Writing Workshop in Oaxaca - Workshop may be full! Email Ariel if you're interested in coming

I'm hosting a writing workshop in Oaxaca, Mexico this winter! The class size is super-limited, so read on and sign up early if you’re coming…

Christmastime Writing Workshop in Oaxaca, Mexico with Ariel Gore

December 11 – 17

As the light of the north wanes this winter, spend a week writing and soaking up inspiration in the sunshine of southern Mexico.

Find your voice as a writer, explore your craft, produce new short stories, get feedback on your work, write that book proposal, revive an ongoing project--even get started on a new book.

On retreats like these, writers can often produce ten to twelve new pages each day. Your pace may be faster or slower, but I guarantee that you'll come away from the experience with some excellent new work and a sense of creative rejuvenation.

Here's the plan...

December 11

You'll arrive in Oaxaca and check into the wonderful Casa Colonial guesthouse where you'll stay for six nights and enjoy full, delicious breakfasts each morning (Mexican and American fare). On the evening of your check-in, you'll also enjoy a light cena prepared by chef Teresa Garcia and you'll meet Ariel and the other writers.

December 12

December 12 is the sacred Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe--revered as the patron saint and Queen of all Mexico. In Oaxaca, she is honored on December 12 with songs at dawn and activities throughout the day--including the presentation of the children to the Virgin, music, fireworks, and carnival rides. Settle into this amazing city, enjoy the celebrations, and meet with Ariel for your workshop syllabus and first writing assignment.

       

December 13 through 17

We'll meet for two hours each morning--usually in the living room or covered patio of Casa Colonial.

We'll share new work, offer critique and ideas, write together, and stir up the inspiration. You'll spend another two to three hours each day writing on your own. Your rooms have desks, the guesthouse has a library, courtyard, and garden, and the whole city of Oaxaca is pedestrian-friendly and writer-friendly. The balance of each day will be yours to spend as you wish—exploring ancient cities and Colonial churches, relaxing, strolling through ethnobotanical gardens and open markets, riding horseback in the countryside, doing holiday shopping, sampling Oaxaca's world-famous cuisine and maybe even taking a cooking class.

Optional afternoon trips on these days are planned to the home studios of the best representatives of the traditional Oaxacan arts including Demetrio Bautista Lazo, master weaver in Teotitlan del Valle, and Jacobo Angeles, master woodcarver in San Martin Tilcajete. There will be a small extra transportation cost for these trips.


December 15

Day trip to the pre-Columbian power spot of Monte Alban—one of the earliest cities of Mesoamerica. We'll head out from Oaxaca City bright and early to beat the heat (and the crowds), tour this amazing archaeological site, write, and hold our daily workshop.

In addition to the group workshops, each student will have the opportunity to meet with Ariel for a one-on-one literary consultation. Submit a story or manuscript excerpt (up to 25 pages) by December 1 for detailed feedback and direction.

The last day of the workshop is December 17—

just in time to head home or to a tropical beach for Christmas.

THIS WORKSHOP MAY BE FULL - EMAIL ARIEL TO SEE IF THERE IS SPACE BEFORE YOU PAY A DEPOSIT

Wintertime Writing Workshop in Oaxaca with Ariel Gore - Complete Package
Cost includes daily writing workshops, individual literary consultation, day trip to Monte Alban, optional afternoon trips, and six nights lodging with full breakfasts as well as arrival night dinner (Mexican and American fare... vegetarians easily accommodated).
$650
($175 deposit saves your spot; balance due by October 9)

Companion rate

Cost includes six nights lodging with full breakfasts, arrival night dinner, day trip to Monte Alban, and optional afternoon trips (no writing workshops).
$350
($100 deposit saves your spot; balance due by October 9)

Wintertime Writing Workshops Only (you have your own lodging)

Cost includes daily writing workshops, Monte Alban day trip, individual literary consultation, and optional afternoon trips.
$350
($100 deposit saves your spot; balance due by October 9)

Most rooms are double occupancy--though a few are single (with shared bath). Sign up with a friend, bring a companion, or bunk with a fellow writer you've yet to meet. Please let us know if you'd prefer a single room (twin bed), a double-occupancy room with separate beds, a double-occupancy room with a king bed, or the family suite... (It will be first-come, first-serve with these preferences... there are eleven rooms in the guesthouse). Do email if you're planning to bring children or if your additional guest is a child—the cost will vary depending on your accommodation and childcare needs.

If you don't use Paypal, you can send an email to save your spot and put a check in the mail to:

Ariel Gore

P.O. Box 42522

Portland, OR 97242

Feel free to Email Ariel with any other questions.

Check Travelocity.com for current airfares. You can fly directly to Oaxaca, or you can fly to Mexico City and get a bus from the airport to Oaxaca (about 6 hours on the first class bus). And don't forget to apply for your passport early.

See you in Oaxaca!

*Deposits are non-refundable (unless there's a major natural or manmade disaster--in which case we'll cancel the workshop and refund!)