SUPPORTING THE CRAFT AND CAREER OF WRITERS THROUGH WORKSHOPS AND RETREATS SINCE 2000
Ellen Waterston is the founder and president of the Writing Ranch which, since 2000, has been dedicated to supporting the craft and careers of established and emerging writers through multi-day generative workshops and retreats. Guest faculty include published authors skilled at teaching the craft of writing and guest presenters whose expertise heightens participants’ experience of the unique landscapes and cultures where Writing Ranch workshops are held.
Learning to critique others’ writing and applying those lessons to one’s own is an important component regardless of session format: longer retreats or workshop intensives. Nothing compares to gathering and bonding with a group of writers, the heady experience of feeling you are with your people, your tribe, and together are supporting one another’s writing process and goals.
Hear from those who have participated in our Retreats & Workshops
“My workshop with Ellen Waterston was one of the richest writing experiences I have encountered. She has a gift for creating a fertile creative atmosphere—one in which she (and the workshop participants) genuinely delight in one another’s work, are expanded with innovative language exercises, and opened to entirely new possibilities. I was able to take and use so much from the experience. If you are looking for a compassionate and competent guide,
look no further! ”
“I’m still digesting our amazing time together. Thank you, thank you to all of you for allowing the indulgence into the deep and sacred. What a treat to share in the worlds of past, birds and words. I don’t often find myself so filled up and overflowing.”
“Loved our time together and feeling “home” in the family of writers and nature lovers.”
“You are rare: someone who combines abundant expertise and talent, confident leadership, almost no ego, and personal vulnerability. Not to mention a good sense of humor! I still wonder about being a “writer.” But it didn’t seem to matter. I felt part of the magic that was going on. I learned a lot, was touched and entertained by the varied and quite wonderful writing of others in the group, and I felt connected to others
in interesting and delightful ways.”
“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.”
“Thank you so much for your workshop. Your prompts and assignments have been so helpful in motivating me to continue my craft, and your feedback instilled pride in my work. I look forward to attending future Writing Ranch classes and events – I am so glad to have this resource.”
“Thanks so much for inspiring me to turn on my creative faucet: the words have been flowing ever since. I will keep adding more until it feels like I am done. I’m sending you love and gratitude for the part you played in my continuing recovery. It’s been about so much more than healing from the cancer!”
“Thank you a thousand times for the wonderful week of revival at Serendipity. I am forever grateful. I had given up writing: it just wasn’t fun anymore. But now, I want to get busy and write everyday.”
“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’ve taken in presenting a fine class.”
“From the morning classes to the evening presentations, learning transpires and inspires and helps accomplish individual goals. Time and guidance for writing is a priority. The chemistry that develops among the writers reminds me of those rare and favorite classes and teachers. The whole fun week was a leap forward designed by Ellen with her talent as both a writer and teacher.”
“It was such a tremendous adventure in the middle of the powerful desert and its undeniable sound of silence. I want to thank you for all the time, energy and passion you have to present to dreamers like me.”
“Recently the chickens have been molting, not laying many eggs given the sudden heat here. I thought, that’s it! I’m aware that with all my caregiving tasks this spring to summer, I felt like I was molting and unable to create. “Stencils” with you at Fishtrap was a gift - inspiring and encouraging me to be able to work again.
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