No cell signal, no internet, no distractions!
September 12-15, 2024 at Faith Mountain, Rosedale WV
Join us for an unforgettable four-day experience steeped in nature, featuring creativity-enhancing sessions, locally sourced and homemade foods, and plenty of uninterrupted writing time.
Why Attend?
- Focus on Writing: With no cell signal or internet access, those everyday life distractions and interruptions that hinder a full immersion in the writing process do not exist. A majority of the weekend is focused on providing time for writing.
- Writing Prompts and Creativity-Enhancing Sessions: Daytime sessions are less than a half-hour long, serving to help you enjoy the experience and empower your work. Evening activities mix writing with fun.
- Amazing Meals: Our in-house cook will be offering locally sourced and homemade foods and meals, made-to-order breakfasts, and kitchen service outside set meal times for those who function on their own schedules.
- Nature: The 235-acre woodlands of Faith Mountain soothe your soul. Be it the dappled sunlight, the breeze through the trees, or the songs of the whippoorwills calling in the night, the mountain will be a prominent character serving to enhance your experience.
Schedule Overview
- Thursday, September 12:
3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Registration and Check-In
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Pizza Party Welcome
- Friday, September 13:
6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Made-to-order Breakfast
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Session One
10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Writing Time
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Lunch
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 – Session Two
2:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Writing Time
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Dinner
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Session 3 & Sharing
8:00 p.m. – ? – Writing Game Stations
- Saturday, September 14:
6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Made-to-order Breakfast
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Session One
10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Writing Time
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Lunch
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 – Session Two
2:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Writing Time
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Dinner
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Session 3 & Sharing
8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Open Mic & Karaoke
- Sunday, September 15:
6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Made-to-order Breakfast
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Closing Session and Sharing
10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Writing Time
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Check Out
Registration opens April 1. Due to limited space, you must email or call 304-354-9132 to register.
Credit cards, Paypal, and checks are accepted.
Cottage Private Room: $525.00 (6 Spaces Available)
Bunkhouse Bard: $400.00 (15 Spaces Available)
Couch Surfer: $300.00 (8 Spaces Available)
Tent Camper: $250 (Unlimited Camping Space Available)
About:
Lisa Hayes-Minney, Retreat Host:
Lisa is an writer and artist, professional tutor, and homesteader who works with writing clients across the nation. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing from West Virginia Wesleyan College and holds degrees in English, Journalism, and Liberal Arts. She also holds certifications in Journaling for Wellbeing, Self-Care, Mindfulness, Meditation, Yoga, Civic Engagement, LGBTQ Awareness, Improving Personal Effectiveness, Time Management, Interpersonal Communication, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Marketing Local Foods, as well as other specialty fields.
Lisa is the facilitator of the Under the Attic Writer’s Group, a member of WV Writers, Inc., and has written for the central WV region via local outlets for more than 30 years. For ten years, she was the publisher and editor of Two-Lane Livin’ Magazine. She currently writes Two-Lane Renaissance, and her written work has appeared in GreenPrints Magazine, Memoir Magazine, DoveTales Magazine, and in two book collections: “Mountains Upon Mountains: New Appalachian Nature Writing,” and “Feminine Rising: Voices of Power & Invisibility.” She has also self-published five books.
Lisa lives not far from Faith Mountain and has been involved with Farm to Table and Farm to School initiatives in West Virginia and has served as a public librarian, college professor, publisher, editor, copywriter, news reporter, and in various other traditional academic and writing positions. However, she has determined that she is neither traditional nor academic, nor limited to writing.
Lynnette Boggs, In-House Cook:
Lynette has a passion for food. She has cooked for families, schools, bars, and restaurants for more than 30 years. She has provided meals for individuals and groups of over 200. “Cooking, for me,” she says, “is like taking a Valium. It’s my Zen thing.” She will be using and featuring locally sourced foods, many of them organic.
While meal times are scheduled during the retreat, Lynette will be on hand all day, happy to offer you something even if your hungry times don’t coincide with the meal schedule. Breakfasts will be made to order between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. to accommodate early birds and late risers alike. She will happily accommodate special diet concerns, however must add a $25 fee for the special service.
Lynette is especially known locally for her baking, and, her lasagna (meat and veggie, with homebaked garlic bread) is always a hit. She will be shopping for ingredients via local gardens, farmer’s markets, and small farms, and will be happy to show you pictures of her grandbabies.
