Writers' Camp

Writers take over the entire Esalen campus during this annual workshop. A tradition begun by best-selling author Cheryl Strayed, Writers’ Camp leaders Samantha Dunn and Pam Houston 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.

In an effort to amplify all voices that need to be heard, Writing By Writers is sponsoring fellowships to Writer’s Camp for emerging writers of color and/or members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Fellowship winners have already been selected for 2021. We will open the fellowship application process again next year for 2022.