Self-Directed Retreats
For questions about self-directed retreats, contact program lead Andy Verboom at communications@writers.ns.ca
Self-Directed Retreats (one or two weeks in length) are open to Nova Scotian, Canadian, and international writers. Applicants should apply in creative groups (of two to five) but may also apply as solo writers. Self-Directed Retreats are private and provided at-cost: a base rate of $440 per week + $110 per week per creative resident.
Self-Directed Retreat applications are assessed by WFNS staff, with results returned within two weeks of the application deadline. Upon confirming dates for a Self-Directed Retreat, the group must pay a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total retreat cost, with the balance due 30 days before the retreat start date. All fees support the continued operation of the Jampolis Cottage Residency Program.
All retreats begin on Sunday at noon (12 pm) and end on Saturday at noon (12 pm). A one-week retreat runs 7 days and 6 nights, while a two-week retreat runs 14 days and 13 nights.
All retreats are private: WFNS schedules only one creative group (or one solo writer) during any given retreat week. It is permitted to host social guests or additional creatives, who may stay for up to two nights per week, but no monetary compensation may be accepted in return for hosting.
Our selection process prioritizes group applications, which are open to groups of writers working on separate literary projects; to groups that include some non-literary artists and non-literary projects; and to groups working on collaborative projects that include literary elements.
Jampolis Cottage has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, including one bedroom and one bathroom on the ground floor. In a group of five, two residents would need to share the upstairs Blomidon Room (sharing its queen bed or sleeping in the queen bed and on the provided rollaway cot) and two residents would need to share the upstairs Cowslip Room (sleeping in the queen bed and on the single daybed). The ground-floor Thomas Raddall Room is single-occupancy and (upon the completion of accessibility renovations) will be the only physically accessible bedroom for users of wheelchairs, scooters, and most other mobility aids. This accommodation capacity is an important consideration should any residents be accompanied by personal attendants, service animals, or dependants or domestic pets who require care.
A group application may include non-literary artists or non-literary projects. However, the group must include at least one writer who will be working on a literary project during the proposed Self-Directed Retreat. If the group will be working collaboratively on a single project, that project must include literary elements. Regardless of project discipline, all artistic materials used must be low-impact, suitable for use within a shared domestic space and for clean-up by the writers/artists without damage to Jampolis Cottage or its utilities, fixtures, or furniture.
To be considered for a Self-Directed Retreat, the applying group must meet the following criteria.
- All applicants in the group must be 19 years of age of older by the current application deadline.
- All applicants in the group must be applying for their first stay at Jampolis Cottage in the calendar year.
- If applying for a retreat that will take place in 2026, for example, no applicant in your group can have already stayed at Jampolis Cottage as a resident in 2026. (If the applicant has stayed for a few nights as the guest of a resident, however, they are still eligible.)
- At least one applicant in the group must propose a literary project; alternatively, the group may propose a collaborative project that includes literary elements.
Each Self-Directed Retreat application package must contain the components below (two components per applicant in the group). Each application package must be submitted as a single digital document (in .doc or .pdf format). Incomplete or file-unreadable application packages may be deemed ineligible.
A. One literary or creative CV/resume (1 to 2 pages in length) per applicant (single-spaced; in 12-pt Times New Roman or Arial font). This applies equally to any applicants working on non-literary projects.
- Each applicant may include relevant education (degrees, workshops, mentorships, etc.); publications & accomplishments (awards, previous residencies, etc.); public presentation experience (readings, performances, panels, exhibitions, etc.); and/or teaching/instruction experience.
- Applicants who are new or emerging writers may submit a 1-page letter of support from a more established writer or literary mentor in lieu of a literary CV/resume.
B. One letter of intent (1 page in length) per applicant (single-spaced; in 12-pt Times New Roman or Arial font). This applies equally to any group members working on non-literary projects.
- Each applicant should briefly describe the project(s) they will work on; the goals they hope to accomplish; and their work plan for the retreat period.
- Collaborative groups may submit a single 2-page letter of intent for the entire group in lieu of letters from each group member.
If you require assistance in completing or submitting a Self-Directed Retreat application (whether technical, accessibility-related, or otherwise), please contact communications@writers.ns.ca before the application deadline.
When new available weeks are announced, Self-Directed Retreat applications will be opened for a period of at least one week. All applicants (in all applying groups) will be notified of results by email within two weeks of the application deadline.
