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Bald Head Island Creative Writing Retreat FAQs
I’m interested in writing, but I haven’t published. Is this retreat only for experienced writers?
The retreat is designed for people who want to give writing a try (benefiting most from the craft workshops and workshop discussions for this reason) as opposed to experienced writers.
I’m already working on a piece that I’m interested in publishing. Will this retreat be useful?
There will be discussion on publishing and where to begin, in addition to talks on craft and workshop opportunities to have your work reviewed and critiqued.
How do I sign up for the retreat?
Register online, here. The UNCW Public Service and Continuing Studies office will enroll participants and handle tuition payments through this link.
Jan Beyma will also gladly assist you by email at beymaj@uncw.edu, at 910.962.7520, or you may print the brochure and mail in the enclosed enrollment form. (Housing is paid separately, see below.)
What are the housing options?
The creative writing retreat allows participants the unique opportunity to enjoy prestigious Bald Head Island and its pristine beaches and ecological reserves. Part of the charm of this inspiring setting is the absence of vehicles –golf carts are the way to get around!– or hotels. Due to the wide range in size and price of available housing on Bald Head Island, housing is not included in the cost of tuition or as part of the registration process. Retreat participants are asked to make their own housing arrangements to best suit individual needs. Here are some options to get you started:
#1. Dormitory housing at the Bald Head Island Conservancy. Rates are $25 per person, per night. This is a bunk-bed, shared room, camp-style option with community bathrooms. Around 20 beds are available. (Golf carts aren't provided at the Conservancy -- cart rental is recommended and costs $55 per day for a 4-person cart. Call 457-4944 for reservations.) You may contact Amanda Timbers at 910-457-0089 at the Conservancy to reserve a space in the dorms. more info.
#2. Island rentals. The following discounted accommodations on Bald Head Island have been reserved for the 2008 writing retreat: 1) Air, 80 Keelson Row; 2) Earth, 78 Keelson Row; 3) Fire, 70 Keelson Row; 4) Water, 68 Keelson Row; 5) Royal James 5C, Bay Tree Trail; 6) Sumner’s Crescent 1; and 7) Villa 3, South Bald Head Wynd. Prices vary. You can check prices and availability --search houses on the drop-down list for floor plans and photos-- here. Finally,
#3. Shared housing. The Department of Creative Writing will put interested participants in contact with each other (maintaining an ‘interest list’) for the shared housing option on Bald Head Island. Costs may be as little as $100 per night per person/couple. Final reservations (and payment) will need to be coordinated by the participants -- the interest list is to put you in contact with each other and provide a cost-effective alternative for rental housing on Bald Head Island.
To reserve a rental unit on Bald Head Island, call 800-432-7368 [option 1] and identify yourself as a writing retreat participant or give the referral number of 2S2545 for a 15-20% discount.
**The Marsh Harbour Inn Bed & Breakfast may also be an option at around $200 per night, but the 15 rooms tend to fill quickly.**
NEW!! Shared housing opportunity (Wash Woods):
A well-appointed rental house with 3 master suites and 2 additional bedrooms, conveniently located close to the Conservancy and the Shoals Club, has been offered at a 25% discount by the owner. Sleeping 12, this is a great opportunity for multiple participants and even their guests to share the estimated $400/night rate. For more information, please see http://www.vrbo.com/162425. You may contact Lisa Bertini at (910) 962-3070 to add your name to the interest list for “Wash Woods.” Payment arrangements will need to be coordinated by the participants – the interest list is to put you in contact with each other and provide a cost-effective alternative for rental housing on Bald Head Island.
How do I get to Bald Head Island? How do I find the ferry?
From Southport you will board a ferry – the only means of travel to and from Bald Head Island. (And have you heard…? There are no cars! Only golf carts –included in housing– are used for getting around the Island!) This link will give you access to MapQuest directions as well as the ferry schedule. Please note: When you have chosen the ferry time most convenient for you, you must call the BHI Transportation Department at (910) 457-5003 to make your reservations for ferry service to the island, and for tram service from the island ferry-landing to your housing (if you book your on-island housing through Bald Head Limited, these reservations will be made for you). It is advisable to make ferry reservations at least three or four days before your planned arrival, as the island ferry and tram schedules do change from time to time, and tram service is not always available! One round-trip ferry ticket is $15; tram service is included with your ferry ticket.
