Each year a group of intrepid adventurers gathers in the autumn woods, awash with the colors and scents of fallen leaves, to explore the craft of writing. Of self-expression through the written word. Some have been returning for years, yet every year we have new arrivals. It doesn’t matter--every group quickly becomes a family, supporting and encouraging, learning from one another. We learn or relearn the ‘Three Secrets’ of becoming a writer. We seek out living metaphors, always abundant in the woods. In the meantime, there is the writer’s practice of truly looking, listening, and noticing. Of seeking out the right word, the right phrase, the right way of capturing a story. Or merely a feeling, or a moment. In walking the paths under ancient pines and oaks, there is often the happy discovery of an individual’s own ‘writer’s path’--each one different from any other. And along the way, we get empowered. We get creative. We dig into editing and how it is essential, yet so very different from the art of writing. Finally, and sometimes most importantly, we get past the awkward, ‘Am I good enough? Am I really a writer?’ hang-up that afflicts so many. (Including me when I started, some 40 books ago). Through the years, we have had participants ranging from retired ‘newspaper-men-and-women’ to bloggers to daily journal-keepers to aspiring beginners. All are welcome and have something unique to share or contribute.

If any of this sounds good to you, come and join us in the woods. You have friends waiting to meet you. And we all have writing to do.

Very limited number of spaces for this unique event!

Cost: $1,100, including lodging, breakfasts and dinners.

The deposit to hold a space in the class is $550 due on registration. CLICK HERE to register.

Remaining cost of $550 due on or before September 10th 2026. CLICK HERE to make second payment.

WORKSHOP FEATURES:

*Individual guidance and feedback from Douglas Wood
*Identifying common stumbling blocks
*Every author’s fears
* Awareness and observation
* Incisive phrasing and word choice
* Arc, purpose, and direction
* Inspiration vs. perspiration
* Importance of rewriting and editing
* How they support, but are different from ‘writing.’
*Finding your ‘voice, ‘your own ‘writer’s path.’
* Q & A opportunities
* Group sharing
*Guided naturalist exploration of woods and grounds
*Creative gatherings on The Porch and round the fireplace
*Music and readings from Douglas Wood
*Evening campfire sessions

LODGING IN HISTORIC SCHWYTZER LODGE INCLUDES:

* Intimate small group, maximum of 12.
* Comfortable, dorm-style accommodations in National Historic Registry Lodge
* Large comfortable bedrooms, maximum of two per room, possible single.
* Classic, oak framed bunks
* Multiple baths and showers
* Modern communal kitchen for coffee, tea, lunches and snacks
* Shared dining in Osprey Wilds Great Hall
*Nearly 800 acres of mature forest and lakeshore to explore
* Fiery sunsets over Grindstone Lake from classic wrap-around screen Porch
*Being and writing in the woods!!!

OVERVIEW
WRITERS IN THE WOODS is a one-of-a-kind creative and intuitive workshop, designed to encourage participants from exactly where they are in their writing journey. We will explore realms outside of normal boundaries and comfort zones, focusing on creative flow and imaginative paths. A flexible agenda will reflect particpants’ interests, abilities, and goals.