TESTIMONIALS ABOUT
SPARKS FLY
“Diana is the ultimate professional. An organizer of beautiful venues and fun excursions and provider of yummy restaurant suggestions. She set a relaxed and gracious tone for our writing week in Lunenburg and her own literary wit was a treat. Thank you, Diana, for a most enjoyable retreat where SPARKS really did FLY. I shall return for more!” (Fall 2024)
Doley Henderson, MFA
Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada)
“I stayed off-site and wished I had not. Every interaction with Bluenose Lodge staff was gracious, kind, and generous. Guests who stayed at the Bluenose LOVED it. That should have been me. Lesson learned! Diana hosts thoughtful, unique, worthwhile workshops—truly special in every way. I'll definitely look forward to keeping updated on future ones!” (Fall 2024)
Amy Gray
Marblehead, Massachusetts (United States)
“It was a wonderful experience. Diana went over and above what I expected. I am on the on the West Coast of the US and it was complicated to schedule flights and understand how to get around once in Nova Scotia, where I had never been. At times, it seemed overwhelming, but Diana helped me figure it out. She was always accessible to answer my questions and was flexible and patient while I tried to figure it out. She helped me understand how to do the wire transfer for international payment. When I said that I have interest in specific events in Nova Scotia history, she told me about the historical sites in Wolfville and put me in contact with B&Bs so I was able to spend a few extra days exploring my other interests in Nova Scotia. During the week of the workshop, Diana researched activities and entertainment for participants, including a wonderful storytelling tour of Lunenburg. She definitely went beyond expectations in her efforts to meet our needs and enhance our stay. I recommend SPARKS FLY retreats and hope to participate in other events in the future.” (Fall 2023)
Terry Varner
Eugene, Oregon (United States)
“I was privileged to take part in the inaugural SPARKS FLY retreats workshop in Lunenberg, Nova Scotia. Wow, it did not disappoint. Diana carefully brought all the pieces together for an incredible experience. Intimate group, top notch setting, and very well organized. A brilliant workshop that I would highly recommend.” (Spring 2023)
Doug Raphael
Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada)
“I had a life-affirming experience. Diana is the hostess with the mostest. She made signing up for this workshop easy and painless. She communicates quickly and professionally. Our lodgings were amazing! The staff of the Bluenose were top notch, as was the owner Mark. The breakfasts, which were part of our stay, were to die for! I had the best experience. Well done, everyone!” (Spring 2023)
Allison Kleinsteuber
Three Rivers, California (United States)
“Kudos to Diana for organizing such an amazing workshop. The dynamic group, intimate venue, and of course the brilliant coaching and instructional skills from a world-class writer. I feel blessed!” (Spring 2023)
Dr. Jack Gewarter
Riverport, Nova Scotia (Canada)
TESTIMONIALS ABOUT
OUR RETREATS
MEMOIR WRITING WORKSHOP
WITH ALLEGRA HUSTON
“Allegra Houston’s memoir writing workshop was the second SPARKS FLY event I've attended. Houston's methodology, where participants write in short bursts to specific prompts, produced very unexpected, often deeply moving outcomes. Houston is skilled at the complex task of simultaneously creating a safe, intimate, and secure
environment where participants can pursue new avenues of expression and new ideas. I left her workshop having written in a voice I didn't fully know I possessed, with a curiosity about that voice, and a growing confidence to explore it even further. I'm very much looking forward to my next encounter.” (Fall 2024)
Karen Anderson
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia (Canada)
“Allegra's workshop was divine. Personal, inviting, transformative, confidence-building, and more. Allegra is a word shaman—and she makes you feel like you are, too. Don't miss out.” (Fall 2024)
Amy Gray
Marblehead, Massachusetts (United States)
“Allegra Huston’s writing retreat is a unique, magical journey into your inner world, where you return to your memories in ways you think you can physically touch. Allegra coaches you how to free your earthbound thoughts so you can see yourself there once again and find the words to bring those experiences to life. I loved the ride I went on during the retreat. And I loved the company of the talented, sensitive and earnest fellow memorists who came in the spirit of growth, new friendship and camaraderie. Allegra puts her heart and soul into coaching us and creates a freeing atmosphere where no judgment or
