Connection Not Critique – A Writing Together Online Retreat Series

Connection Not Critique – A Writing Together Online Retreat Series (March 5 to 26, 2026)

There is mystery and often magic, when pen touches page and we begin to write about our past experiences, current musings, or thoughts and feelings we didn’t know we had until the right question or prompt opened a door. Sharing a regular writing process with a partner expands this richness through the mutual experience of writing together, being heard into speech, witnessing and affirming each other and building courage and capacity to show up on the page.

The Writing Together Online Retreat Series is about connection not critique. Writing to connect to yourself and to others. Facilitators Penny Williamson and Darcy Shaw, authors of Writing Together – A Year of Meaning Making and Friendship, will guide you with writing prompts crafted from poetry, art, music, the natural world and our embodied senses.

In 90 minute online sessions over four successive weeks (March 5, 12, 19, 26), you will write and share in pairs.
We are delighted to offer this retreat series at no cost to Facilitators and Facilitators-in-preparation in our CCR community.

What you’ll experience:
· A trustworthy and affirmative writing space using the principles and practices of the Courage & Renewal Approach
· Exploration of poetry or other third things from which writing prompts are created
· Practice in how to create evocative writing prompts
· Opportunities for timed writing sessions
· Sharing writing with the same writing partner over the four sessions
· A potential “jump start” to your own year of writing with a friend
· Large group reflections on the writing together process and how it may be incorporated into retreat work

To Register see the application form below.
Applications will be received on a first come basis and you’ll receive confirmation (and pairing if needed).
· Up to 20 people (10 pairs) will be accepted.
· Registration is free and it is expected that participants will attend all four sessions.
· Application deadline: February 27, 2026
· Applications from CCR facilitators and apprentices in the facilitator-in-preparation are welcomed.
· Application in pairs is encouraged. Individual applications will be accepted and will be paired with other individuals who register.
The pairing is intended to be for the duration of all four online sessions.
· Purchase (e-book, printed) of Writing Together – A Year of Meaning Making and Friendship is recommended as it will be used as guide and resource.