Fall Workshop
October 25, 2025
Join us at Burr Oak State Park Lodge in Glouster, Ohio for a day-long event to jump-start your creative writing practice. Come for the day or book a room in the lodge and give yourself a weekend away to focus on your writing in the southeast Ohio hills at the peak of autumn.
Make a weekend out of it!
Book a Room
We have reserved a block of rooms in the lodge for the weekend at a 20% off rate. To reserve your room say you're with Words In The Hills when calling:
For reservations call Ali: 740-525-6270
Mon-Thurs 7AM-3PM
Fri 12PM-8PM
Workshop Instructors
Caitlin Kraus
Molly Jo Stanley
Caitlin Kraus
Caitlin Kraus is a singer and songwriter living in Athens, OH. Originally from Columbus, OH, Kraus has performed her music solo and with a band over the past decade. Her music is melodic, largely lyric-based, and falls within indie-folk/alternative genres. In 2016, she released a self-titled 7″ on label Keeled Scales and recorded at Estua
Caitlin Kraus is a singer and songwriter living in Athens, OH. Originally from Columbus, OH, Kraus has performed her music solo and with a band over the past decade. Her music is melodic, largely lyric-based, and falls within indie-folk/alternative genres. In 2016, she released a self-titled 7″ on label Keeled Scales and recorded at Estuary Recording, both based in Austin, TX, where she lived for five years. In 2020, Caitlin completed her first full-length album What Rises followed by her second full-length album Gone Beyond–both recorded and produced by Bernie Nau at Peachfork Studios in Pomeroy, OH. When not writing music or performing, Caitlin works as a counselor and music therapist in the mental health field.
Megan Bee
Molly Jo Stanley
Caitlin Kraus
Athens, Ohio based singer-songwriter Megan Bee's work has been called "as real as it gets”. As a former environmental educator, her lyrics are woven with imagery and metaphor from nature. She creates evocative songs of place through homespun vocals and winsome storytelling. Her album “Cottonwood” was listed in the best of 2022 by Ameri
Athens, Ohio based singer-songwriter Megan Bee's work has been called "as real as it gets”. As a former environmental educator, her lyrics are woven with imagery and metaphor from nature. She creates evocative songs of place through homespun vocals and winsome storytelling. Her album “Cottonwood” was listed in the best of 2022 by Americana UK and No Depression Magazine. She relentlessly tours the country, leads writing retreats, and is currently working on her fifth studio album set to release in fall 2025.
Molly Jo Stanley
Molly Jo Stanley
Molly Jo Stanley
Molly Jo Stanley is deeply enchanted by our miraculous existence. They have studied Natural and Historical Interpretation, Yoga, Permaculture Design, Herbalism, Wilderness guiding, and hold a Masters of Education in Mindfulness and Sustainability. They’ve explored a gamut of livelihoods as a wilderness trip leader, herbalist and yoga pra
Molly Jo Stanley is deeply enchanted by our miraculous existence. They have studied Natural and Historical Interpretation, Yoga, Permaculture Design, Herbalism, Wilderness guiding, and hold a Masters of Education in Mindfulness and Sustainability. They’ve explored a gamut of livelihoods as a wilderness trip leader, herbalist and yoga practitioner, farmer, sustainability director, traveling musician, ecstatic dance organizer, and environmental advocate. Ultimately, their work is rooted in stories – in listening to and sharing them.
Class descriptions
Words, Herbs & Mindful Leisure
with Molly Jo Stanley
A mindful movement, meditation, and writing practice rooted in connection.
This workshop weaves reflective writing together with guided meditation; a gentle series of grounding, opening, and restorative movement (slow flow/yoga asana, of sorts); and herbal ritual (making and sharing herbal tea). The result is a gentle, nourishing experience exploring and celebrating the beauty and abundance of Autumn in Appalachia and within us. This is for All Bodies, with plenty of movement adaptations available and offered.
A Thousand Pictures: The Art of Metaphor
with Megan Bee
“If a picture’s worth a thousand words, then a metaphor’s worth a thousand pictures.”
Metaphors help us show rather than tell our reader what is happening; the writer is bleeding words onto the page, my thoughts were a tidal wave, she was a wolf. We’ll briefly explore examples of metaphor in story, poem, and song. Then we’ll use a 3-step process to write our own metaphors and create images that make our stories and characters come to life. This process can be adapted for any genre of creative writing.
Buried Treasure: Recycling Images & Words in Song
with Caitlin Kraus
When we step outside our own word banks, new possibilities may be found. Using photos, illustrations, and words/captions from magazines, books, and other visual/written material, participants will explore ways to recycle and integrate used materials into new ideas for songwriting. Materials will be provided by facilitator. (If you enjoy drawing/doodling/painting, you may also generate material in the moment to add to the 'resource bank.') Feel free to bring an instrument if you'd like, though some will also be provided for those who choose to participate musically. No previous songwriting or music experience necessary!
schedule
Saturday October 25, 2025
9:00AM Check in at Chickadee Room (coffee, tea, and light breakfast snacks provided)
9:30AM Welcome with Megan Bee
10:00AM - 12:00PM Words, Herbs & Mindful Leisure with Molly Jo Stanley
12:00PM Lunch provided by Burr Oak Lodge
1:00PM - 2:30PM A Thousand Pictures: The Art of Metaphor with Megan Bee
3:00PM - 5:00PM Buried Treasure: Recycling Images & Words in Song with Caitlin Kraus
5:00PM - 7:30PM Dinner Break (dinner on your own available in the lodge restaurant)
7:30PM Writers Open Mic registrants are invited to share a poem, story, song, or surprise us. Guests welcome to attend.
schedule subject to change
