Writing Retreat: Changing Bodies, Changing Landscapes

From floods to fires to the ongoing pandemic, we have been living at the epicenter of the climate crisis in Sonoma County.  As many of us know, our bodies have changed through these times as much as the landscapes themselves. Some of these changes are expected, some taboo, some unexplored, some take us to our knees. By offering participants the chance to observe regeneration while reflecting on their relationship to body, they will begin to understand nature not as a destination, but as a part of what it means to be human.
In Changing Bodies, Changing Landscapes, writer, naturalist and educator Kelly Gray will lead participants through a two-day workshop designed to cultivate skills in observation, the craft of written story, and offer opportunities for participants to see their lives reflected in the natural world and the natural world reflected within them. By using the landscape of Pepperwood as a backdrop for the workshop, there will be time in nature to look, feel, and write, as well as utilize the expertise of the staff regarding fire ecology, indigenous land practices and native flora and fauna. Special attention will be paid to the land affected by fire and celebrating disturbances in writing. Writing that comes from BIPOC, disabled, and queer/trans experiences will be prioritized in our reading and group discussions. This workshop will provide a safe place to receive writing encouragement and feedback while focusing on the art of revision.