A LAKESIDE WRITING RETREAT
With Guest Teacher JONATHA BROOKE
October 14-18, 2026
Wildwood Resort & Marina in Granville, Tennessee
Limited to 8 Alumni of Performing Songwriter Creative Workshops.
Tucked away in the rolling hills by Cordell Hull Lake, Wildwood Resort & Marina is a hidden Tennessee Treasure. Just an hour’s drive from Nashville, a small group of eight students, along with Lydia and Jonatha Brooke, will spend three full days writing, singing and enjoying fall sunsets on the Cumberland Plateau.
You will have 4 nights in your own in boutique waterfront room with a private bath in the Lakeside Inn. The two-story Inn has covered porches, sits right on the water’s edge and has breathtaking views in every direction. Each room is outfitted with Belgian linens, a sumptuous king-size bed, a spacious bathroom with walk-in showers, thick terry cloth robes and towels, large flat screen television and a covered porch with rockers. Also included in your room is a mini refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker, and wi-fi is available on the property.
Jonatha will lead classes in the morning with writing prompts and creative discussions, and then everyone will have their afternoon to continue writing, hike, wander nearby towns, or enjoy paddling in the kayaks that are available to rent. We’ll even have a sunset pontoon boat adventure for the whole group one evening, weather permitting.
There will be delicious homestyle breakfast buffets provided each morning, and festive opening and closing night dinners together on Wednesday and Saturday night. All lunches (Thursday/Friday/Saturday) and dinners on Thursday and Friday night are on your own. The Lakeside Restaurant will be open and everything on their menu is absolutely delicious, and there are also nearby towns you could visit if you wanted to enjoy a meal elsewhere.
So come join us for an inspiring and relaxing creative getaway—it’s going to be SO much fun!
What is included:
- 4 nights in luxury waterfront room at the Lakeside Inn: Arrive Wednesday Afternoon Oct. 14, 2026 (check-in between 3:00-5:00 p.m.), and leave Sunday Morning Oct. 18 (checkout between 8:00-10:00 a.m.).
- 3 mornings of classes and optional afternoons of working on songs with Jonatha Brooke
- Homestyle Buffet Breakfast each morning
- An opening night dinner at the Lakeside Restaurant
- A closing night dinner at the Lakeside Restaurant
- A sunset pontoon boat excursion (weather permitting)
Register
Cost
$3,000 Per Person, Single Occupancy Occupancy Room With Private Bath
Price Includes:
- 4 Nights in a Single-Occupancy Waterfront Room With Private Bath
- Opening Night Dinner Wednesday, October 14
- Closing Night Dinner Saturday, October 18
- Homestyle Breakfast Buffets each morning, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- Guided sunset Pontoon boat ride (weather permitting)
- Classes and songwork with Jonatha Brooke Thursday, Friday and Saturday
[Not Included: Lunch Thursday, Friday and Saturday; Dinner Thursday and Friday; any alcoholic beverages]
Payment:
- $1000 Deposit upon registration
- Second Payment of $1000 due July 1, 2026
- Balance of $1000 Due Sept. 1, 2026
Attendees
THIS WORKSHOP is limited to 8 alumni of Performing Songwriter Creative Workshops.
You must be at least 21 years of age to attend.
Lodging
Each Person will have their own waterfront room in the Lakeside Inn. Each room has a king-size bed, a private bath with walk-in shower, a mini refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker, and wi-fi available on the property.
Refund Policy
- All payments and deposits are non-refundable if we are not able to fill the spot. If we are able to fill the spot, however, you will be refunded all but $500.
Wildwood Resort Writing Retreat
Oct. 14-18, 2026
This retreat has been filled. Email Lydia@performingsongwriter.com if you'd like to be added to the cancellation list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t play an instrument?
You don’t need to worry about that at all—except for Suzy’s and Matt’s workshops, playing an instrument isn’t required. The focus in the writing workshops is on telling your story in a way that connects with listeners, and if an instrument is needed the teacher can always help out with that.
Are the classes for all levels?
The songwriting classes are for all levels of writers, whether you’ve only journaled, written poetry, or are someone who actually performs and has recorded your songs. It’s designed to be three days of inspiration from the teacher, legendary guests, or each other as you support the efforts and bravery of your classmates.
There are three classes—Suzy’s performance class at the Bluebird, Matt’s melody master class, and Jonatha’s studio workshop—for alums who’ve already been through other Performing Songwriter classes. These three are by invitation based on if you’re ready and able to perform your songs, are proficient on your instrument, and if you have songs finished and ready to record.
What’s involved in song feedback?
Each person will perform a work-in-progress song in front of the class as the teacher listens and finds a teachable moment that everyone can learn from so more songwriting tools can be added to the toolbox. Feedback is strictly from the teacher, though, and the class is just invited into it as listeners — this keeps it safe and on track. You’ll also have a private 15 minute 1-on-1 with the teacher where you can talk about anything you’d like or get feedback on something you’re working on.
What does a workshop day look like?
The actual schedule for the workshop will be sent to you when we’re one week out. But in general, the mornings are for input — lessons from the teachers, song breakdowns, prompt exercises, etc. Then a lunch break for a couple of hours when 1-on-1s are also scheduled. Afternoons consist of the song feedback sessions with the whole class and any guests we might have pop in. The days start around 9:30 and end at 6:00, except for the last evening which goes through dinner.