Nourishing the Writer's Soul - A Retreat Day for Writers at Kything Croft
A writer is someone who uses words to express ideas, tell stories, and convey meaning. Writers observe the world around them—and within them—and translate thoughts, emotions, and experiences into written form. Their writing may take many shapes: personal journaling, spiritual reflection, poetry, essays, blogs, books, articles, and so much more. The possibilities are endless! At the Well, we recognize that writers need rest and renewal on the writing journey. Amy Schmaljohn, gifted retreat leader and writer, has been facilitating a monthly Writers’ Circle for the past year at the Well. We are delighted to share that Amy is offering this soul nourishing retreat for writers at Kything Croft, a beautiful woodland property in northern Baltimore County that Amy and her husband care for deeply and reverently. With Amy’s gentle and inspiring guidance, we’ll slow down and enjoy time for rest, reflection and companionship in this beautiful setting with fellow writers on the journey. We’ll recharge our creative energies. We’ll share some experiences from our lives and practice as writers. We’ll have some fun and laughter along the way. This day is not intended as a workshop to read and refine writing that is emerging in our lives, but rather to connect to the creative spark within each of us and to kindle a bit of warmth and companionship as we bring those sparks together for the day. Join us for this special day of retreat and fellowship. Please bring a bag lunch and, of course, a journal and your favorite pen!
DATE: Saturday, August 8, 2026
TIME: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
COST: $75
LOCATION: Kything Croft, 19601 Gunpowder Road, Millers, MD 21102
REGISTRATION is required.
IMPORTANT: You will receive an email from programming@wellforthejourney.org at least 24 hours in advance of the start of your program. If you are unable to find the email, please check your SPAM or JUNK email folders. This email will include details to help you prepare for your program including any pertinent handouts, location information, and the ZOOM link for online programs. Please be sure you have received and read this email a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the start of the program. Thank you!
FACILITATOR: Amy Schmaljohn
FACILITATOR BIO: Amy Schmaljohn enjoyed a 35 year career as a leader and teacher in both higher education and at Friends School of Baltimore (Quaker). Her classrooms offered students opportunities to explore world literature and art, movements for nonviolent social transformation, and the human experience of religion across global traditions. A member of Gunpowder Friends Meeting (Quaker), she leads contemplative spiritual retreats in the tradition of the Religious Society of Friends and offers spiritual deepening programs for seekers in the Baltimore region. She is enlivened by the sharing of our stories, by the mystery and power of the written word, and by her daily encounters with the natural world just outside her doorstep. Amy and her husband Alan, a retired virologist, live in northwestern Baltimore County, where they steward seventeen acres of woodland, meadow and streams that have been placed in the Maryland Environmental Trust and serve as a gathering space for those seeking immersive experiences in nature.