A writer’s retreat for mothers who write.
“We children understood that this is what mothers do; that their writing and truth-telling was as essential to our well-being as it was for hers. And it was. It is. And now I am Clifton and Dakotah and Bailey and Noah’s mother; and I am writing and truth- and storytelling because I was taught the way. My children understand that it is essential for all of our well-being. It is essential that we continue to support the tradition and Magic of Mothers Who Write. We at The Clifton House are honored to do so."
-Sidney Clifton, Lucille’s daughter and president of The Clifton House.
Scribente Maternum, in partnership with CityLit Project and The Clifton House of Baltimore, will host its first in-person event, the “Write Like a Mother Retreat" for every writer who identifies as a mom, October 20-23, 2022, in Baltimore. This unique, Baltimore-focused event will provide time to write, time in community with other writer-moms, and time for movement and meditation. Presented in conjunction with this year’s special edition of the CityLit Studio VII: Writers on Craft, Creativity & Community with memoirist Ada Calhoun and poet Remica Bingham-Risher.
Featuring craft intensives with Ada Calhoun, Remica Bingham-Risher, and Tyrese L. Coleman, visual journaling exercises with Amanda Burnham, and mindfulness practices and creative movement with Ana Rodney, Emily Souder, Jaree Cotman, and Maria Broom.
Retreat Schedule Overview:
Thursday, Oct 20 4-7pm: Welcome social event with light hors d’oeuvres at Baltimore Spirits Company
Friday, Oct 21 8am-5:30pm: Writing and community at The Clifton House with optional group dinner at Barcocina
Saturday, Oct 22 8am-5:30pm: Writing and community at The Clifton House with included group dinner at Busboys and Poets
Sunday, Oct 23 10am-noon: Optional farewell brunch at Golden West Cafe
This retreat includes:
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Time and space to write
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Curated craft and sessions with acclaimed writers and teachers
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Supportive feedback (and space to share more than just writing)
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Visual journaling and intention-setting
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Mindfulness practices and intentional movement
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Fiction and nonfiction tracks, plus options for poets, journalists, children’s writers…every writer
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Opportunities to explore and support the city of Baltimore
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A FREE book bundle, curated by The Ivy bookshop!
Learn more about the full retreat schedule and purchase tickets for “The Write Like a Mother” retreat at www.scribentematernum.com.
Please note: This is a fee-based event which primarily covers expenses, including honorariums for authors and facilitators.
Don’t let cost be a barrier!
For writers in Maryland, we encourage you to apply for a Professional Development Grant at MSAC.
In memory of Lucille Clifton – acclaimed poet and devoted mother, plus proud Baltimorean and Maryland Poet Laureate – The Clifton House has graciously offered to support 5 Black Writer-Mothers from Maryland to attend Scribente Maternum’s October 2022 retreat at no cost. Interested applicants for the Clifton House award can apply HERE.
Questions about the Clifton House award and other information may be directed to
he***@sc***************.com
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In addition, apply for the “You Deserve To Be Here" Funding.
Deadline to apply for funding is Oct 5, 2022, close of business.
Please note, those who are able to pay full price make it possible for another mother to attend.
*Scribente Maternum’s definition of “mom" and “maternal" are inclusive and not necessarily linked to gender and includes, among others, trans folks, femme/feminine-identifying genderqueer, non-binary folks, and cisgender women. All are welcome at this and any other Scribente Maternum event.