Nature Writer’s Retreat

with Helen Whybrow

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

This is an intensive retreat for writers to carve out time to dive deeply into their writing and to have coaching with a seasoned editor.

This workshop will offer a combination of guided prompts and solo writing time, story sessions, and conversations that will help you hone your writing practice and personal goals. This is not a workshop where we will critique one another’s work, though there will opportunities to share and to listen. Your writing will advance by being held in a creative, nurturing space, and by getting the chance to work with an experienced editor on the places you feel stuck or want new perspective.

Knoll Farm has both indoor and outdoor spaces that offer inspiration, solitude, peace and also connection to oneself and the deeper voices that can arise when we are able to clear away the static and busy-ness of life. Writers who come with a project can expect to make significant progress in this focused time. Others may find the inspiration to map out something new that has been beating its wings just out of sight. Together we will create a focused, serious writing retreat that is also deeply supportive, non-competitive and allows space for all voices, experience levels and perspectives to thrive. 

ABOUT THE HOST

Helen Whybrow has been a book and magazine editor for 30 years, at W. W. Norton, Orion Magazine and Milkweed Editions. as well as a freelancer. She has worked with countless well known writers including Barry Lopez, Tom Wessels, Pico Iyer, William Kittredge, Robin Kimmerer, Sherri Mitchell and many others.

“I’ve benefitted multiple times from Helen’s editorial acumen. I’ve worked with many editors over the years, and I can say that Helen is a cut above. She possesses not only the hard skills, but she has something harder to find, a generosity of spirit that’s both rare and infectious. The end result is that she brings out the best in me as a writer.” Fred Bahnson, author of Soil and Sacrament

“Helen is a creative, incisive editor with a unique combination of skills. I so appreciated her expertise and insights on my work, and the time she took to honor the voice and tone I’d established. We really had a creative partnership that supported me to experiment with new ideas. And on top of all that — it was fun working with her!” Samantha Harvey

DETAILS AND PRICING

This workshop will be limited to fifteen participants so that each participant will receive focused attention and feedback.

HOW TO APPLY:

This workshop is offered to those writing poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction in the broad-minded definition of Modern Nature Writing.  In other words, writing that has a sense of place, and a concern or attunement to the natural world. To apply, please fill in the questions below and upload a sample (one poem, or the first 3 pages of an essay or short story). Acceptance will be made on a rolling basis and applicants who have been accepted will then be invited to register and pay. Once we receive your payment you will be guaranteed a place in the workshop. We’ll be in touch about housing and meal preferences, as well as transportation options to the farm, after your registration is complete.