Maranacook Lake Writing Retreat
May 9–16 · Readfield, Maine
A week of sustained writing, shared presence, and unhurried time
Writing needs time, quiet, and a space that nurtures thoughts and feelings. When I first came to this lake on a personal retreat, its simplicity and beauty impacted my writing in ways that still reverberate today. That’s why I’m offering it now to you.
Set on the beautiful shore of Maranacook Lake in Readfield, Maine, this week-long retreat offers a quiet and creative rhythm of life: morning writing, conversations over lunch, optional afternoon activities, and evening readings. The lake, the light, and the unhurried pace will both inspire and enable your work.
The Lake Maranacook writing retreat is completely self-directed: I'm around for consultation or ideas or just a conversation over coffee, but this is space for you: to take on a project you've been putting off, to get a new perspective on past work... or to start something entirely new. Because of this, writers of all genres, from nonfiction to poetry, are encouraged to attend. Writing prompts are available if you need something to kick-start your work.
Meals are included in the cost of the accommodations, with breakfast self-served at your own pace, and lunch and dinner enjoyed together with other participants for conversation. Mornings are spent writing, and there are optional activities offered in the afternoons—tours of the area, guest speakers, opportunities for collaboration. In the evenings, anyone who would like to share some of their work with other writers may do so.
Walks in the woods, swimming in the lake, time by the firepit, meditating, and catching up on your reading... it's all available in a beautiful, peaceful setting sure to enhance your writing experience.
The retreat is limited to 12 participants, creating space for solitude, unforced conversation, and sustained focus throughout the week.
The registration cost is $550. Every participant will chose a room that suits them; the price of the room (separate from the registration cost) includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner; feel free to bring your own snacks as well.
Most of the rooms sleep two people, so save money and bring a friend to share expenses!
The Setting
Your writing will be shaped by the land, the water, and the light, rather than by a schedule or structure. In a sense, what you will write here would be impossible to write anywhere else.
The retreat takes place across the combined grounds of LoonsNest and MoonBud, two neighboring lakefront properties that support quiet focus, shared presence, and sustained creative work.
The land opens to the water, with long sightlines, tall trees, and shifting light that changes throughout the day. There’s no active sense of what you left behind, but only of the here and the now. Breathe deeply …
Architecture for Creative Work
The architecture creates a natural balance between gathering and withdrawal, with spaces to be alone and others to share.
LoonsNest photo courtesy of the host via Airbnb
LoonsNest is a carefully restored and modernized post-and-beam A-frame—warm, grounded, and spacious. Exposed beams, natural materials, and generous shared spaces support both deep focus and easy conversation.
MoonBud photo courtesy of the host via Airbnb
MoonBud is a smaller A-frame—carefully modernized while still holding the atmosphere of an authentic Maine camp, a place that feels both quietly updated and intentionally frozen in time.
The Rhythm of the Week
After a welcome dinner and introductions on Saturday night, we’ll spend our days balancing our writing practices with various activities;
quiet mornings devoted to writing
shared meals and thoughtful conversation
optional afternoon activities
informal evening readings, conversations around the firepit, etc.
This isn’t a workshop, and no one has to share any of their work, though some sessions can be arranged if there’s interest. Mostly I want you to be able to come here and leave pressures behind. That’s also why you’re not limited to any genre: you may come here with a novel in mind, and find yourself writing poetry instead!
I trust you to know what you need to write; I’ll give you space, context, support, and a rich environment in which to make it happen.
This retreat is likely right for you if…
you value uninterrupted writing time more than instruction
you enjoy thoughtful conversation about writing over shared meals
you work well independently but appreciate the quiet presence of other writers
you’re interested in immersion rather than output quotas
you’re drawn to place, rhythm, and atmosphere as part of your writing life
you’re comfortable in a small group where everyone participates
you see writing as a practice, not just a project
This retreat is especially well-suited to writers who want to reinhabit their work rather than fix it in a week.
This retreat is probably not for you if…
you’re primarily seeking critique, workshops, or line-by-line feedback
you need a tightly scheduled program with constant guidance
you expect measurable productivity outcomes or guarantees
you’re uncomfortable with quiet or unstructured writing time
you want a social retreat focused on networking or entertainment
shared accommodations are a non-starter for you
you prefer large groups or high-energy environments
This retreat assumes a high level of self-direction.
Dates
May 9–16, 2026
Program fee
$550 per person (lodging and meals are booked separately)
Hosted by
Jeannette de Beauvoir
Published novelist (historical & mystery fiction) and poet whose work is deeply rooted in place, language, and sustained creative practice.
Writers of all genres are welcome.
Have questions?
Feel free to contact me using the contact form.
Travel & Arrival
Readfield, Maine is straightforward to reach by car or plane, yet far enough removed to allow you to relax and let go of daily concerns and pressures.
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Readfield, Maine is easily accessible while still feeling removed from the daily pace.
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The retreat is approximately 3 hours north of Boston, making it a straightforward drive for writers coming from New England and the Northeast.
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Writers flying into Maine typically arrive at one of the following airports:
Portland International Jetport (PWM) — approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car
Bangor International Airport (BGR) — approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car
Both airports offer reliable service and easy access to rental cars. Driving directions to the retreat properties are simple and well marked.
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Rental cars are readily available at both airports and are recommended, as local transportation options are limited. Having a car also allows for easy arrival, departure, and optional excursions during free time.
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Once you arrive in Readfield, distances are short and traffic is minimal. Most writers find that the drive itself becomes a natural transition into the slower rhythm of the retreat.