Words In the HIlls

How do we get somewhere? We use a map! This writing workshop explores how mapping and visualization can lead us into memory, imagery, language, and more, and become a diving board into the space where poetry, story, and memoir are created. The workshop will include reading examples of place-oriented poetry, fiction, song and memoir, then drawing their own“idea maps,” as a way to generate specific details. Participants will discover ways to incorporate authentic voice and sense imagery into their work. There will be time for writing and sharing. Examples and handouts will be provided.

This hands-on writing workshop will discuss the process of writing fiction (either a novel or a short story, or even a play) by beginning in the middle and then working backward through flashback, and forward through narrative progression at the same time. In many ways, this is quite liberating, and it allows a writer to envision both a past and future for the characters, fleshing out a piece of writing by asking questions about that situation. Many famous examples of short stories, flash fiction, novels, epic poems (The Odyssey), films, memoirs, have that kind of structure, vivid dramatic opening, then flashback along with narrative progression. Examples will be provided, and time for writing and comparing notes about starting in the middle, then working backward and forward to uncover Who, What, When, How, and Why. My own process of writing my novel Goshen Road will be discussed as well.  "In medias res: having begun his story in medias res, he then interrupts it."

Access to the subconscious is indirect, and writers often seek techniques that help make this elusive part of every person more accessible. In this generative and interactive workshop, tailored free writing will be used to enable you to turn your dreams, visions, daydreams, or even the terrifying spectacles our brains force upon us, into poetry. You’ll be encouraged to share your work and interact with each other. This is a no critique/no criticism workshop. The purpose is to give you additional tools to stash in your toolbox and to encourage and support you no matter where you are on your writing journey.

Sam shares his new approach to writing songs for an upcoming Hello Emerson album. As part of his “Brief Interviews on Heartbreak” project, he has been speaking to strangers across the world about a formative heartbreak in their life. The conversations are recorded, then the images and stories shared serve as a spark for the songwriting process.

Participants will begin from stories that Sam has collected from Heartbreak Interviews in 2024, then write a poem or song rooted in what they find. Participants will be encouraged to write individually or collaboratively based on their own goals. At the end, we’ll be invited to share our works in-progress to celebrate many divergent pieces spun from the same Heartbreak Interviews.

-Morning writing practice

-Guided Hikes

-Yoga

-Drum Circle

-Writers Open Mic