What Happens Next? - Sonoma County Writers Camp

We welcome back renowned authors Elizabeth Stark and Ellen Sussman for another Sonoma County Writers Camp!


As teachers and authors, Ellen Sussman and Elizabeth Stark have very different approaches to story structure. But we both agree that the simple question, "What happens next?" can, beat by beat, create a gripping plot and fuel a propulsive story.

Story and meditation both require a radical practice of staying in the present, moment by moment, writing or living into now. Staying curious and engaged about this moment, this breath, this step forward, the meditation tools we practice in the optional meditation sessions during camp, lend themselves to writing story: staying curious and engaged about this scene, this story moment. In this session of camp, we will tackle plot, exploring approaches to discovering and shaping your story, staying awake to the unfolding moment.

Find your way to organic character-rooted action with a cause-and-effect build. Make your story—whether short fiction, novel, memoir, or narrative nonfiction—a page turner without sacrificing depth, detail, and the pleasure of surprise for writer and reader. Let your moments unfold in these gorgeous surroundings, with delicious food, optional meditation, hikes, silent early morning writing, afternoon cafe writing, as well as workshops, an author master class, our thrilling student readings, and more.



 

Bonus Add-On
July 20-23
$1350, open ONLY to Camp Participants

Follow up your camp immersion with three days of writing retreat with Ellen, Elizabeth, seven other writers and YOU. Build on the inspiration you've gained, maintain the focus, and keep writing. Ellen and Elizabeth will be writing, too, with early morning meditative "writing from where you dream," ongoing cafe writing sessions in the later mornings and afternoons, shared meals and walks, and low-key, high positivity evenings of sharing work, chatting about books.
COVID POLICY: For your safety and ours, we require proof of vaccination AND negative test result from all visitors to Ratna Ling Retreat Center. We wish to provide peace of mind for all of our residents and guests.
SCHEDULE (Subject to Change):
Wednesday:

3pm  Check-in
5pm  Welcome Party
6pm  Dinner


Thursday:

6:30am Meditative Dream Writing
8am Breakfast
9am Writing Workshop
12:15pm Lunch
1:15pm Cafe Writing
2pm Kum Nye with Andi
6pm Dinner + Ratna Ling Introduction
7:30pm Student Readings


Friday:

6:30am Meditative Dream Writing
8am Breakfast
9am  Writing workshop
12:15pm Lunch
1:15pm Cafe Writing
2pm  Hike with Ellen
4pm Master Class with Visiting Author
6pm Dinner
7:30pm  Student Readings


Saturday:

630am Meditative Dream Writing
8am Breakfast
9am Writing Workshop
12:15pm Lunch
1:15pm Cafe Writing
2pm Meditation with George
4:30pm Industry Panel
6pm Dinner
7:30pm  Student Readings


Sunday:

6:30am Meditative Dream Writing
8am Breakfast
9am Writing Workshop
12:15pm Lunch + Closing
1:30pm Checkout

For directions to Ratna Ling - Ratna Ling Retreat Center 35755 Hauser Bridge Rd Cazadero, CA 95421
Accommodations are beautiful lux cabins



ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Transportation to/from Ratna Ling is NOT included - carpooling encouraged
Payments are nonrefundable and transferable to a future Ratna Ling stay or retreat
Each cottage includes TWO private rooms with queen beds, large dining & living area, gas fireplace,
spacious deck, jacuzzi tub, linens/towels/hand soap, kitchenette with tea & coffee, complimentary wireless internet. Towels and hand soap are provided.
vegetarian meals are served during our weekend together.

 
What people are saying about our retreats:



 "Ratna Ling is beautiful, the accommodations are wonderful, very comfortable.  I love the land and the animals and the trees - and the quiet."
"I am grateful that I got to lead a retreat at a place that is so special to me. We had such an amazing group of people.  Thank you for all your support."
"I love it here and hope to continue coming for many years.  The setting and sacredness of this space are the perfect place to retreat."



"A very beautiful and relaxing place.  The cottage was really cozy.  The food was wonderful.  The staff was so nice."
“I loved having time to myself to reflect on my life and where I am going. Thank you Ratna Ling."
“Being able to move at my own pace is a luxury. And of course the food was delicious."