Sophfronia Scott

Historical Novel Society, San Antonio, TX
2023-06-06 - 2023-06-09

Alma College MFA in Creative Writing Summer Residency, Alma, MI
2023-06-15 - 2023-06-25
As director of Alma’s MFA program, Sophfronia is pleased to announce its summer 2023 residency. Residency is the heart of the MFA experience. Students, faculty, visiting writers, and guest speakers from the publishing industry come together to form a diverse and dynamic artistic community teeming with the energy of a shared commitment to writing. Visiting writers will join the residency with craft talks, informal talks for students and public readings in the evening.

Breaking the Academic Mold Workshop, Lake Junaluska, NC
2023-07-10 - 2023-07-16
A jointly sponsored Wabash Center/Collegeville Institute workshop.
This writing workshop is for scholars of religion and theology who have written exclusively or primarily in the scholarly genre for other scholars of religion but long to share their knowledge or personal experience in a more creative way with a wider audience.
Many scholars yearn to speak to a broader audience through creative nonfiction, blogs, op-eds, and memoir. Many scholars want to write with more clarity and imagination. Participants in this workshop will develop their writing voice in service to topics they care about, and for which they have passion and curiosity. A combination of plenary, small group and individual instruction, our week together will help scholars free the creative spirit, structure their writing more effectively, and speak on the page in a truer, more engaging voice. Our focus will be on releasing the professors’ voice to the public square, giving permission to be imaginative, and finding new ways of being inspired.

Glen Workshop, Seattle, WA
2023-07-16 - 2023-07-22
At the Glen, daily morning workshops offer artists at all skill levels an opportunity to develop their craft in a wide variety of genres with acclaimed faculty. Meanwhile, morning seminars offer substantive conversation and engagement with art, mystery, and faith. Afternoons and evenings feature a smorgasbord of readings, field trips, panel conversations, concerts, open mics, and worship services incorporating the arts.

Sophfronia will be on the faculty teaching a workshop for this year’s event.

Thomas Merton Quiet Day Retreat, Adelynrood Center, Byfield, MA
2023-08-09
The Humanity of Thomas Merton and the Key to Grace for an Impossible World: A Meditative Day of Writing and Reflection

The Thomas Merton who lived as a contemplative monk studying, writing, and praying was also a man who could be impatient, rambunctious, charming, deceptive, in pain and in love. In other words, he was completely human and in the vulnerability of that messy humanity he most felt the grace of God. That humanity can take Merton beyond the realm of mystic/saint, making him more accessible to us so that through him we may learn how to reach for God amid our own imperfections. Author Sophfronia Scott considers this spiritual connection and will discuss how Merton’s work helps us to see through a lens of grace, allowing us to love the impossible world even as we seek to redeem it.
During our time together Sophfronia will provide participants with writing prompts and meditations that will lead them to consider their own grace and spirituality and how they might cultivate a deeper sense of unity and connection.

Thomas Merton Retreat, Wisdom House, Litchfield, CT
2023-09-09
The Humanity of Thomas Merton and the Key to Grace for an Impossible World
With Sophfronia Scott
The Thomas Merton who lived as a contemplative monk studying, writing, and praying was also
a man who could be impatient, rambunctious, charming, deceptive, in pain and in love. In other
words, he was completely human and in the vulnerability of that messy humanity he most felt
the grace of God. That humanity can take Merton beyond the realm of mystic/saint, making
him more accessible to us so that through him we may learn how to reach for God in the midst
of our own imperfections. Author Sophfronia Scott considers this connection and, recognizing
that so many of the issues of Merton’s time (race, peace, ambition, materialism, love) are,
sometimes frustratingly so, still our issues today, will discuss how Merton’s work helps us to see
through a lens of grace, allowing us to love the impossible world even as we seek to redeem it.
During our time together Sophfronia will also work with us on how everyone can develop our
own relationship with Merton’s spirituality in a way that will help deepen our own and allow us
to tune into the unity Merton sensed during his life changing epiphany at 4 th and Walnut.

Inkubator Writing Conference, Cleveland, Ohio
2023-09-22 - 2023-09-23
The Alma College MFA in Creative Writing is a sponsor for this event. Sophfronia will be present to provide information about the program.
“Literary Cleveland’s Inkubator Writing Conference is one of the largest free writing festivals in the country.”

