATES: Oct. 13-17, 2011 It's an easy trip for me since I live here, but Cicily has had attendees from all over the world, including Australia and England. You'll get to meet some interesting people...ya know, aside from me. :)

2011 Staff of Awesome:
Literary Agent: Scott Hoffman
A refugee from the world of politics, Scott Hoffman is one of the founding partners of Folio Literary Management, LLC. Prior to starting Folio, Scott was at PMA Literary & Film Management, Inc.
My current list is about half fiction and half nonfiction. My fiction is about half literary, and half commercial (chick lit? Sure - if it's smart and fresh, and has a strong voice.) Nonfiction is spread out among
serious journalistic or academic nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, and quirkier pop-culture books. If your project doesn't fit one of the "established" categories, I'm probably your guy - I love projects that
can't be easily classified.

Editor: Anica Rissi
Anica Mrose Rissi is the Executive Editor at Simon Pulse, a YA imprint of Simon & Schuster. She looks for edgy, voice-driven fiction; unexpected or dark humor; smart writing; and characters that she can’t get out of her head. Anica especially enjoys launching and building the careers of debut novelists. Her list includes New York Times bestselling authors Jessica Verday and Orson Scott Card, two-time RITA finalist
Lauren Strasnick, and Eileen Cook, Terra Elan McVoy, Amy Reed, Albert Borris, Nina Malkin, Elana Johnson, Leila Sales, Carolee Dean, and Hannah Moskowitz.

Editor: Kevin Doughten
Kevin Doughten is an editor at Viking Penguin specializing in nonfiction. He has worked with a range of authors, including Barack Obama campaign manager David Plouffe, Malcolm X biographer
Manning Marable, and bestselling authors Jimmy Breslin, Robert Lacey and Rafe Esquith. He enjoys working with writers of all stripes including memoirists, essayists, jounalists, and has a particular interest
in 20th-century history, the arts, and outsider stories.

Editor: Katie Gilligan St. Martin's Press

After four years at Thomas Dunne Books, I’ve acquired nearly every type of fiction—and while I seek primarily women’s lit, I am always on the hunt for genuine narrators, or quirky plots, or cry-into-a-glass-of-wine tearjerkers.  I’ve had the privilege of working with McSweeney’s alum, Diane Vadino (Smart Girls Like Me), Giller Prize Finalist, Alissa York (Effigy), and have recently acquired the next two ballad novels by New York Times bestselling author, Sharyn McCrumb. 

My women’s fiction acquisitions range from the commercial to the literary, and all points in between—including crossovers into mystery and romance genres.  I’ve recently acquired non-fiction titles ranging from the memoir of an organic blueberry farmer, to a savory travel-cookbook set in Umbria.  In short, I’m eagerly seeking voices that have me at page one and can keep my attention while running on the treadmill or inspire me to test out a new recipe.

Author: David Corbett

David Corbett is a recovering Catholic/ex-PI/former bar-band gypsy and—lest we forget—a novelist, poet and screenwriter. Nominated for virtually every major prize in crime-writing, he would hate to ruin
things by actually winning one, though having a New York Times Notable Book and a story in Best American Mystery Stories is kinda sweet. He has four novels under his belt (which frees up room on his
bookshelf)—the most recent being 2010's Do They Know I'm Running? ("a hard-hitting epic"—Publishers Weekly)—and routinely gets compared to Graham Greene, Robert Stone, Dashiell Hammett
and Telly Savalas. Feel daring? Go to: www.davidcorbett.com

Sample Menu Items: (Cicily accommodates all food allergies)
• Panini Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly
• Asparagus and Feta Risotto served with Lamb Roast and Spinach Salad
• Golden Carrot and Ginger soup with Saffron
• Southern Style Grits with fried Ham Steaks
• Black and Blue Bison Burgers
• Roast Beef Open Faced Flat Bread Melts with Grilled peppers and sweet
Horseradish sauce
• Spinach and Leek Bisque
• Chunky beet and sweet potato salad with honey goat cheese and Almonds
• Tomato Basil Fettucini with Fresh Vodka Fire Sauce
• Oat Bran Pancakes with Fresh, Warm, Fruit Compote

NOTE: All beverages, including wine, coffee, tea, and water are also included.

I'm so excited and am already counting down the days. Come write in Breckenridge with me!