Writer's Camp

Writers take over the entire Esalen campus during this annual workshop. A tradition begun by best-selling author Cheryl Strayed, Writers’ Camp leaders Pam Houston and Samantha Dunn bring together nationally known authors and participants at all levels of writing expertise, who together create a supportive, creative, informative, and inspiring week that’s designed to ignite – and re-ignite – your passion for the stories you have to tell.

In sessions led by each of the distinguished faculty, you’ll hear lectures, do writing exercises, and discuss the art and craft of writing, from prose to poetry and performance pieces. You’ll have the opportunity to share your work in a nurturing environment that engages and challenges writers of all levels, from the novice to the advanced. Because the focus of the workshop is on generating new writing rather than critiquing manuscripts, you simply begin where you are.