Pen, Path, & Presence - A Fiction Writing Workshop
Join Alessia Dickson, bestselling YA fantasy author, for a transformative weekend of creative writing, community, and growth at the Dharma Centre of Canada.
Course Overview
Immerse yourself in a journey of self-discovery and storytelling. Drawing on her years of experience as an award-winning author, Alessia invites aspiring writers to tap into their unique voice and explore their diverse stories that live within.
Workshop Format
• Morning journaling sessions with prompts that spark inspiration and presence
• Guided forest walks and sensory explorations to ignite imagination
• Optional meditations and movement sessions to nurture the writing process
• Writers' craft talks, inspired by Alessia's own process of plotting, world-building, character development, and publishing
• Writing and sharing circles with a chance to discuss your work and receive feedback
• Dedicated self-writing time inside and outside on the Dharma Centre's stunning 400-acre property
Why Attend
• Build confidence in your storytelling through practical workshops and community support
• Honour your writer's voice and nurture your imaginative freedom
• Explore writing as a mindful practice, regardless of experience level
About Alessia Dickson
Alessia Dickson is a bestselling YA fantasy author who published her debut novel at sixteen. Her award-winning series, The Crystal Chronicles, has received recognition from the Purple Dragonfly Award and the Order of the City of Vaughan. As a youth empowerment advocate and experienced public speaker, Alessia specializes in guiding emerging writers to find their voice and pursue their creative dreams.. Currently, she's working on her new YA fantasy book, The Claires, exploring dharmic teachings through a fantastical lens.
Alessia's experience is an inspiration for writers seeking to cultivate creative authenticity and lasting growth in their craft. Her workshops are a haven for aspiring writers, crafted to spark imagination and bring forth genuine, raw, stories that resonate with power and depth.
Writing coach Evan Williams is an 8th generation apple farmer, and award-winning novelist who resides in western North Carolina USA. His books include Ripples and One Apple at a Time. He holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Important Details
When: September 5-7, 2025
Please plan to arrive between 3-5pm on the first day. The retreat will begin with a property orientation at 5:30pm followed by a light supper and the first evening class and will finish after lunch on the final day.
Rates: $276 Non-member / $250 Member
(To find out how to become a member please visit our membership page)
Rates include: Single accommodation and all meals. They do not include instructor fees. Teachers are sharing their experiences within the traditional Buddhist understanding of Dana. To understand more about Dana, please read the following:
What is Dana? Teachers give the teachings of awakening (Dharma) freely so that anyone, no matter their financial means can attend classes. Each time one receives teachings, it is an opportunity to consciously practice generosity. Giving money and other means of support expresses gratitude and support to the teacher and helps to ensure that these teachings continue. Each person receiving Dharma teachings determines the kind and amount of Dāna according to one’s heart and one’s financial means. When deciding how much to offer, one should think about what these teachings mean to you and try to give accordingly. It is recommended that students make an offering of dāna at the beginning of a class or retreat to establish the intention to make the most of this opportunity for one’s own progression and for the benefit of all others.
Deposit: A 50% deposit is required to hold your space upon registration.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations are subject to a $100 fee, which will support other low-income practitioners through our Practitioner Support Fund.
If cancellation occurs within 14 days of the retreat start date, 50% of the deposit (equivalent to 25% of the total retreat cost) will be forfeited. These funds will be directed to the Uplifted Property Fund to support the Renewal Project.