After arriving at the Newport, Rhode Island retreat location—a Cape Cod style home nestled into a quiet neighborhood near the beach—we kicked off the retreat with a Welcome Lunch and orientation. Our delicious lunch was catered by Pasta Beach and made by a chef from Bologna, Italy.

After lunch, CWW Faculty Member Jade Sylvan taught Writing Yourself Naked and took us on a meditative walk down to the ocean. Before we left for the walk, Jade gave us a writing prompt to think about: the last time we spoke. Then, Yoga Instructor Elissa Lewis guided us through hip opening yoga. At the end of the day, Executive Artistic Director Norma Szokolyai taught her Your Voice workshop. She started the craft of writing seminar with citrus bliss essential oil, which connected us with the hip opening practice.

Following the workshops, we ate dinner and gathered around to talk informally about writing. We broke for the night and got some sleep in preparation for the exciting workshops held on Day 2!