The Bowers House Writers Retreat and Literary Center

Charles Wickliffe Read

Visit Mr. Charles “Charlie” Read online Memorial here

With great gratitude and love we celebrate the extraordinary life of Charles Wickliffe Read, the family Custodian and Director of the Bowers House, who passed on to his next creative endeavor on April 1, 2023. We are suspending operations to observe a period of mourning at the house, in appreciation of his good spirit.

The Bowers House Writers and Creative Retreat

Nestled in the historical district of a sleepy railway town, The Bowers House Artists’ Retreat and Hotel affords visiting artists and guests a rare commodity — the tranquility and space to work and create. Call us home to explore this beautiful part of Northeast Georgia or to plan your next masterpiece.

Are you struggling to bring your characters to life on the page?
Want to create more lovable heroes and hateful villains that readers simply can’t get enough of? Looking to publish a book that will live on in the hearts and minds of readers forever? Inside our intensive workshops, you’ll learn how to create unforgettable characters that propel your plot forward and grab your reader’s attention – page after page. Lead byCharles Prier, accomplished author, and publisher, these game-changing events includes dynamic presentations, videos, group discussions, hands-on writing exercises and assignments. You’ll walk away with the knowledge, skills and confidence to craft riveting characters that animate your story and deliver your message to the world.

Writers Guild and Retreat Director, Charles Prier (l) with Terry Kay, “To Dance with the White Dog,” an inductee into The Georgia Writers Hall of Fame, on his 82nd birthday.

Retreat Director Charles Prier has been a writer for 30 years with stints in trade publishing, the tech industry, local news and fiction. As director of The Bowers House Writer’s Guild for the past 14 years, he has mentored and coached countless members on their journeys to become published authors. The author of four books, Charles has also edited and published the work of more than 20 members.

Apply for Residency

For decades, this 100-year-old historic registry railroad hotel nestled in the sleepy hamlet of Canon has provided writers with the seclusion and inspiration they needed to move forward with their most important works. Perhaps their creativity ripened under starry nights or amid spiral-vined gardens, in the thick shade of towering magnolias or the comforting embrace of the wraparound porch here at The Bowers House.

If you’re ready to follow in the footsteps of some of the most acclaimed authors out there, consider a retreat or residency with us. Call Charlie Read 954-888-8948

Overview

Bowers House sponsored community arts events and programming of them, and other retreat and arts residency programs, university grants and corporate assistance, are our lifeblood and fulfill our mission. We also accommodate the occasional full house or weekend guest rentals for travelers, family events, UGA football patrons, historians and rare appearance of celebrity artists and writers, and are appreciative of their support as well. We are in the infancy planning of a film competition and festival, an outdoor public concert series and theater and fine art dance performances, and offer catering and transportation / grocery delivery and custom North Georgia tours and excursions.