Summer 2008
The Story You Came To Tell Level I
This series of six weekly classes will explore literary nonfiction and memoir writing with discussion of the relationship of nonfiction and fiction. This series is for first time participants in a Writing Ranch series. Participants can expect in-class writing prompts, reading and writing assignments.
May 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24
7 – 9 p.m.
Fee: $275
Location: COCC library
To register: Email or call 541.480.3933
Class size limited to 15. Additional sections may be added.
The Writing Project Level II
This series of six weekly classes will work specifically with those who have projects in the works and who seek to develop and refine their writing style and to develop proposals for possible publication. Projects can include a memoir, a collection of essays or short stories, or a literary nonfiction on any topic. The emphasis will be on memoir and literary nonfiction. This class requires having previously participated in any other Writing Ranch retreat or workshop series. Participants can expect in-class writing prompts, as well as reading and writing assignments related to the development of their project.
May 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24
5– 7 p.m.
Fee: $275
Location: COCC library
To register: E-mail or call 541.480.3933
Class size limited to 15. Additional sections may be added.
To register 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 |
High Desert Sojourn
The sixth annual High Desert Writing Retreat is an opportunity for writers to take time to honor their craft at the rustic Grindstone Lakes Lodge in the middle of Central Oregon’s “outback”. Designed for emerging writers working on a project or with a project in mind, this retreat includes instructional writing prompts each morning, and hour-long one-on-one workshopping sessions. Group readings and critiquing sessions are held each evening.
Scheduled for Thursday, August 21- Sunday, August 24, 2008
Meet at Paulina General Store, Paulina, Oregon (southeast of Prineville) on Wednesday, August 13 at 3:00 p.m. to caravan and/or carpool.
Fee: $575 with a non-refundable deposit of $225 due July 1, 2008.
Limited to 15 participants. Bring your own bedding and favorite beverage.
To register Email or call 541.480.3933
“This is my fourth year. Each year feeds my writing in a different way. This remote and beautiful location in the High Desert is not to be missed.” Anne Machonis, Seattle, Washington
"When I signed up I was looking forward to lots of writing time. I got time in spades but I also got something I wasn't expecting -- direction. Ellen was very helpful in shaping my goals, my writing schedule and life. I left renewed and inspired." Julie Inada, Ashland, Oregon
"The High Desert Retreat focused my goals as a serious writer. By that I mean Ellen provided me the resources to take myself seriously as a writer." Stephen Ledyard, Bend, Oregon
It was such a tremendous adventure in the middle of the powerful desert. Sharing writings was inspirational. I thank Ellen for all the time, energy and passion she presents to dreamers like me." Kristin Jarvis, Terrebonne, Oregon |
Las Brisas Writer’s Workshop and Retreat, Todos Santos, BCS, Mexico
Honor yourself and your writing with a retreat to Baja California Sur’s pueblo magico of Todos Santos. Morning writing prompts and evening critique sessions book-end each day of writing. Exploring the quaint charms of Todos Santos and experiencing the beauty of the Pacific Ocean make the week one to remember. A variety of optional tours and social events are optional. Participants are asked to make their own accommodation and travel arrangements. Various meal plan options are available.
Sunday, March 8 – Sunday, March 15, 2009
Limited to 15. For information: Email or call 541.480.3933 |
“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
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Specialized Workshops
Schedule a writing workshop or presentation at your educational or professional institution. 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 2007. 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 |
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