Writers (Un)block: A Generative Creative Writing Workshop

While the imagination is limitless, our perspectives aren’t, and it’s common for writers, artists, storytellers, and creative humans to feel a bit stuck when it comes to inspiration, ideas, source material, and even language itself. Some call this “Writers Block”—I call it time to shake things up and try something new! Even the most experienced writers fall into habits and patterns that need to be rattled loose, turned upside-down, and challenged from time to time. Come spend a week in the sublime city of Santa Fe encountering creative sparks that can lead to new ideas and directions, and sometimes, answers to the very questions we’re wrestling with. 

Writers (Un)block is a weeklong immersive, engaging, and invigorating workshop designed to get you unstuck, unblocked, and newly inspired, thanks to writing exercises and prompts that are thoughtful, playful, experimental—and effective. We’ll spend the week reminding ourselves that we are constantly surrounded by inspiration and ideas—we just have to look closely, listen deeply, and be open to new ways of noticing and creating. 

Together we’ll mine the magic of our surroundings, drawing on everything from local landscapes, histories, and art museums (fieldtrips will included) to prompts and exercises based on found objects, weather patterns, song lyrics, memories, overheard conversations, and more. 

I’m Kate Schatz, a New York Times bestselling author of fiction and non-fiction with over 20 years of experience teaching writing to people of all ages and experience levels. I’m well-known for my warmth, compassion, and accessibility, as well as my relentless curiosity and innovation—and willingness to get a little weird. At the same time, I’m a Virgo who loves structure, equal airtime, constructive feedback, and making sure everything runs on time. 

While the focus of this workshop is generating new works and short pieces, there will be opportunities to workshop and to receive feedback from the instructor and peers in supportive, productive ways. Open to all experience levels, including advanced writers who wish to bring existing pieces that need new energy and fresh ideas

Workshop Schedule:
Sunday Night: Welcome Reception at 6pm
Monday – Friday: 9am – 4pm

*Schedule and Fieldtrip locations - Subject to change*