More on Songwriters Sleepaway Camp

SUNDAY evening arrival is an option. The place is an island in Lake Winnepesauke owned and managed by Appalachian Mountain Club. Several people have asked me about the possibiility of part-time, enough so that I will try to accomodate that request.

If part-time, i.e. Sunday-Weds, is of interest to you please contact me soon, preferably right now. Seeking a couple of people to assist with cooking and cleanup couple of hours a day. In return they get a substantial discount. Although most of the participants will be at least semi-pro songwriters, novices are encouraged. If you know someone (poet, musician, writer) who has been hesistant to take the plunge into lyricism this a great opportunity to put aside the excuses and do it.

Yes, I David Champagne am organizing this jamboree. I have done some similar things in the last few years and found them a real spur to creativity. Direct any questions to me. Write. Call. Stop me on the street. A deposit of $100 dollars holds your spot. I know how hard it is to make time. Who is more deserving than you? Three Recommendations:

1) Start collecting all your favorite half songs, stray choruses and juicy riffs in a folder either on your computer or the Manila kind in whatever form will make it easy for you to play them. Soon they will be able to leave their sad orphan years behind them and become intregral members of real, finished songs.

2) Every morning when you get up write three unedited pages of whatever comes into you head, the less pondering the better.You will be joining a virtual community of thousands of artists doing the same thing. You can find more info on the practice and benefits at http:// paperartstudio.tripod.com/artistsway/id3.html and in the Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.
Or just do it.

3) Stay Cool. You have probably been working on that one. PLease pass on the info to other songwriter's who may be interested even if you cannot attend yourself. myspace.com/davidchampagne

Songwriter’s Island Getaway Sept 18-22
Join a dozen of your peers on an island 2 hours from Boston; your own lakeside cabin, all meals prepared, no responsibilities... You know you could be productive if only you could get away from the phone, email and well- meaning friends and relatives.

This is an opportunity to put your creative life on a firmer foundation. Plenty of time to wander the paths in the acres of woods and then hunker down and turn those great half-baked ideas you’ve had kicking around into completed songs with or without a partner.

A ‘typical’ day might:

• Start with a swim and a light breakfast followed by Morning Pages and a session on how writer’s work including how to crack writer’s block.
• Then lunch on the big porch and some time for strumming or sketching out some ideas on Garage Band
• Siesta/swim and and afternoon discussion of making demos or a co-writing workshop.
• Twilight canoeing, big dinner and music into the night.
• Or retreat to the woods or your cabin at any point and chill or get busy as the mood strikes.

You will leave with new songs and a stimulating supportive network that will last far beyond the week.

$475 covers all meals, 4 night’s lodging and the opportunity. Bring two pals at full freight and get yourself $100 off.

Write Songs and discuss, share, love em here.

Hello,

Provide links to audio files hosted elsewhere (someday we might be able to host). Discuss, appreciate and talk amongst yourselves about what you've done. Let's see if this is helpful.

ellen