Weekend at the Manor: Into the Underworld

Into the Underworld: A Writers Gathering
A four-night writing retreat at an Appalachian manor · January 7–11, 2027

The mythic descent into the underworld is present in many old stories. Inanna passes through seven gates and leaves something behind at each one. Persephone eats the pomegranate seeds, returning to the earth only partially the same. Orpheus sings his way into the dark and turns around too soon. The descent is where a story breaks open, and where a writer finds out what it's truly about.

In the first days of the new year, while the mountains are bare and the nights are long, five writers will gather at my home, a historic manor in Hendersonville, North Carolina, to descend into their work and come back up with pages.

Appalachian folklore says the first twelve days of January rule the twelve months ahead, with each day's weather forecasting its month. We'll arrive in the middle of those ruling days, lean into the lore, and descend into the dark months together.

Before you arrive, you'll read one another's pages. Over the weekend, each writer receives a full 60-minute session of feedback and support from the group. Each morning I lead a craft hour on the underworld: the shape of the descent, the underworld as a place (cellars, caves, graves, the ground beneath a story), the toll and the return. The rest of the day is yours to write, in a room of your own, in a house with plenty of stories of its own.

Every day brings home-cooked meals at the manor table, and the kitchen stays stocked all day for grazing between writing sessions. Hot tea, coffee, beer, wine, and cocktails are always on hand.

In the evenings, we will gather in the dining room for a meal, wine, and conversation. Thursday is arrival night, and we will spend it together, getting to know one another. Friday through Sunday, a guest writer, industry expert, or storyteller joins us for dinner. On Monday, we will share one last breakfast before we say farewell.

This offering is an all-inclusive retreat for five writers, four nights, and a descent into the underworld.

The details:

• Dates: Arrive Thursday, January 7 at 3 PM; depart Monday, January 11 after breakfast, by 11 AM.

• Group size: Five writers plus Shelby Bundy, the hostess.

• Included: Four nights' lodging, all meals and drinks, three craft hours, a group feedback session on your pages, and three guest dinners

• Your pages: Up to 15 pages of any work in progress, due December 14

• Dinner guests: [To be announced]

• King Room, En-Suite (2 available): $2,900

• The Loraine (Attic Room-1 king, 2 queen in a shared suite), Private Hall Bath: $2,500

Because you'll be staying in my family's home, every guest completes a short application and a brief video call before booking. You can learn more about me, your hostess and writing companion by clicking here, or visiting ShelbyBundy.com.