BATH – Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance will host a spring writing retreat May 8 to 13 at the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts on Deer Isle.

The retreat is a part of a pilot programming initiative that builds upon the success of the alliance annual retreat weekend in the fall.

“A feasibility study was conducted last year to determine the expansion potential of this very popular weekend, the results of which were released in September 2007, and the recommendation was to proceed with a longer series of programming,” said Executive Director Shonna Humphrey. “If this spring retreat is successful, it could lead to longer term financial stability for the organization.”

The retreat will include an a la carte menu of workshops, individual critiques, solo writing time and professional seminars. Instructors will include Suzanne Strempek Shea, Cynthia Thayer, Christian Barter and Jaed Coffin.

Special guests will include Sarah L Thomson, Kirsten Cappy and Clare Tully. Workshops are available for the full spectrum of writing experience, from MFA graduates and professionals in the publishing industry to new and emerging writers.

The Maine Community Foundation has supported fellowship opportunities, and the deadline for fellowship applications is Thursday, March 20. Writers from rural and underserved areas are encouraged to apply. Registration materials are available at www.mainewriters.org.