Your story matters.

Come with curiosity;

leave with momentum.

We offer week-long retreats and weekend writing intensives for small groups of women and non-binary writers who want to strengthen their work, deepen their creative practice, and navigate publication with greater confidence.

Here, you can make space for yourself and your writing.

Living room with large front-facing windows showing trees and sky, wooden vaulted ceiling, beige furniture, plants, side tables, lamp, fireplace, and a rug.

  • “Spending a week at Rowland Cottage was transformational for my creative practice. I realized I can now call myself a writer!"

    -Mary

  • "We left feeling so well fed, creatively recharged, and physically relaxed. My mind is clear and ready to keep doing the work."

    —Michelle

  • "If you want to sharpen your craft, tap into a creative community, and write in paradise, this retreat is a must.”

    —Julie

  • "The morning sessions were wonderful -- thoughtful, engaging, useful, and rich with information. Thank you for a wonderful, inspirational week. It was a magical time."

    -Lorri

  • "The 1-1 sessions with Jen and Morag were invaluable and I took our shared insights back home with me. Amazing experience."

    -Anandi

Your Guides

Jennifer Robin Wilson

Jennifer (she/her) is a writer, editor, certified coach, business consultant, and facilitator with a background in midwifery and non-profit leadership. Throughout her careers, she has had a passion for guiding people through transformative life experiences. She holds an MBA in leadership and an MFA in creative nonfiction. Jennifer’s work has appeared in Zoomer, West Coast Families, Study Travel News, and the Brevity blog. Her first book, The Heart of Homestay: Creating Meaningful Connections When Hosting International Students was published in 2025.

Founder & Facilitator

Morag Wehrle

Morag (she/her) is an author and educator who writes at the intersection of culture, health, and history. Her work spans fiction, non-fiction, and academia, and has been included in various anthologies and literary magazines including Beyond Blue (Caitlin Press) and The Villains' Club (Divine Feminine Press), with upcoming pieces for The Fiddlehead and two Demeter Press anthologies about feminist mothering. She holds an MFA in creative non-fiction from the University of King's College. Morag lives and writes on the traditional unceded territories of the WSANEC peoples on Vancouver Island.

Facilitator (June)
Facilitator (September)

Alex Van Tol

Alex is an author, story coach, writing instructor, editor, and somatic coach all rolled into one. The written word is her discipline and her gift. Over the years, she’s helped authors break into print and win awards. She’s the author of 15 books published by four traditional houses in multiple genres (YA, middle grade fiction, and nonfiction). Alex is a Gene Keys hippie, a student of Human Design, and a deep dabbler in astrology. She’s a somatic coach who helps people process emotion at the level of the nervous system, and practices in connection with the Hendricks Institute.

  • "Rowland Cottage permitted me the space, in all senses of the word, to truly reflect on how I will continue to be a creative person in the world."

    —Mary

  • " Our instructors, Morag and Jen, were incredible. They balanced sharp, professional insights with warm encouragement that helped me see my draft in a completely new light."

    —Julie

  • "Jen and Morag were thoughtful hosts and paid great attention to detail. The meals were delicious and well-balanced, and our hosts accommodated my many food allergies."

    -Anandi

  • "Both Jen and Morag were tireless and unflappable; their energy was enviable. They created a comfortable and supportive environment."

    -Lorri

The Rowland Cottage Retreat Experience

  • MFA-level craft workshops, one-on-one coaching, and honest conversations about the writing life and publishing.

    Workshops are curated to the needs of each group. Past workshop topics have included: Whole-Body Writing; Finding Your Voice; Structural Editing; Build Your Creative Practice; Self-Editing Strategies; Nonfiction Book Proposals; Designing the Reader Journey; Getting More From Scrivener; and more.

  • Every day you’ll have uninterrupted hours to focus on your work without the distractions of everyday life. Sound like a dream? Here, it’s a reality.

  • With a maximum of six participants, our retreats promise strong bonds and meaningful connection.

    Writers may choose to share their work during the week and are encouraged to read an excerpt during our Author Salon, but this is optional.

    Our writers encourage one another without the pressure of traditional peer feedback and artificial networking.

  • Our facilitators are available to meet with you for 1:1 coaching and mentorship during the week.

    You get to choose how to use this time: for editorial feedback, platform strategy, book proposal evaluation, structural brainstorming. You may opt for professional coaching on an area where you feel stuck, like making time to write, procrastination, or organizing your approach to pitching. You can even do an oracle card reading designed to give you a fresh perspective on your writing practice or work in progress.

    Regardless of your topic, you’ll leave with greater clarity and concrete action steps to carry your writing forward.

  • Your home for the week is at an historic lakeside cottage where the peacefulness of nature, great local food, and generous guidance will foster deep, creative work.

Contact Jennifer

  • "There is much natural beauty here - the lake, trees, birds, even deer. I felt connected to myself and my writing during my stay."

    —Anandi

  • "The morning sessions were wonderful -- thoughtful, engaging, useful, and rich with information. Thank you for a wonderful, inspirational week. It was a magical time."

    —Lorri

Upcoming Retreats

Don’t see a date here that works for you? Join our mailing list for updates.

We can also curate personalized retreats for your writing group. Guest facilitators are available for special topics. Let’s create something special!

  • Now taking reservations for our signature Trillium Retreat. Reach out with any questions. If you’re ready to secure your spot, apply here.

  • Can’t spare a week off work? Come for a weekend to hit reset on your creative practice and make some headway with your writing.

    This weekend is focused on memoir, though writers of creative nonfiction are also welcome.

    See the Fern Retreat for more details.

  • Now taking reservations for our signature Trillium Retreat. Reach out with any questions. If you’re ready to secure your spot, apply here.

  • Can’t spare a week off work? Come for a weekend to hit reset on your creative practice and make some headway with your writing.

    This weekend will be focused on prescriptive nonfiction, though memoir writers are also welcome.

    See the Fern Retreat for more details.

  • Can’t spare a week off work? Come for a weekend to hit reset on your creative practice and make some headway with your writing.

    This weekend will be focused on memoir, though writers of nonfiction are also welcome.

    See the Fern Retreat for more details.

  • Planning ahead? Now taking reservations for our signature Trillium Retreat. Reach out with any questions. If you’re ready to secure your spot, apply here. It’s never too soon!

  • Planning ahead? Join our waiting list and be the first to hear confirmed dates for 2027!

Get in touch

Contact

Interested in learning more? Visit our FAQ page, see the rooms, see the program & rates, find out how to get here, or read about the activities available at the cottage.

Still have questions? We are here to help!