Reading and Book Signing, Lorain, Ohio
2023-09-22 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Lorain Historical Society, 329 West 10th Street, Lorain, OH, United States
Sophfronia will be at the Lorain Historical Society on Friday, September 22nd at 7pm for a book signing event for her novel Wild, Beautiful, and Free. This event is free to attend and books will be available for purchase.

Thomas Merton and the Transformative Power of Love, The Meditatio Centre, London, England
2023-09-30
“To say that I am made in the image of God is to say that love is the reason for my existence, for God is love.”
–Thomas Merton
The Merton who lived as a contemplative monk studying, writing, and praying was also a man who could be impatient, rambunctious, charming, deceptive, in pain and, yes, in love. In other words, he was completely human and in the vulnerability of that messy humanity he most felt the grace of God. How do we make this connection and sense God’s love for us? How do earthly and spiritual love fit together? We will consider these questions during our time together.
10.30 am– 4.00 pm UK Time at the Centre and Online
Cost £40
Concessions £20
Online £25

Wisconsin Writers Association Conference, Waukesha and Brookfield, Wisconsin
2023-10-06 - 2023-10-07
Sophfronia will represent the Alma College MFA in Creative Writing at a sponsorship table.

Fall Clergy Day, South Hadley, Massachusetts
2023-10-17 09:00 - 14:00
Sophfronia will present to the Episcopal clergy in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts.

Writers of Color Presentation, Fairfield, Connecticut
2023-10-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Fairfield County Story Lab, 85 Mill Plain Road, Suite F, Fairfield, CT, United States

A Circle of Quiet, the Madeleine L'Engle Writing Retreat, Litchfield, Connecticut
2023-10-26 - 2023-10-29
Join us this fall in New England for two full days of writing, reflection, and community.
We can’t wait to see you at Wisdom House in Litchfield CT near Madeleine’s beloved farmhouse, Crosswicks.
Program Registration includes two and a half days of thoughtful content, facilitated cohorts, solo writing time, and refreshments, all at the gorgeous retreat center buildings and grounds.* Depending on your lodging choices, your time on location can stretch to three or even four days–a true retreat!
Come with your own writing projects or inspire yourself with our curated prompts inspired by Madeleine’s first Crosswicks Journal, A Circle of Quiet.
Details: https://www.lenglewritingretreats.com/autumn-retreat-page

The Episcopal Church in South Carolina Diocesan Convention, Charleston, SC
2023-11-02 - 2023-11-04
The 233rd Convention of the Diocese of South Carolina will be held November 2-4, 2023, at St. James Episcopal Church in Charleston (James Island). The theme of this year’s convention is Testify.
We are delighted to have Sophfronia Scott and The Very Rev. Michael Battle with us for Convention this year. Along with the descriptions of these special guests, we have added a special reading recommendation from each, selecting one of their own works. Both selections will be available at the Gifts of Grace Bookstore at Grace Church Cathedral, as well as at the link below. ​Books will be available for purchase and signing at Convention.
https://www.episcopalchurchsc.org/convention-speakers.html

Veterans Writing Workshop, Alma College, Alma, MI
2023-11-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Alma College, 614 W. Superior St, Alma, MI, 48801, United States
Veterans have stories to tell—stories that are powerful, healing, and inspirational. To honor those words and help bring them to light, the Alma College MFA in Creative Writing offers this no-cost one-day workshop for all who have served in the military. The event will feature:

Teaching sessions by award-winning MFA faculty
Writing prompts to get you started
Information on how to continue your work with the support of the MFA program.

Lunch will be served. Participants need to only bring their favorite writing tools.
Please register for the exact location.

Alma MFA Winter Residency, Veneto, Italy
2024-01-04 - 2024-01-13
In the spirit of powerful authors such as Lord Byron, Henry James and Daphne du Maurier, the Alma College Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing program is going to Italy!

A residency at the Veneto region of Italy, including the historic city of Venice and its surrounding countryside, is scheduled for Jan. 4-13, 2024. There, you will learn what it means for your writing to be influenced by a setting — in one of the most beautiful settings on earth, a place that has influenced so many great writers in history.

