Question 1

What is a Writers' Salon ?

Accepted Answer

Historically, Salons were important places for the exchange of intellectual and artistic ideas.  The word Salon first appeared in France in 1664 (from the Italian word salone, itself from sala, the large reception hall of Italian mansions). A Salon was described as an elegant apartment or living room (as in a fashionable home), a fashionable assemblage of notables (such as literary figures, artists, or statemen) held by custom at the home of a prominent person, or a hall for exhibition or art, an annual exhibition of works of art.  But the first fully developed salon is generally held to be that founded by Catherine de Vivonne, marquise de Rambouillet, in the 1630s at her home, the Hôtel de Rambouillet, in Paris. In her chambre bleue she orchestrated light entertainments, poetry readings, serious discussions, and dramatic productions.  The Writers' Salon has updated this idea and created a more casual Salon. The daily Salon Sessions included in each Writer in Residence event will have a variety of curriculum and community. We will gather with the featured Writer for three hours each evening to exchange ideas, relate experiences, participate in constructive conversation, explore writing exercises, share readings, etc., while enjoying each other's company over refreshments and a meal provided in a private home (the "Salon").

Question 2

Where is Whitehawk Ranch?

Accepted Answer

Whitehawk Ranch is a boutique community and Lodge located about 1-hour north of Lake Tahoe in the High Sierra. 45-minutes north of Truckee, a little over an hour from Reno, and 2.5 hours north east of Sacramento. Nestled in the the southern portion of Plumas County, CA, Whitehawk Ranch is a hidden treasure. https://lodgeatwhitehawk.com/

Question 3

How do I get to Whitehawk Ranch?

Accepted Answer

If you are flying, Reno is the closest airport.  You will need to rent a car or have a car service drive you to Whitehawk Ranch. Reno is 1.25 hours from Whitehawk Ranch.   Sacramento airport services more/different airlines and is a 2.5 hour drive from Whitehawk Ranch.   If you are driving, you will need to use CA SR 89. Access from I-80 at Truckee, or US 395 to CA SR 70.

Question 4

What amenities are available at Whitehawk Ranch?

Accepted Answer

Lodging is in studio or double occupancy cabins, either one bedroom/one bathroom or two bedroom/two bathroom. Breakfast at the lodge is included with your cabin each day. Guests enjoy access to the Lodge and free Wi-Fi (available indoors in the morning and on the porch morning and afternoon), hiking trails, a gazebo, tennis courts, pool, and other outdoor sport courts. https://lodgeatwhitehawk.com/

Question 5

What is the weather like at Whitehawk Ranch?

Accepted Answer

The weather in the Sierra is vairable and changes frequently. Plan on cool momings and evenings, maybe some rain, and bring sunscreen for sunny hikes. Check the weather before you arrive.  https://www.noaa.gov/weather

Question 6

What clothing should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Attire for the Writer in Residence Salon Sessions is casual. The weather in the Sierra changes frequently. Evenings are cool to cold, and days are generally pleasant and may include rain. Hiking shoes/boots, a coat, sweaters, and layering pieces are recommended. Check the weather before your visit here:  https://www.noaa.gov/weather

Question 7

What is included in my registration fee?

Accepted Answer

Registration fees include daily lodging, breakfast, dinner, and a 3-hour Salon Session including a Salon Dinner.   Participants registered for 5-days receive a complimentary 1-hour private session with the Writer in Residence.   Participants registered for 4-days receive a complimentary journal from The Writers' Salon.

Question 8

What is a Salon Dinner at The Writers' Salon event?

Accepted Answer

The Writers' Salon events, such as Writer in Residence events, include Salon Dinners which are served family style. During the daily Salon Session, there is a Salon Dinner where the participants and featured Writer gather for a meal under the roof of an inspired host, to amuse each other and refine their tastes and increase their knowledge of all through conversation and community.

Question 9

What kind of food will be served for dinner?