Faith Mountain Ministries:
Faith Mountain is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian retreat consisting of 235 beautiful wooded acres in the Central Lakes Region of West Virginia. There are miles of hiking/biking trails and a 2 1/2 acre pond. The mountain features three, 2-bedroom cottages and a larger 7-bedroom two-story bunk house (Cedar House). Each location has air-conditioning, fully equipped kitchens (stove, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, pots, pans, utensils), and outdoor fire pit with a grate. 
The two-bedroom cottages are completely furnished with a gas fireplace, whirlpool bath, and two queen-sized beds upstairs. All cottages have a private back porch with a great view and a hammock. (Six private bedrooms available for this retreat.)
The Cedar House contains two levels. The Main Floor has four multi-occupant bedrooms, and the lower living area has three multi-occupant bedrooms (15 beds available for this retreat.)
Couch Surfer: If you are willing to sleep in a communal space and return your bed to couch position every morning, you can take $100 OFF the Bunkhouse Bards package price.
Reviews:
- From Previous Writing Workshops by Lisa:
“The workshop I attended with Lisa was very engaging. It even inspired me because I came away from the workshop with new story ideas to work on in the future. I plan to attend more of her workshops when they become available. Entertaining, Enlightening, and Engaging.” Elaine Satterfield, Bridgeport, WV
“I attended the Writer’s Workshop conducted by Lisa at Heritage Park and must say it was one of the best workshops I have attended in quite some time. The location, the exercises, and the food were excellent. I was able to accomplish my goal for the workshop, which was to come away with writings and drafts to take home and continue with my writing. The workshop was geared to participants of all levels of writing (which was an added bonus) and I know everyone came away with new writing.
I would not hesitate to attend any workshop conducted by Lisa and in fact, would attend this same workshop again if it were offered. I have recommended the workshop to numerous writing friends.” Sherrell Wigal (poet), Parkersburg, WV
“I recently attended a Writers’ Workshop presented by Lisa and was immensely pleased with my decision to attend. Lisa’s individual critique of one of my pieces was invaluable to me, that day, and moving forward in my writing. I am looking forward to attending future workshops with her.” Elaine Ferry, Big Springs, WV
“I would highly recommend workshops coordinated and facilitated by Ms. Minney. She is down-to-earth, humorous, and a wealth of knowledge. If you have the opportunity to attend, by all means, sign up quickly before they fill up!” Holly Knight, Calhoun County, WV
- For Faith Mountain:
“An amazing place to unplug and rejuvenate the internal batteries! Very beautiful, was able to really connect with some of my friends there.” John O.
“Faith Mountain is a beautiful, peaceful place to recharge and catch a break from the endless busyness of day-to-day life. I’ve been there twice now and both times I was able to return to the “real world” rejuvenated and ready to go. The lodging at Faith Mountain is clean and comfortable, and the property is fun to explore.” Jeff S.
“The entire property is filled with good vibes and great memories.” Leanne B.
Photo Slideshow and FAQ
What if my family needs to reach me?
Without reliable cell service and no internet, many wonder how they may check on children or how their families can reach them if needed. There is a landline phone in the offices of Faith Mountain. The phone number is 304-364-4019.
Can I bring my own food and snacks and opt out of meals?
You can bring whatever you like foodwise. Cabins have full kitchens and the bunkhouse has a communal kitchen separate from the in-house cook’s kitchen you are welcome to use. However, discounts are not provided for those who choose to skip or opt out of group meal options.
Can my friend and I bunk together?
Absolutely! Provided you register early enough to accommodate it.
Is there a way I can get a discount? This is a bit outside my budget.
Yes! In addition to the beds in the bunkhouse bedrooms, there are five comfortable sofa beds in communal living spaces. If you are willing to sleep in and keep your things in a communal space and return your bed to couch position every morning, you can call me for $100 OFF the Bunkhouse Bards package price.
How do I get there?
Faith Mountain is about 20-25 minutes from Interstate 79 at the Frametown Exit (1 Exit south of the junction of I-79 and Route 19) and about the same from Route 33. The address is 304 Burns Fork Rd, Rosedale, WV, United States, 26636. Be prepared to travel two-lane paved and one-lane gravel roads. You can get directions from your location at MapQuest here.
What should I bring?
Basic bedding and bathroom linens will be provided, however, you may want to bring your favorite pillow or blanket. Journals and pens will be provided, but you may prefer your own. You’ll need to bring your own soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc., and insect repellant is an excellent idea. Lawn chairs and ground blankets will allow you to set up anywhere on the property for writing away on the lawn or in the woods, however, there is outdoor seating available on all porches. Come prepared for seasonal weather. No license is required for pond fishing, so feel free to bring your fishing gear (no swimming). Drinks will be provided during meal times only. Communal refrigeration is available, so prepare accordingly.
