Writing Retreats
Sidea Alladice, 2024 Emerging Poetry Course
Evadne Anderson, 2023 Emerging Writers’ Course
“Sage Hill was a truly life-changing experience. The thoughtful intensity of uninterrupted time with our writing was unlike anything else in the world, and it wasn’t just the writing that was critical to Sage Hill as an experience–it was time to walk, eat, talk, bond, work, write, and grow as writers with and alongside other poets, and it was time to learn from an intelligent, spiritually knowledgable, philosophical mentor. This mentorship, both poet-poet and instructor-student pushed me to reconsider my way of examining, interacting with, and writing poetry in the English language. Sage Hill is truly magical.”
Student, 2025 Spring Poetry Colloquium
“Neil Aitken is an incredible teacher and a most generous mentor. The written info on craft, references to other poets whose work might intersect with ours…everything he shared with us is invaluable. Two one-on-one times with Neil to discuss/critique my work was also invaluable. We had 3 group workshops to read and discuss our poems. Neil’s insights helped me through many revisions and provided pathways to future revisions. Neil’s humble manner, kindness, humour, generosity and excellence in teaching and mentorship surpassed all of my expectations. I highly recommend him as a Sage Hill instructor.”
Joan Stewart, 2025 Emerging Poetry Course
“The immense privilege of getting to reacquaint myself with my novel at Sage Hill is one I will be trying to use wisely for a long time. The chance to connect with such inspiring fellow writers, have all logistic needs taken care of by kind and dedicated organizers, and receive one on one feedback from an author as accomplished, engaged, and generous as Madeleine Thien, was a dream. I’m so grateful.”
Nicole Smith, 2025 Fiction Course
“The online program was exceptional. Our group connected with honesty and vulnerability, and we wouldn’t have been able to do that without the welcoming space Joshua and the staff created for us. We’re still meeting a couple of times a month. The events were smoothly run and Michael Trussler’s keynote was inspiring. I’m still thinking about it and how his ideas interact with my own writing.”
Student, 2025 Emerging Prose Course
“Vern is an amazing facilitator. I like how he gathered consensus before starting about the focus of the playwriting workshop group sessions. I learned a lot about practical tools for the craft of revision, as well as dialogue techniques and the business of writing plays. I appreciated Vern’s warmth, humour and encouragement in our one-on-one meetings. He has a great eye for the specifics of the next steps needed for my play, and gave great input on raising the stakes of the characters. I truly felt “seen”, understood, and validated for my writing.”
Leanne Griffin, 2025 Playwriting Course
“Sage Hill offered me the time to engage undistracted and in a concentrated period of time with Poetry, and with my own poetry practice. The schedule was a perfect balance of time spent together in class, time one-on-one with Mike, and time alone with the page. As for meeting other poets, this workshop was dreamy. The poets I met at Sage Hill are my forever poet people. I have never met such a generous, smart, funny, kind group of poets. They are serious about writing. We will continue to meet online to offer each other feedback on our writing. And Mike Trussler is a poetry genius – writer, reader and teacher and builder of poetry community. Vive Mike Trussler! And long live Sage Hill.”
Jane Macdonald, 2025 Poetry Course
“I am filled with gratitude as a participant in the Sage Hill Creative Nonfiction workshop with Jenna Butler. Jenna was the perfect instructor for me at this time in my project. Her knowledge and passion for writing craft and experience in lyrical nonfiction aligned with my goals so well. I would recommend any workshop with Jenna! I liked the intensity and immersion of the program schedule. The Sage Hill vibe is one of encouragement, and it was a joy to be connected with a cohort of serious creative writers. I’d recommend Sage Hill to any writer interested in developing their literary craft and networks.”
Risa Horowitz, 2025 Nonfiction Course
“I really grew as a writer at Sage Hill. It wasn’t just the writing time and Madeline Thein, it was the collective vibe of Sage Hill. From the moment I stepped on the shuttle to St. Peters College, I felt totally supported and encouraged in every way. I can’t think of a more inspiring and productive week!”
Ian Bullock, 2025 Fiction Course
“I was pleasantly surprised to find the online program was very engaging. The group and our mentor Joshua were fantastic. It was a rich, inspiring and thoroughly enjoyable experience. I come away with a renewed sense of myself as a writer and a stronger commitment to my writing.”
Lori Gandy, 2025 Emerging Prose Course
Youth Programs
“Shane was very articulate and clear. He gave us information on the different writing styles that were helpful and he gave ample time for writing and workshopping. The comments he gave us were clear and insightful and really helpful for our progress. He also made time for one-on-one meetings and created a safe space.”
Student, 2025 Online Teen Writers’ Workshop
“Madonna helped us work on a lot of different useful techniques when writing such as effectively expressing and creating good characters, painting a background and poetry. She was very encouraging and always gave insightful feedback on our writing.”
Student, 2025 Online Young Writers’ Workshop
“My instructor, Miss Shauna, did lots of poem exercises and morning writing. Her teaching style was very calming; no pressure to write quickly. She was very good!”
Olivia, 2025 Prince Albert Young Writers’ Workshop
“Ms. Powell was an incredible teacher, she had a clear and steady voice, the feedback was helpful, and had some amazing points to help us in the future.”
Summer, 2025 Regina Teen Writers’ Workshop
“Hanging out and interacting with other writers was invaluable, and we’ve all stayed in contact with each other afterwards.”
Otto, 2025 Saskatoon Teen Writers’ Workshop
“The Sage Hill online teen writing workshop provided a great opportunity for a group of young writers to come together, build their skills, and build a community of fellow writers. From my perspective, it’s invaluable.”
Shane Arbuthnott, 2025 Online Teen Writers’ Workshop Instructor