Writing in the Wild

July 27 – Aug 2

Writing in the Wild with Sarah Holman and Meredith McCarroll

For Writers at all levels

Trails will be light to moderate hikes with an option for more difficulty

Writing in the Wild is a five-day generative workshop that celebrates the profound effect nature has on the creative process. Numerous studies point to evidence of improved focus, enhanced creativity, and more flexible thinking in people who spend time outside. The woods, waters, and trails in Monson, Maine are the ideal place to experience this connection and produce some wildly powerful new writing!

Throughout the week, we will use the outdoors as our classroom to unearth compelling narratives, practicing simple grounding and mindfulness techniques to help us let go of distractions and invite full presence in our creative minds. Instructors will share published prose as inspiration and offer thought-provoking writing prompts centered around the natural world. Each day there will be opportunities to share work, give and receive feedback, as well as significant time allotted to work independently in the beautiful Monson Arts writing studios.

This workshop is perfect for those who want to further an existing project or start something entirely new. Writers of all genres are welcome.

About the instructors:

Meredith McCarroll was born and raised in the mountains of North Carolina, where she grew deeply interested in the intersections of race and region, earning a PhD in African American Literature. Her essays have appeared in Still, The Guardian, Salon, The Bitter Southerner, Reckon Review, Cutleaf, Cleaver and elsewhere. Her most recent fiction was published at Salvation South. Winner of the American Book Award in 2019, her co-edited collection (Appalachian Reckoning: A Region Responds to Hillbilly Elegy) has received continued attention. Meredith has taught writing in a number of contexts: she served as Director of Writing at Bowdoin College for eight years, teaches nonfiction at West Virginia Wesleyan’s Low-Residency MFA program and Appalachian Writers Workshop, and is a frequent instructor at Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance. Meredith is also an avid hiker and camper and a yoga instructor. www.meredithmccarroll.com

Sarah Holman is a Registered Maine Guide and creator of She Hikes Mountains, a guide services company and trail blog. As a writer and artist, Sarah has experienced the profound impact nature has on the creative process. Through guided workshops that combine writing, hiking, and art, she invites fellow creatives to explore this powerful connection in a safe, supported wilderness environment. Sarah is a published writer, hiking guide, and professional writing coach based in Portland, Maine. She holds a BFA from Pratt Institute.

Cost for this workshop includes tuition, room and board at Monson Arts; Arrival Sunday at 5pm – Departure Saturday after breakfast.

Lodging and Meals

Monson Arts offers on-campus housing in a private (single) or double (shared with one other person) room in a house with shared bathroom and kitchen. Houses are comfortably furnished with linens provided. If you do not need housing, you may register as a day student and pay only for meals. All meals are prepared by the The Quarry, a fine-dining restaurant in downtown Monson and recent James Beard award winner.

Includes tuition, room and board

Single Room: $1610

Double Room: $1370

Day Students:

All meals $1130

Lunch Only: $875

Workshop Registration

Enrollment in each workshop is handled on a first-come, first-served basis. A deposit is required at the time of registration with full payment for all summer workshops due by May 30. If a workshop is full you can contact our office to be placed on the waitlist free of charge. If space becomes available we will let you know. Workshop schedules vary, so please note the dates.

Fees

The cost of participating in a workshop includes tuition, room and board. We offer on-campus housing in a private (single) or double (shared with one other person) room. Room availability is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If you do not need housing, you may register as a day student at a reduced rate. Whether staying on campus or off, all meals are included and prepared for workshop participants by the Quarry restaurant. Fees for materials and supplies will vary for each studio and can range from $25-$100.

Accommodations

Housing is in new or recently refurbished houses located within walking distance of studios and workshops. Single or double occupancy bedrooms are provided in shared housing. Bedrooms are comfortably furnished with twin beds. Linens and towels are provided, you should bring an extra swim towel.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made 30 days prior to the start of your workshop will receive a refund minus a $50 processing fee. Cancellations made 10 days prior will receive a 50% refund. Any cancellations after that will be charged the full rate. However, if you experience illness on the day of planned arrival, we will refund minus $50 to protect all of our participants. Should circumstances change, and we decide it is not possible to safely operate and cancel or postpone a workshop, you will receive a full refund.