Will men and women share sleeping spaces?
Great effort will be put forth to maintain gender-aligned rooming and housing. Shared bunk rooms are as follows: a. no less than 2 people, b. no less than 3 people, and c. no less than five people. If you need a guarantee of gender-alike and/or gender-same bunking, you should purchase a private room package. If you are willing to sleep on a sofa bed in a communal space to ensure gender and/or personal bunking boundaries, refer to the discount question listed above.
Do I have to do everything listed on the itinerary?
No. If you want to hide in your room, curl up on a porch, or perch in the woods all weekend, that’s fine. The in-house cook will feed you outside meal times (during the day), and sessions are not classes but brief gatherings designed to enhance your retreat experience and further empower your creative work.
Can I focus my writing time on a specific work in progress?
Absolutely.
Do I need to bring a work in progress, an ongoing project?
Absolutely not. The entire weekend will be sprinkled with writing prompts, prompt activities, and writing prompt games.
Can I drink alcohol?
We do not impose strict guidelines on alcohol, medical cannabis, or psilocybin use. However, we expect consumption to be in moderation and any related or influenced behavior to be respectful and remain at levels that do not infringe upon others’ comfort levels, personal space, or personal boundaries. No one can smoke indoors. Cabins have private refrigeration, the bunkhouse has shared refrigeration.
What’s your cancellation policy? And the terms and conditions?
All retreat participants must be 18 years old or older, unless with a legal guardian.
Liability: by registering you understand that this is an indoor/outdoor group activity in a natural environment and will not hold the host or event coordinator liable for accidents.
Cancellation Policy: Your payment reserves your room, meals, and space in the retreat. Cancellations 60 days prior to retreat start date are refundable minus $150. Cancellations made after 60 days prior to retreat start date are non-refundable. Reservations are fully transferable to another guest.
Can I come for just part of the retreat?
For the benefit of everyone, we ask that all participants commit to attending the entire retreat, arriving for the beginning of the retreat and staying until the end.
What, exactly, does the price cover?
Welcome Gift Bag and Swag
Three nights lodging
Eight fresh cooked meals using locally sourced and home made foods
Seven experience enhancement sessions
Access to 235 acres of woodlands with hiking trails, pond, horseshoe pits, fire rings, and more.
I’m an urbanite, city-slicker, or just not normally “outdoorsy.” What else should I know?
In a woodsy environment, the most reasonable concern will be ticks. If you plan to hike or spend much time outdoors, you should consider wearing insect repellant and/or a hat. Locals also tuck their pant cuffs into their socks or hiking boots, and check their scalp and body for ticks whenever retiring indoors. Ticks can carry Lyme Disease, but if found and caught early, can be easily treated.
Poison Ivy is a vine with three leaves that, if touched, will cause a miserable oozing and itching patch on the skin. Leaves of three? Let it be. If you think you may have touched poison ivy, as soon as possible and with COLD water, wash and lather for a full minute, then scrub the invisible oils off the skin with a rag or washcloth, then rinse.
Wandering off trail or into unkempt areas is not wise. In tall grasses, there are tiny little bugs called chiggers that make you itch like crazy in spite of repellant, and they like some people more than others. Other critters hide in tall grasses as well. Going off trail can also cause you to get seriously lost, as Faith Mountain is just a part of the Bear Fork Wilderness, a vast forested region with few paths through, where even locals sometimes get turned around.
Mountain and hilltops feel breezes more consistently than valleys. In addition, evenings and nights can run cool. Bring a jacket, and though basic bedding is provided, you may want to bring an extra blanket.
You are likely to encounter deer, turtles, lizards, a variety of bugs, mostly harmless snakes, chipmunks, mice (outdoors), squirrels, and a variety of birds. There are high chances of hearing coyote howl in the night, and whipporwhill calling back and forth. The chances of encountering a bear are very low, provided we don’t draw them in with food left outdoors. Foods outside at night will also draw raccoons, oppossums, ants, etc. who will make quite a mess.
When encountering any wildlife, the best option is to stop moving, remain still, and give them the right-of-way.
If you have allergies, you may want to bring some allergy medication.
Registration opens April 1. Due to limited space, you must email or call 304-354-9132 to register. Credit cards, Paypal, and checks are accepted.
Private Cottage Room: $525.00 (6 Spaces Available)
Bunkhouse Bard Bed: $400.00 (15 Spaces Available)
Comfy Sleeper Couch: $300.00 (8 Spaces Available)
Tent Camper: $250 (Unlimited Camping Space Available)