If you’ve ever wondered how to make a place spring to life on the page, this is your chance to learn and practice. In this three-hour generative course, we’ll explore techniques for evoking setting—whether you’re describing another country or your own backyard. Through discussion, short reading examples, and guided prompt sessions, we’ll cover the nuances of capturing on-the-go impressions, awakening all five senses, recreating atmosphere and vivid imagery, depicting both landscapes and urban spaces, and avoiding clichés. We’ll also delve into the multidimensional ways setting can be articulated, beyond physical details. And best of all, we’ll begin the practice of sharpening our attention so that wherever we are, we notice more deeply. This course will elevate journal entries, fiction, memoir, and poetry, and it’s open to writers of all experience levels.

Cost: $115

Target audience: essayists, memoirists, poets, novelists, journal-keepers—writers of all kinds and experience levels

Colette and I began collaborating on creative projects in 2020, when she beautifully illustrated The Best Women's Travel Writing, Volume 12 . We had so much fun that we decided to start teaching interwoven writing and painting classes. We've since taught together in Kathmandu, on a flower farm in Massachusetts, online (in our creative community, Studio Unfurl), at a gorgeous seaside agriturismo in Sicily, and in Yelapa, a place we fell madly, deeply in love with. And now we're returning to Yelapa in November--and you can join us!

Here's what to expect:

November 11-18

You'll arrive in Puerto Vallarta, and after two fun nights there, we'll hop a water taxi across the Bay of Banderas (while keeping our eyes peeled for dolphins and whales) to the lush, secluded, car-free village of Yelapa, where two rivers meet and jungle and beach conspire. There, we'll spend six nights in the dreamiest open-air casas imaginable. We'll fall asleep to the deep sound of rolling waves and wake to birdsong. During the day, we'll immerse ourselves in place, practicing the art of absorption through writing and painting classes.

AND we'll have plenty of time every day for...

• swimming
• sunbathing
• snorkeling
• birdwatching
• reading in your hammock
• napping in your hammock
• parasailing
• doing yoga
• talking with new friends
• enjoying the laid-back beach town
• doing some light shopping
• taking a jungle hike to a waterfall
• eating the most incredible fish tacos
• and ceviche
• and guacamole
• and avocado pie

TOTAL COST ONLY $2,500

Includes accommodation, water taxi, food, most dinners (drinks included!) and instruction.

Learn more and register at https://www.deeptravelworkshops.com