Greetings,
I rarely give writers’ workshops. But recently I put together an unusual workshop which I will be teachingdirecting in Abiquiu, New Mexico, in the fall. I wanted to let you know about it before it is advertised to the general public and put up on my website

This six-day intensive workshop is entitled The Writer’s Vision. The workshop will teach writing skills, but it goes beyond the mere technical. This is not a traditional workshop and there will be no ‘critiquing’ of work in classroom-like settings. The goal of the workshop isn’t so much to teach participants how to write but how to see. To do this, the workshop will engage body, mind, and spirit in a retreat-like atmosphere at a remote ranch outside Abiquiu, New Mexico. We will work mostly outdoors, in the heart of the high desert country where Georgia O’Keeffe painted her famous landscapes. The workshop involves intensive creative exercises, isolation in the landscape, close observation of nature, and mindfulness. We will employ various techniques to sweep away blockages and overcome fear—with the aim of helping participants achieve a profound creative breakthrough. But the heart of the workshop is something entirely new: the innovative use of photography to push participants into seeing the world in a fresh and original way. (My most influential writing teacher once said to me: You want to be a writer? Then you must become a photographer.) I’ve teamed up with the nationally known photographer, Walter W. Nelson, who will be teaching the workshop with me.

The Writer’s Vision is open to writers in all fiction disciplines—from poetry to short stories to novels. Previous publication is not necessary. A digital camera is required, but you do not need to be a photographer.

The workshop is limited to ten participants. If you have an interest, please let me know as soon as possible. The workshop is part of a series called the Abiquiu Workshops, founded by a nonprofit organization headquartered in Abiquiu, New Mexico

For more information about my workshop (or the others in the series), please check out the website below, or call or email me with questions. I can be reached at 207-529-2207.

http://abiquiuworkshops.com/

All the best,
Doug