Writers retreat set for Sept. 30-Oct. 2

Manley Mann Media to host writing retreat at Cavendish Maples

Writers and artists are invited to check out from the real world by checking in at the Cavendish Maples resort from Sept. 30-Oct. 2 for a full weekend of focused writing time.

Prince Edward Island writing/editing team, Manley Mann Media has partnered with Cavendish Maples cottages to provide writers with a weekend filled with creative energy, and focused writing time with a fall retreat.

Manley Mann Media is coowned by two Islanders, Christine Gordon Manley, editor and Jaime Lee Mann, writer. Together, the Manley Manns, as their clients refer to them, are currently working on eight manuscripts at different stages of completion. They decided to hold a retreat to help them find the time to work on their own projects.

Mann has been vacationing at Cavendish Maples every summer for a number of years.

“It is almost impossible not to be inspired by the gorgeous setting. I am always flooded with creative ideas when I’m there. So when Christine and I started talking about the idea of a writing retreat, I immediately knew we had to have it at the Maples.”

The owners of the cottage resort, Sherry and Tyson MacInnis, are thrilled to be the site for the writing retreat.

“We never have any trouble booking up during the summer because of our close proximity to all of the popular family attractions, but filling the cottages in the shoulder season is always a bit more of a challenge.”

So when Manley and Mann approached them with the idea of holding a writing retreat, they jumped on the opportunity.

“We gladly welcome all of these storytellers to our property.”

While the retreat will primarily be non-structured, to allow participants to squirrel away and write, there will be some optional activities. Gordon Manley says, “We do have a campfire read-aloud planned if the weather is good, a morning yoga sequence and a casual talk about what to do with your manuscript after it’s finished.”

Cost to attend is $260 per person for the weekend, including cost of the cottage. Special rates are available for those wishing to share accommodations.

For more information, visit ManleyMannMedia.com/blog or Facebook.com/ManleyMannMedia

The UPEI department of music’s recital series will present the Helios vocal ensemble in “Madrigal Mystery Tour,” a concert of Renaissance vocal music on Friday, Sept. 30.

The concert will take place at UPEI’s Dr. Steel Recital Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $20 adults and seniors and $15, students.

Helios, Atlantic Canada’s only professional vocal ensemble, includes Eszter Horvath (soprano), former music director at All Saints Cathedral, Halifax; Elisabeth Stones (soprano), National Youth Choir alumna; Andrew Pickett (alto), former lay clerk at Manchester Cathedral; Garth MacPhee (tenor), music director at St. George’s Round Church, Halifax and John Mark Dawson (bass), former boy chorister at Christ Church Cathedral, Ottawa. Founded in 2015, the ensemble has rapidly gained popularity with performances in all three Maritime provinces and recently appeared at the Indian River Festival.

The program will include works by Morley, Lassus, Janequin, Monteverdi, Gesualdo and others.