Note: Writing Down the Baja 2026 creative writing retreat is full. To join a waiting list, contact Ellen Waterston via this email link.
Ellen Waterston’s scheduled appearances as Poet Laureate
November 14, 2025. An Evening of Words and Wonder, a fundraiser for journalism presented by Bend Source. Hanai Center, Bend, Oregon.
December 4, 2025. Reading from forthcoming chapbook collection at Paulina Springs Books, Sisters, Oregon. With historical fiction writer Kathy Watson.
December 8, 2025. Oregon Leadership Summit, Portland, Oregon.
January 14, 2026. Milwaukie Poetry Series, Milwaukie, Oregon.
June 23-28, 2026. Summer Fishtrap, Keynote and workshop, Enterprise, Oregon.
Fifteenth Annual
Writing Down the Baja
February 14-22, 2026
serendipity hotel
Todos Santos, BCS, Mexico
Designed for both emerging and established writers, the fifteenth annual Writing Down the Baja promises to be an exciting, fun and, above all, productive week. Drawing inspiration from generative prompts, supplementary readings, and explorations of the Baja itself, the focus of the daily writing sessions will be to improve craft in both poetry and prose. Writing Ranch founder, Oregon Poet Laureate and author, Ellen Waterston, along with guest faculty, author and poet John Calderazzo, and environmental writer SueEllen Campbell will lead this year’s workshops. See Learn More button below for additional information.