For North Carolina writers, Weymouth Center in Southern Pines is writer heaven. Nestled among long-leaf pines is the James Boyd house, a cultural center that’s home to a long-standing Writers-in-Residence program. Published authors who are residents of North Carolina may spend up to two weeks a year at the mansion to create new work or perfect old pieces.
In mid-February I did a little of both. Accompanied by two other writer friends, we shared the weekend at this oasis, recharging our batteries and working, punctuated by walking breaks into Weymouth Woods or the quaint downtown a few blocks away.
On Saturday, we were charmed by a gentle snowfall as fox hunters arrived with hounds to head off into Weymouth Woods. Call me deprived, but I had never seen such up close–two dozen hounds, riders in their hunting pinks and jodphurs. It was like a scene from another era, Downton Abbey perhaps?
The escape from the 21st century is a welcome respite for writers like me who like historic fiction and others who simply adore the luxury of peace and quiet surrounded by classic interiors and serene vistas. How blessed I am to be a North Carolina writer!