Apply today for this exciting new venture at alma.edu/mfa

AWP Conference and Book Fair, Kansas City, MO
2024-02-07 - 2024-02-10

Nazareth University Shannon Lecture, Rochester, NY
2024-02-17 - 2024-02-18
Sophfronia Scott, M.F.A.
The Color of Thought and the Heart of Nonviolence: Developing a Personal Practice
Student Retreat — Registration Required
Saturday, February 17, 2024 • 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. with breakfast and lunch
Golisano Academic Center 151
Keep It Light, Keep It Moving: Riding a Wave of Joy to the Bright Shores of Change
Open to all
Sunday, February 18, 2024 • 3 p.m.
Forum, Otto Shults Community Center

Episcopal Diocese of Michigan Clergy Conference, Detroit, MI
2024-02-25 - 2024-02-27

Teaching Preaching Writing Colloquy
2024-03-03 - 2024-03-07

Let's Just Write! An Uncommon Writers Conference 2024, Chicago, IL
2024-03-21 - 2024-03-23
Sophfronia will be available at a sponsored table at the conference to provide information and discuss the Alma College MFA in Creative Writing with interested writers.

Spiritual Guidance Group Retreat, Wisdom House, Litchfield, CT
2024-04-05 - 2024-04-06

Guild for Spiritual Guidance Retreat on Everyday Mysticism, Litchfield CT and Online
2024-04-05 16:00 - 2024-04-07 16:00
A Graduate Guild semi-annual weekend retreat with our presenter Sophfronia Scott, author of the book The Seeker and the Monk: Everyday Conversations with Thomas Merton (Broadleaf Books, 2021). This special event is sponsored by the Graduate Circle of The Guild for Spiritual Guidance and is open to everyone!
Mysticism is often viewed as the privileged experience of a few chosen, holy individuals. However, the Jesuit priest and theologian Karl Rahner wrote about “everyday mysticism,” and Carmelite Sister Ruth Burrows described the mystical life simply as “God touching the depths of our being.” God is closer than we think–to all of us. But how can we become more aware of when the divine is near? We’ll explore everyday mysticism as life events filled with God’s unmistakable presence. Sharing Thomas Merton’s experiences and her own, Sophfronia will help attendees notice, identify, and appreciate mystical encounters in their everyday lives.
Date: Friday April 5, 2024 at 4:00 pm to Sunday April 7, 2024 at 1:00 pm
Location: In person at Wisdom House Retreat Center in Litchfield, Connecticut and online via Zoom
More information about Wisdom House Retreat Center can be found here.
Retreat Cost: $125 – $380 depending on accommodations

**Update March 6, 2024** – ALL RETREAT ROOMS HAVE BEEN BOOKED You may still register for the online Zoom option and Commuter Option
Registration Deadline for online Zoom or Commuter options: April 1, 2024.
You may pay by PayPal or credit card using the options below. Please select only one option.

Festival of Faith and Writing, Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI
2024-04-11 - 2024-04-13

Weekend Retreat Program, Trinity Retreat Center, Cornwall, CT
2024-04-30 - 2024-05-01

The Bath Festival, Bath, England
2024-05-13 - 2024-05-25
Sophfronia will be in attendance at the famed literary festival.

Thomas Merton Weekend Retreat Program, Trinity Retreat Center, Cornwall, CT
2024-05-31 - 2024-06-02

Alma College MFA in Creative Writing Summer Residency 2024, Alma, MI
2024-06-20 - 2024-06-30

Wabash Center Creative Writing Roundtable, Chattahoochee Hills, GA
2024-07-08 - 2024-07-12
A Wabash Center workshop.
This writing workshop, held at the Inn at Serenbe, is for scholars of religion and theology who have written exclusively or primarily in the scholarly genre for other scholars of religion but long to share their knowledge or personal experience in a more creative way with a wider audience.
Many scholars yearn to speak to a broader audience through creative nonfiction, blogs, op-eds, and memoir. Many scholars want to write with more clarity and imagination. Participants in this workshop will develop their writing voice in service to topics they care about, and for which they have passion and curiosity. A combination of plenary, small group and individual instruction, our week together will help scholars free the creative spirit, structure their writing more effectively, and speak on the page in a truer, more engaging voice. Our focus will be on releasing the professors’ voice to the public square, giving permission to be imaginative, and finding new ways of being inspired.

Glen Workshop 2024, Seattle, WA
2024-07-21 - 2024-07-27
