Tired of the "star system" at writers' workshops? Looking for a place offering time to write as well as fellowship and critique from other professionals? The Rustbelt Roethke Writers' Retreat, designed for the "mid-career" literary writer, may be for you!

Recharge your batteries, pick up new ideas and techniques, make friends and influence people, write and work with a discerning group of peers at Rustbelt Roethke, a professional-level writers’ retreat and peer workshop with a comfortable, egalitarian atmosphere at a modest cost. 2009 will be our seventh year. Each year we have had a mix of about half returnees and half new people.

Who? Writers with significant publications (poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction - see Qualifications section on Details page).

When? Sunday, July 5, through Saturday afternoon, July 11, 2009

What? A professional-level retreat and peer (teacherless) workshop with a comfortable, egalitarian atmosphere.

• Time to write in pleasant, comfortable, private surroundings.
• 2.5 hours per day (Monday-Saturday) in peer workshop groups of 4 or less
• Poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction or mixed-genre groups available.
• Public readings featuring participants Monday through Thursday evenings (maximum 5 readers per evening). All participants featured in publicity.
• Afternoon public presentations by participants who wish to give them, on topics related to your expertise and interests - if you need a personal invitation in order to secure funding, we'll provide one. No obligation to present or attend.
• All participants are welcome to offer their books for sale at events.
• Informal Sunday evening picnic and Friday evening special event/meal included
• Maximum enrollment of 16, so register soon!

Where? The modern, handsome and comfortable campus of Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI.

• Less than 2 hours drive due north of Ann Arbor on I-75 15 minutes from the MBS (Saginaw-Bay City-Midland) international airport
• Housing in a private air-conditioned room in a modern dorm suite with shared kitchenette, bath and living room (commuters welcome)

How Much? $480 includes housing and two special events/meals. Other meals on your own (cafeteria, cooking in your suite, or off-campus). Commuters $300 including special events. Very limited financial assistance is possible - please contact us.

Interested? Check the Details Page for more information or go to the Signup Page for the application form.

Any questions? Send email to kerman@svsu.edu or call Judith Kerman at 989-892-1429.

The 2008 workshop participants would like to thank the following for their support:

• The Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Saginaw Valley State University
• The Office of the Dean of Arts and Behavioral Sciences, Saginaw Valley State University
• The Melvin Zahnow Library, Saginaw Valley State University
• The Department of English, Saginaw Valley State University
• University Conference & Events Center, Saginaw Valley State University
• The Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw, MI
• Creative Spirit Center , Midland, MI
• Alice and Jack Wirt Library, Bay City, MI
• Theodore Roethke House, Saginaw, MI