Biscuit Box Writing Retreat
St. Brides, Newfoundland
Experience the rugged beauty of towering cliffs, the turbulent ocean, and the salty air of St. Bride’s, Newfoundland. A tiny writing paradise awaits, offering a week of guided writing activities, conversation, and time for independent work.
Writers spend their days at the table and in the wild, moving between the biscuit box and the surrounding land and sea. Ida Linehan Young, the writer in residence and owner, will provide feedback, support, and encouragement for your writing.
This retreat welcomes writers at every stage, whether you are just beginning, returning to your work, or looking to move it forward.
Writing Exercises
Practical writing prompts and exercises including show versus tell, developing multi-dimensional characters, and creating conflict. Writing evolution, inspiration, and ah-ha moments will come in the form of discussion, listening, reading (no pressure), and interacting, partnered with what you take in from writing in the wild.
Writing Support
Guidance, discussion, and mentorship from the writer-in-residence and owner, Ida Linehan Young. In the moment feedback plus a one-on-one meeting to provide constructive and critical feedback on a submitted piece of writing up to 5000 words.
A Simple, Cozy Environment
This is not a luxury retreat. If you’re seeking glamour and spa-like conditions, this may not be the place for you. Instead, think of it as a home away from home - quiet, comfortable, and free from distractions. It’s a space for focused writing, with the warmth of a cup of tea whenever you need it.
Daily Schedule
Morning: Writing prompts and exercises around 10am at the biscuit box house
Afternoon: Writing prompts and exercises in the wild
Evening: Readings and discussion around 7pm
Writing in the Wild
We will explore a variety of scenery to inspire your creativity, including:
St. Brides (wharf, rivers, fields, and bogs)
St. Brides Public Library (Thursday Social)
Cape St. Mary’s Seabird Sanctuary (with optional guided tour of the sea stack and bird colony)
Point Lance Beach
Branch Beach
Come prepared for rain, fog, wind, sun, and outdoor writing. As the saying goes: no bad weather, just bad clothing.
What
When
2026 Retreats
#1 - Monday April 20th at 2pm to Saturday April 25th at 11am
#2 - Monday July 6th at 2pm to Saturday July 11th at 11am
Where
4 Young’s Lane
St. Bride’s, Placentia Bay
Newfoundland and Labrador
Canada
How Much
Cost
$1,000 per person
Conditions
A $200 deposit is required to hold your spot
Full payment is due one month prior to arrival (deposit is non-refundable after this time)
Meals
A light lunch is included
Coffee, tea and small snacks are included
Breakfast and supper are not included, but we’re happy to provide local recommendations
Transportation
Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation
Ride Package
For those who prefer not to rent a vehicle, rides in my truck are available for an additional $300 per person, which includes:
Pickup and drop-off from the St. John’s Airport (YYT) or Argentia Ferry
Transportation to and from all scheduled excursions during the retreat
Daily pickup and drop-off between your accommodations (within St. Brides) and the biscuit box house
Space is limited. First-come first-served. Early booking is recommended!
Accommodations
Participants are responsible for their own accommodations
The Buscuit box Retreat House
The retreat home-base is a charming, old two-storey biscuit box house. The bathroom is located on the main level. In keeping with its historic character, the ceilings are low, floors are uneven in places, and outdoor surfaces are uneven as well - part of the house’s cozy, rustic charm!
Additional Information
What past participants had to say
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You have a talent to touch lives way beyond the tools and techniques of writing.
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This writing retreat was a profound look into the core of who I am as a writer, why I write, and what I write. I still have much to explore in this regard, but being able to freely talk, and talk often, with Ida and the others at the retreat was deeply helpful - and appreciated.
Exploring the area was a highlight too. My creativity is inspired and supported by the more-than-human world and natural environments, and the ever-changing moods of the skies, landscapes, and seas at and around this location uncovered ideas and feelings that I tried to put into words. Overall, the retreat was a life-shifting experience for me.
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A very inclusive, safe and fun environment to learn. Ida makes herself available to her participants for coaching, critiquing or any assistance required. She provides honest feedback offering suggestions in a supportive kind manner.
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It was about the act and art of writing, about feeling that my words were important and necessary to advance my life experience. It was also about being willing to let go of how I write and try writing in a different way. Piein air writing is so inspirational, freeing up. It creates the atmosphere that is perfect for writing in the moment. The effects of my writing at Point Lance and the Cape Mary sanctuary are still playing out in what I’m working on now. The prompts were great for shutting off that little voice in my head that said the sentences had to be…right. I learned the sentence simply had to be.
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It was a very positive experience.
Send a Message
Ready to book or have a question? Send me a message below!