As described below, our selection process both prioritizes group applications and includes random selection. This departure from the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia’s standard peer-assessment model substantially reduces application fees and wait times for results while also reflecting our efforts to share Jampolis Cottage with as many writers as possible each year.
- Application packages are assessed by Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia staff and deemed eligible or ineligible, with eligible applications divided into two pools: group applications, and solo-writer applications. Applications are not otherwise ranked.
- For each available week, a recipient is randomly selected from the pool of eligible group applications declaring interest in that week. Larger groups (e.g., of four or five) are not prioritized over smaller groups (e.g., of two or three).
- If no group applications declare interest in an available week, a recipient is randomly selected from the pool of eligible solo-writer applications declaring interest in that week.
All random selection is performed by a true random number generator (see random.org). For additional details or clarification, please contact communications@writers.ns.ca.
Upon offer of a Self-Directed Retreat, selected groups have one week to confirm dates and pay a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total retreat fee. The balance of the fee is due 30 days before the retreat begins.
| Per week at Jampolis Cottage | 1 resident* | 2 residents* | 3 residents* | 4 residents* | 5 residents* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total fee | $550.00 | $660.00 ($330.00 per resident) | $770.00 ($256.66 per resident) | $880.00 ($220.00 per resident) | $990.00 ($198.00 per resident) |
| Deposit (single payment preferred; due on booking) | $137.50 | $165.00 ($82.50 per resident) | $192.50 ($64.16 per resident) | $220.00 ($55.00 per resident) | $247.50 ($49.50 per resident) |
| Balance (multiple payments welcome; due 30 days before retreat start date) | $412.50 | $495.00 ($247.50 per resident) | $577.50 ($192.50 per resident) | $660.00 ($165.00 per resident) | $742.50 ($148.50 per resident) |
* There is no charge for essential companions, including caregivers, family members requiring care, personal attendants, and service animals—but please consider them with respect to the sleeping capacity of Jampolis Cottage.
* Consider making a tax-deductible pet cleaning donation ($50 recommended) if one or more pets will be staying overnight during your group's retreat.
Applications are accepted only through the form at the bottom of this page. Please note that completing the application form is the final step in our recommended application checklist:
- Ensure your group’s eligibility.
- Ensure your group’s application package is complete and correct. In the event of an error, contact WFNS to explain the issue before submitting a revised application package. No application package or correction can be accepted after the program deadline.
- Pay the $10 Self-Directed Retreat application fee. This fee covers most but not all of the assessment costs for each application. As such, this fee cannot be refunded under any circumstance, including incomplete, ineligible, or unsuccessful applications. If any member of your group is a current General Member of WFNS, please skip fee payment altogether: Self-Directed Retreat applications are entirely free for those with current WFNS General Membership, which is open to anyone with an interest in creative writing, regardless of writing experience or place of residence.
To pay fee by phone, call us between 10am and 3pm on weekdays at 902 423 8116 with your credit card details.
To pay fee by mail, send a cheque (payable to “Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia”) post-dated for no later than the application deadline.
- Complete and submit the online application form, visible at the bottom of this page when applications are being accepted. After clicking the “Submit application” button, please wait until you see the confirmation message (that your form has been successfully submitted) before exiting this page.
Applications will be accepted from Oct 9 to 24, 2025
For Self-Directed Retreats to be undertaken between Feb 15 and May 23, 2026
Applications for the following weeks
will be accepted from Apr 3 to 17, 2025:
May 25 – May 31, 2025
July 6 – July 12, 2025
July 13 – July 19, 2025
Aug 17 – Aug 23, 2025
Oct 12 – Oct 18, 2025
Oct 19 – Oct 25, 2025
Oct 26 – Nov 1, 2025
Nov 16 – Nov 22, 2025
Nov 23 – Nov 29, 2025
Nov 30 – Dec 6, 2025
Applications for the above dates will be accepted until 11:59pm (Atlantic) on April 17.
Applications for the 13 weeks from Feb 22 through May 23, 2026, will be accepted from Oct 9 to 24, 2025.
Application form
For general questions or further information, please contact program lead Andy Verboom (communications@writers.ns.ca). Requests for technical, accessibility, or financial application assistance can be received only until the application deadline.
