CWVWP 2006 Writing Retreat
May 5 - 6, 2006
at
Cedar Lakes Conference Center

May 2006 Writing Retreat at Cedar Lakes
By Maryrita Miller

Eleven eager writers attended the spring Writing Retreat at Cedar Lakes in Ripley, WV, May 5 and 6, 2006. Featured trainers for the weekend were Linda Berg, 6th-grade teacher from GW Middle School, and Anna Smucker, WV author from Bridgeport, WV.

Linda Berg led the group Friday evening in an exercise that she had learned from Kendall Haven (noted author of books on writing and well-known story-teller) on the “Eight Essential Elements of Writing.” These elements include character, character traits, goal, motive, conflict and problem, risk and danger, struggle, and detail – elements often missing from student writing. As the groups wrote in rounds, it became increasingly more challenging as Berg prompted writers to add one more element to each story as it made its way around the circle. Finally, small groups shared their stories.

Following Friday evening’s presentation, campers enjoyed a blazing campfire and balladeer. Pete Kosky entertained the group with his singing, subjects (several of them related to school), and expressions.

Saturday morning the group welcomed Anna Smucker, West Virginia author and teacher, for the day’s training. Smucker was generous with her knowledge and seemed to thrive on dialogue with the group. She modeled how to use poetry samples in the classroom to draw inspiration for student writing. In addition, Smucker answered questions about her personal writing practices.

Last updated September 20, 2006