the ultimate group experience

When I attended Cary's workshop, it was like melting into a group of kindred spirits. Everyone shared the love of language, honored the written word, and came together in a beautiful and conducive setting to gain wisdom from a talented writer and mentor who created an environment of trust and openness. Cary has a seemingly innate ability to facilitate a writing group and his unobtrusive method brought out the best in all of us. We developed strong bonds within our group that continue to support our writing and which evolved into a virtual writing group in the form of a writing blog. The Creative Getaway was the ultimate group experience and I wrote more in three days than I have in three months. If you're drawn to this workshop, it's probably meant for you at this time. Enroll immediately and don't look back. — Kathy Doran, Miami Beach, Florida

I had a blast

—Stanley Bing, New York, NY.

give yourself this gift

There are times you must give yourself a gift. This was my time and the gift was Tennis' Creative Getaway, where I found a wellspring of kindness, and a protective blanket of creativity so I could re-enter my writing life. I left this retreat with a freedom to write, write, write. Please give yourself this gift as soon as you can. Teresa Libera, Washington, D.C.

the best thing I could have done for myself and my writing

If the writer in you longs for some tender loving care, then Cary Tennis and the Creative Getaway at the Marconi Center will certainly deliver. I attended his workshop in September and it was the best thing I could have done for myself and my writing. The participants, thanks to Cary's broad reach, were from all around the country and fantastic to get to know. The writing workshops could not have been more supportive. The natural environment was extraordinary, overlooking Tomales Bay, with a number of meditative trails meandering over the property. The conference facilities were exceptional, clean, warm, and welcoming; lush gardens abound. Our meetings were held in the historic McCargo Hall, a graceful arts and crafts style building with wraparound porch, leaded glass windows, a fireplace, wood paneling, and plenty of floor outlets for everybody's laptops. The meals were generous and delicious, and the kitchen staff was flawless. And then there is Cary, brilliant and inspiring. The nurture I received while attending the Cary Tennis Creative Getaway has stayed with me. Today, when I write, I imagine my workshop mates as my encouraging audience. Thank you group, and thank you Cary. — Terry Harms, Santa Rosa, California

got me writing again

Cary's Getaway got me writing again. I wrote when I was a kid (stories to tell my sibs while we rode, facing backwards, in the station wagon on those endless trips to national monuments) and I wrote when I was in high school (romantic fantasies, mostly, about going off and living alone in the woods or saving the world in some dramatic fashion while displaying my superior wisdom and insight). I wrote off and on after that, mostly in diaries and journals. But then I found out that you could send stories to magazines, so I did, and I got a few things published, and I thought, wow, I must really be talented, so I applied to a somewhat prestigious MFA program (at least where I live), and I got in, and then I started to get scared. Or self-conscious. Or nervous about what I'd begun. Or something. Because I stopped being able to write.

That was almost 10 years ago. I had tried to get going again--several times. I even took a month off to housesit at a friend's flat in London, with nothing to distract me, no friends around, no clients to call. But I just ended up siting in the kitchen every morning, staring at a blank screen. (I did had a lovely pot of tea on the table, with whole wheat toast and blackberry jam, so it wasn't a total loss ... but I didn't write a thing.)

Then I went to Cary's Getaway. I sat in a room full of strangers and listened to Cary read the ground rules--about everyone having a strong, unique voice and creative genius and about the teaching of craft being done without damage and that a writer is someone who writes--and then Cary asked us to begin with the opening: "I am from ..." and I put my pen to my paper and I started to write.

"I am from a family of difficult communicators," I wrote. And then I wrote more.

It's been six weeks now and I haven't stopped writing. I get stuck sometimes, frustrated even because what I've written doesn't sound quite as smooth or as smart or as interesting as I had hoped....but I don't let it stop me. Everyone is born with creative genius, I remind myself. And I just keep on going.—Jan Rosamond, St. Louis, Missouri

getting down to the core of why we write

I have seldom in my career as a writer had a more rejuvenating and stimulating creative experience. This workshop is about getting down to the core of why we write, of why we both love it and wrestle with it. Away from the world, in a community of pleasant, talented fellow explorers, Cary establishes an environment where work is respected and safe, positive sharing is the rule, and egos are left at the door. The food is good, too.—Gil Schwartz, Mill Valley, California

you will amaze yourself

There are so many wonderful things to say about this experience. Being with fellow writers who are supportive and having the opportunity to take the isolation out of the creative process was extremely liberating. Cary is a terrific source of inspiration and compassion. There are no airs here – whether you are published or just a beginner, everyone has a voice.

The setting itself also served to revitalize and inspire. Marconi Center is a haven with incredible views of Tomales Bay. We shared breakfast, lunch and dinner together, eating fabulous food prepared by the skilled Marconi staff. It was nice that even though I came alone, I never felt like I was alone.

Perhaps my greatest reward for attending the Getaway -- and believe me, there were many -- is that I walked away with at least seven new pieces of writing that I could further develop. I was even inspired to start writing a weekly column. Look out! You might see me on Salon.com in the near future.

I am eternally grateful to Cary and my fellow writers at the Getaway for helping me to see that I do have a unique voice. I would definitely attend another Getaway and highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in writing. You will amaze yourself.—Eva Finn, Orange County, California

The Marconi Conference Center sits above Highway One about 45 miles north of San Francisco. If you would like to know more, please e-mail cary@carytennis.com or call 1-800-461-9130.