Accepted Answer

The daily Salon Session includes dinner. Meals will be provided by local restaraunts and will include a variety of family style meals throughout the week, changing each evening. We will do our best to plan meals that inlcude options for participants with dietary restrictions.   The Writers' Salon does not provide alcohol. If you would like an adult beverage with dinner or during the Salon Session you are welcome to bring a bottle of wine, etc.    The Whitehawk Restaurant has a full bar and skilled bar tender.

Question 10

How is my lodging assigned?

Accepted Answer

Lodging is on a first come first serve basis. The premium Writer in Residence ("WIR") house accomodates two participants and is great for participants traveling together. The WIR house is the anchor for Salon Sessions and dinners. Cabins are assigned by availablity. Most cabins are one-bedroom, but there are some larger 2-bedroom cabins (w/living rooms) available for paritipants willing/wanting to share a cabin.

Question 11

Do I need a Hotspot device/service plan to have internet access in my cabin?

Accepted Answer

Do you need a plan for a hotspot?  Most consumers don’t need a hotspot device. Many/most phones and service plan have hotspots built in.  Your existing wireless service plan probably includes some hotspot usage, and it if doesn’t, it is likely less expensive to a few gigabytes of data/hotspot use (or go unlimited) than to buy a whole new dedicated device.  Check with your wireless service provider for details.

Question 12

Can my significant other or friend come if that person is not participating in the WIR event?

Accepted Answer

Significant others and friends who are not involved in the Writer in Residence event, may stay in the lodging as long as they are registered and pay the additional fee for a second breakfast (provided by The Writers' Salon and Whitehawk Ranch).

Question 13

What are the COVID precautions?

Accepted Answer

Every registrant for the Writer in Residence event, and any significant other sharing lodging, must provide proof of current COVID vaccination and booster.   Compliance with local mask and other municipality and facility safety requirements is required.

Question 14

What is the smoking policy?

Accepted Answer

The cabins and Writer in Residence house are non-smoking facilities.

Question 15

What is the refund/cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Registrants pay a 50% non-refundable deposit. Due to the organization, reservations, and deposits that are made to host this event, deposits are non-refundable barring Acts of God, lack of registration, pandemic, etc.   The payment of the balance is due 45 days prior to the beginning of the event, and is non-refundable barring Acts of God, lack of registration, pandemic, etc.   All registration fees are non-refundable barring Acts of God, lack of registration, pandemic, etc.   Deposits may not be applied to subsequent events after the registration deadline unless spot is filled from the waiting list.

Question 16

Do you have a waiting list?

Accepted Answer

The Writers' Salon will maintain a waiting list for participants once each event fills up. If more space becomes available, The Writers' Salon will contact people on the waiting list in the order they applied.

Question 17

What time do the daily Salon Sessions begin?

Accepted Answer

The daily Salon Sessions will begin promptly at 5. Please arrive at the Writer in Residence ("WIR") house between 4:45 and 4:55 to get your seat. If you are stopping by the Whitehawk Restaurant or golf course to get a beverage on your way to the WIR house and fear you might be tardy, please let someone in the event know and enter the event quietly.   Salon Dinner will be served at 6 pm.   The Salon Session will conclude at 8 pm each evening. Gathering in cabins or at the Whitehawk Restaurant/Bar for further reading and camaraderie is encouraged.

Question 18

Where can I stay if I want to arrive early or stay after the Writer in Residence Event?

Accepted Answer

https://www.google.com/travel/hotels/Graeagle?

Question 19

Can I bring my dog?

Accepted Answer

Cabins at Whitehawk Ranch are dog friendly, you are welcome to bring your dog to stay in your cabin. Dogs are not allowed in the Writer in Residence house.

Question 20

What are the options for lunch and other eating?

Accepted Answer

Lunch is not provided.   Options for lunch include the Golf Club a short walk from the lodge or driving into town.  www.playgraeagle.com    https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g32918-Portola_Plumas_County_California.html