The brainchild of the Writing Away vision and original CEO & Founder of
Writing Away Retreats
Make no mistake. When it came to hosting a venue, no one could make it look easier than Cicily Janus. Her love of people--especially writerly people--was her most notable aspect. I never knew the true definition of "lighting up a room" until I met Cicily. And folks gravitated towards her. Magnetic. Warm. Charming. Funny. The life of the party. And the brainchild of the Writing Away concept, to give writers the boost they need in mind, body, career, and spirit through good advice, good food, valuable feedback, and solid industry connections. We have resurrected her dream with Writing Away Refuge.
"I know what it's like to be where you are...the first book, the first sale, the first of many successes happened for me, but only after years of hard work and the right contacts within the industry. Establishing yourself as a writer and gaining the respect of the industry professionals you need to know are difficult at best... Finding the time in your life to ensure that this happens for you is even more difficult.
This is where I come in.
Nourishing careers in the arts is what I do best. I invite you to come aboard to experience not only a boost in your career but also your spirit. While at Writing Away, you'll be taken care of in every way. I can promise that this will be an experience you will never forget. Take this year to make the investment in your mind, body, career and spirit."
--Cicily Janus, original founder of Writing Away Retreats
We lost Cicily to Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 2016 at the age of 39. Besides hosting her incredible retreats, she was an accomplished musician, an amazing cook, a loving mother to three beautiful girls, and the author of THE NEW FACE OF JAZZ, published by Random House in 2010. And she was my friend. And I made her a promise to continue Writing Away in whatever capacity I could manage. Writing Away Refuge is that promise kept. This debut retreat is dedicated to Cicily and her vision that writing is a personal journey, and a retreat hosted for writers should embody that journey to the fullest. So, in Cicily's honor, we invite you to join us for a writers' retreat unlike any you've experienced before.
Thank you, Cicily. Truly.
--Lee Ann Ward