LONG BEACH, Wash. – A combination of a seven-day residency and an experienced writing coach is being offered to writers in the “Discovery Awaits” writing retreat, April 23 through 30 on Washington state’s Long Beach Peninsula.

“The main feature of the retreat is that it is a residency where an experienced writer is on site for consultation while the work is being created if problems or questions arise for the writer,” said instructor Barbara Haines Howett, author of “Ladies of the Borobudur” and contributor to “Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul” and Poets & Writers magazine. Formerly a journalist, Howett has taught creative writing at the college level for more than a decade and serves as mentor and writing coach for a number of writers.

Another highlight will be guest speaker Gina Ochsner, winner of the Flannery O’Connor Fiction Award and author of “The Necessary Grace to Fall” and “People I Wanted To Be.” Ochsner lives in Keizer with her husband and four children.

Attendees spend their mornings writing. Afternoons include one-on-one sessions with Howett, critique groups with peers, workshops where everyone writes or discussions of what’s new in the publishing world. On a free day, participants can enjoy quiet beaches, bicycles, kite flying, horseback riding, or exploring the peninsula’s shops and restaurants.

The retreat takes place at A Rendezvous Place Inn Bed & Breakfast in Long Beach. Innkeepers David and Myong Haines will provide private rooms with luxury beds, 13 meals and afternoon tea for participants.

Early registration is advised. For a detailed daily schedule, photos and fee structure, visit www.rendezvousplace.com