Autumn Writing Workshop
There’s something distinctly generative about early autumn in the Hudson Valley—the arrival of proper sweater weather, the unmistakable aroma of crisp orchard apples in the air, and that quiet, compelling urge to pull a notebook close and begin again.
Please join us Saturday, October 3 for Seducing the Reader: How to Charm, Captivate, and Beguile with Personal Narrative, an intimate, day-long writing intensive set against the pastoral backdrop of Gardiner, New York.
While many writing workshops focus on learning strategies to express what is in one’s heart—a worthy goal, of course—this unique one-day fall gathering aims to go one step beyond simple self-expression. True personal narrative requires the art of seduction: discovering how to charm, captivate, and beguile your reader from the opening line, drawing them directly into the very heart of your elemental experience.
With Irene O’Garden (Glad to be Human) and Steve Lewis (Peering into Infinity Mirrors of Love & Grief) serving as guides, we will focus on finding the exact words and narrative architecture that will enable you to forge a deep, lasting relationship with your audience—a day designed to be deeply generative, supportive, and focused on bringing readers directly into the heart of your elemental experience.
Beyond the work on the page, the day is built around good food and true fellowship. We’ll welcome you in the morning with fresh breakfast pastries, seasonal fruit, and hot coffee, pause midday for an abundant, varied lunch buffet, and keep the creative momentum fueled with afternoon treats. Throughout the day, you’ll have time to step outside, stretch your legs, and soak in the crisp country air.
We will close our day together just as the evening chill sets in—gathering around an outdoor fire ring for a relaxed reception to share new work aloud, raise a glass, and celebrate the collective spirit of the day.
Workshop Details:
Where: Gardiner, New York
When: Saturday, October 3, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Capacity: Strictly limited to 12 to keep the group(s) focused and intimate.
Cost: $395 includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
For those traveling from out of town or looking to make a restorative weekend of it, our two adjacent neighbors have generously made their charming homes available for a $195 per night donation to Writers Read—a room mix of King, Queen, or Full beds, some of which include private baths, on a “first come” basis. For comparison, here are the prices for six other local accommodation options: https://writersread.org/local-accommodations
WEEKENDER — The full experience, including Friday and Saturday night lodging (while rooms last), will be $785 for first-timers, but just $685 for returnees (a 13% discount). If traveling from New York City, we can coordinate pick-up and return re: the Poughkeepsie Metro North station or the New Paltz Adirondack Trailways bus station.
DAY-O — If you’d like to simply join us for the day, tuition is just $395 ($350 for returnees).