What information can you give about parking?
There are three parking lots where you may leave your car at Indigo Plantation in Southport (this is where you will board the ferry) – B, C, and D (D lot offers shuttle service). Parking is $1 per hour for the first 7 hours, or the maximum daily rate of $7. Weekend rates are offered at the $7 per-diem rate. You will take a ticket and pay at the B lot when you leave the island. Parking is first-come, first-served. Credit cards accepted. For more information, please call 910-457-5003.
I’m flying in for the weekend. Is transportation available directly from the Wilmington airport?
PPE is a luxury SUV transportation service – much nicer than a taxi, but more affordable than a limousine. The one-way rate from ILM to Bald Head Island is $75. Fare is set, regardless of passengers, so the cost may be shared. For more information please visit www.ppewilmington.com, call 910-278-3124, or email andrea@ppewilmington.com.
Do I need to sign up for the tours? What should I wear/ bring on the tours?
You will not need to sign up for the forest and marsh tours; arrangements have already been made. Weather reports for Bald Head can be found at http://www.baldheadisland.com/island/weather.asp. You should plan to wear layers for your comfort, and though it may still be too cool to be necessary, bug spray is recommended.
What is the recommended dress code?
Dress is casual for the retreat, including classes, readings, and meals.
What should I bring?
You may bring whatever writing tools you are most comfortable with: a laptop computer, notebook and pen, etc. Handouts will be provided.
Should I have a work already completed for the workshop critiquing?
This is not a requirement. However, if you would like to use a piece you've already been working on to be workshopped and critiqued, send a hard copy of your manuscript to the address below and we will make photocopies for the group. Manuscripts to be included in the Retreat must be received no later than Wednesday, March 5th. Send to:
CREATIVE WRITING DEPARTMENT
601 S. COLLEGE RD.
WILMINGTON, NC 28403-5938
ATTN: BALD HEAD WRITERS' RETREAT
My son/ daughter is interested in the retreat. Is there a minimum age?
The retreat is open to all ages, though it may not be suitable for minors requiring supervision. (Please see our Young Writers’ Workshop for opportunities for teens in the summer.) Some families have chosen to vacation together on Bald Head Island so that their teenager may participate in the writing retreat – this would certainly be a do-able option.
My spouse/ guest will be coming along for the trip, but won’t be participating in the retreat. Can we eat meals together? Can they come to the evening readings?
Family and friends are most welcome to join and share in your Bald Head Island weekend! Your guests may participate in the retreat for the $400 early tuition price, or they may choose to simply join you for the catered meals at the cost of $200 per person. (You can reserve the meals-only option for your guests and make payments when you register for the retreat. Please see the ‘sign-up’ FAQ.) More dining options are available for those who wish to make other arrangements, including the Maritime Market food store. Evening readings by our leading authors are free and open to the public. There are many recreational activities available on Bald Head Island, so your guests are sure to enjoy themselves as much as you will!
Can I receive credit or certification for the retreat?
Please check with your host institution to determine if credits would apply. This retreat is not intended to replace a full-length course in creative writing.
What is the cancellation policy?
Tuition:
BHI Housing – policy per Hospitality Sales:
- Cancellation made from the date of signed contract up to 121 days from the date of arrival 10% of the total package cost will be forfeited.
- Cancellation made from 120-91 days out from the date of arrival 25% of the total package cost will be forfeited.
- Cancellation made from 90-61 days out from the date of arrival 50% of the total package cost will be forfeited.
- Cancellation made from 60-1 day(s) out from the date of arrival 100% of the total package cost will be forfeited.
Conservancy:
- A notice of 24 hours prior to the arrival date will secure a 100% refund of dormitory housing.
For more information, contact Lisa Bertini at bertinil@uncw.edu or 910.962.3070.
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