embarrassment creeps through. Truly a growth experience, no matter what your background or time of life.” (Fall 2024)
Patience Whitten
Washington, DC (United States)
“At the first session of the workshop, I made the mistake of saying I was not a writer. Poor choice of words that were quickly challenged by Allegra. Her passionate belief that we all have the ability to write was infectious and resonated with me for the duration of the week. The Imaginative Storm workshop was transformational. It offered incredible insight and a playful creative method of writing. Allegra submerges herself into the group, taking part in the exercises and exposing her venerability along with the rest of us. Grab the first opportunity you get to work with her.” (Spring 2023)
Doug Raphael
Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada)
“The five-day workshop with Allegra was a fantastic, life-affirming experience. This workshop works for any level of writer, whether one getting a taste of what is like to begin the life of a writer or an accomplished practitioner. The writing prompts bring forth a style of writing that is surprising in its intensity and invigorating in its ability to communicate deep memories and emotions. The schedule allows for much free time to explore, rest, or write as you personally desire. Allegra provided wonderful feedback in the two individual sessions. This is a gift any writer should give to themselves. It will change your life!” (Spring 2023)
Allison Kleinsteuber
Three Rivers, California (United States)
“Allegra's memoir writing workshop was pure sustenance for my soul. I felt immediately engaged in her process of cultivating one's intuition to create writing that's powerful, interesting and real, with a sparkle of discovery and surprise. Loved every moment!” (Spring 2023)
Dr. Jack Gewarter
Riverport, Nova Scotia (Canada)
CREATIVITY TRAINING WORKSHOP
WITH HESTER SCHOFIELD
“I am writing this a month after attending the workshop, so I should be over the initial buzz… but I’m not! It was a magical, transformative experience. Finding my authentic creative voice was more than an artistic exercise; it was a journey of self-discovery and validation. I came home with new-found clarity and purpose, and have already papered two projects that had been spinning around in my head for years. I highly recommend this workshop as a prerequisite to all others. Once you find your voice, the rest flows quite naturally. My sincere thanks and appreciation to Diana and Hester for exceeding all expectations and delivering the best workshop I have ever attended!” (Fall 2023)
Carolyn Simpson
Burlington, Ontario (Canada)
“The SPARKS FLY creativity training workshop with Hester Schofield was fascinating and rewarding. Hester expertly led participants into states where the common-sense, every-day stories we tell ourselves and others simply became irrelevant. My expectations and beliefs about what I could or could not do, or what I was or was not good at, disappeared from focus. What I expected from myself, and what I believed others expected from me, no longer held my attention. What a gift to take a break from predictability and to just get out of the way. Creativity followed. Thank you, Hester, for helping me to find a space where the unexpected can happen. And thank you, Diana, for organizing it all and for being there every day, making things run smoothly.” (Fall 2023)
Karen Anderson
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia (Canada)
“Thank you for guiding us into beautiful spots in Nova Scotia. I loved every aspect of our trip and hope to be back one day at another workshop of yours. Hester was beyond my hope of brilliance and presence and guidance. Her personal meetings touched each of us in the places that needed to be seen. Her classes were just right and all conspired into beauty and creative learning, helping us to continue to develop our creative voices.” (Fall 2023)
Ann
Burlington, Vermont (United States)
“This workshop was transformative. The whole experience made me feel validated. For the first time in my life, I’m taking my art seriously and the creative side of me, seriously. It’s huge. I cannot believe what a difference this workshop has made. It’s exactly what I needed.” (Fall 2023)
Terry Varner
Eugene, Oregon (United States)
