The Writing Ranch

Dedicated to building and supporting the careers, craft and creative needs of the writer

Workshops and Retreats

The Story You Came To Tell 2012

Instructed by award-winning author and poet Ellen Waterston, this seven-session series will explore poetry, fiction and literary nonfiction with a special emphasis on the relationship of literary nonfiction and fiction.  This workshop is both for first time participants in a Writing Ranch series and for writers with on-going projects. Projects can include poetry, memoir, a collection of essays or short stories, or a literary nonfiction on any topic. All participants can expect in-class writing prompts, as well as reading and writing assignments. Class #16809
Fee & Registration: Central Oregon Community College Community Learning's website. Class #26547
Location: Central Oregon Community College, Campus Center, Room 116A
Dates: Mondays and Thursdays, May 31-June 21
Time: 4-6 p.m.
Class size limited to 15.  Ten participants required for class to be held.  Additional sections may be added.

For more information: Email or call 541.480.3933

"You have the natural gift of a great teacher, always giving exactly the information we needed at the right moment in our progression as writers. Thank you for offering these workshops." Carol Sternkopf, Bend, Oregon

"You ability to connect with each person in class is inspiring. This is certainly a gift you possess. Your encouragement and suggestions...have motivated me to become a more complete and accomplished writer."
Michael Reeves, Christmas Valley, Oregon

"Thank you seems a meager sentiment to express my gratitude for what you've given me. Taking your class has opened creative gates that have been shut for many years. May other fledgling writers bask in the glow of your support."
Dee DelDrago, Bend, Oregon

"In a world where thin gruel is often standard fare, your course was a banquet feast I'll be digesting for months to come. Thank you for the intelligent care you took in presenting a fine class."
Ruth Norman, Bend, Oregon


Las Brisas Writer’s Workshop and Retreat
**Stay tuned for news about the nextTodos Santos, BCS, Mexico writing retreat
Established and emerging writers – hone your craft and enjoy the beauty of Todos Santos on Mexico’s Baja Sur! Join Ellen Waterston for a week-long writing retreat that includes morning writing prompts, evening critiquing sessions and guided discussions about the intersection of poetry, literary non-fiction and fiction.

Take a break from writing with afternoon side trips to beaches and galleries. Participants will be lodged in a beautiful hacienda in the Pueblo Magico of Todos Santos. The fee (to be announced) includes breakfast and lunch, served at the hacienda, and family-style dinners at a local restaurant.

Location: Todos Santos, BCS, Mexico
Dates:  To be announced
Limited to 15. For information: Email or call 541.480.3933

Visit Central Oregon Community College Community Learning's website for updates as they become available.


"You made the Todos Santos experience the best experience.  You are a gifted writer and teacher.  I so look forward to doing this again." Sandy Mohler, San Diego, California

"Thank you so much for the wonderful energy you brought to the Todos Santos retreat and for the work you are doing professionally that made my time in Todos Santos so special." Gerry, Washington

"Thanks to the motivation your workshop provided,  I am 200 pages into my memoir."  Robert Hall, Todos Santos, BCS, Mexico

"I left Todos Santos believing I can write.  It was a very encouraging experience as a writer."  Chris Johns, Aurora, Illinois

"My expectations were met, and more!"
  Brenda Felldin, Paradise Valley, Arizona


Specialized Workshops
Schedule a writing workshop or presentation at your educational or professional institution. Language Arts for Leaders'© two-hour creative writing workshops are a highly successful community-building activity at staff retreats for public, private and non-profit organizations.

“Thank you for such a terrific reading and workshop at the Oregon State Poetry Association Spring Conference. I wrote several pieces which I will continue to develop. Each exercise kept me focused and motivated. What a productive workshop.” Liz Miller, Ashland, Oregon

"I was moved beyond words by the incisiveness and clarity of her thoughts. Waterston is a genius-level instructor, able to uncover the latent talents of any group through a series of seemingly simple exercises in composition." Peter Springberg, Fort Collins, Colorado

"The two hours writer's workshop with Ellen Waterston was perhaps the most valuable two hours I've spent in months. In addition to being highly knowledgeable about all genres of writing, her most impressive quality was her ability to listen. When participants read their poetry or prose it seemed as if she instantly memorized them. Her comments about them were complete and probing. I would definitely want to attend more of her workshops."
Darlene Morse, Fort Collins, Colorado

"Ellen Waterston came into my Alternative Education classroom and in three weeks taught my students to have a voice. She took what the students gave her -- abandonment, abuse, rape, drug use -- and gave them a creative outlet. Ellen's zeal for the written word was contagious. The students did not want to stop writing. Students who never had self-worth or felt validated are now, with confidence, reading their writing in front of audiences. She offered skills that enabled them to start to fly."
Colby Knifong, Wallowa Alternative School, Oregon

"Ellen Waterston really listens to each student's work and responds with special comments that encourages the writer and validates their effort."
Mary Lou Guentert, Joseph High School, Oregon


The Writing Ranch
PO Box 640, Bend, OR 97709
541.480.3933
email us
also visit: www.ellenwaterston.com
©Waterston Communications, Inc. 2007. All Rights Reserved

Writing Ranch

Workshops & Retreats

One-on-One

The Nature of Words

About the Founder