Creative Castaways on St Mary’s Island: How the Day Went

St Mary's Island tide inAt last the much anticipated day arrived as we made our way across the causeway to St Mary’s Island prepared to suffer for the art of writing, to fend for ourselves against the elements and be cut off from the rest of the world.  Or at the very least cut off from Whitley Bay and we did have a tonne of chocolate biscuits , a good phone signal and a comfortable room with amazing views.

It was an amazing opportunity to ‘get down to it’ and no distractions except for an occasional stroll outside to take a closer look at the young seals which were resting on the rocks below our room and to chat with the seal wardens.  Some even braved it up the spiral staircase to the very top of the lighthouse – not for the fainthearted!

Seals St Mary's Island

Seals cunningly disguised as rocks

The retreat was a hive of activity and experiences from those just starting out in writing to someone on their third novel.  There was also editing, research, writing short stories and it was great to see business owners Anne of Green Tara Consulting, Bev from Profectus 4 People and Jo from Colleagues on Tap who had come along to catch up on writing blogs for their website.

Thanks to all the writers who came along, you were fantastic companions and made the day so memorable.

There are still a few spaces available on our next Writing Retreat in The Garden Cottage at the National Trust’s Gibside Pleasure Grounds. CLICK HERE for details.

There are also more retreats in the pipeline for May and June.  If you are not already on the mailing list and would like to be kept informed CLICK HERE