Writing For Our Lives at La Serrania

A remote and gorgeous retreat center in Mallorca
with Ellen Bass
September 25 to October 2, 2010
- View Workshop Schedule

The philosophy behind this workshop experience is best expressed by Martha Graham who said,
“There is a vitality, a life-force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action. And because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium, and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how valuable, nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.”

This week will be an opportunity to delve into our writing in an inspiring setting, to nurture the creative voice. There will be time for writing and time for sharing and response, hearing what our work touches in others. La Serrania Writing for Our Lives We'll help each other to become clearer, go deeper, express our feelings and ideas more powerfully. With the safety, support, and guidance of this gathering, you have the opportunity to create writing that is more vivid, more true, more complex and powerful than you've been able to do before.

The focus of this workshop is on generating new writing, but there will also be time for feedback, critique, and guidance.

Both beginners and experienced writers are welcome. Whether you are interested in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, memoir or journal writing, this workshop will provide an opportunity to explore and expand your creative world.

This will be my sixth year teaching at LaSerrania and it's always a deep pleasure to return. La Serrania is remote, gorgeous, and inspiring. If you'd like a chance to sink deeply into your writing, enjoy delicious food, go to sleep in a simple, yet elegant room, wake to sheep bells, this is the place.

The absolute tranquility of La Serrania, broken occasionally by the sounds of sheep or birds, is truly inspirational. It is the perfect setting to slow down, read, write, sit under the shade of a tree or swim in the beautiful pool. With a large dining room, living room/library and further terraces, everyone can find their own space. High ceilings, clean design and generous proportions prevail throughout La Serrania. Each bedroom has its own ensuite bathroom and private terrace. Extensive windows and soft interior tones allow La Serrania to benefit fully from natural sunlight, all year round, complementing the positive internal ambience produced by natural materials. If you ever wish to leave the peace of La Serrania, you are just 10 km. from Pollensa and 15 km. from the beach.

In addition to ample time for writing and sharing, we'll also have the opportunity to visit the local Sunday market and we'll plan a mid-week sightseeing excursion.

This size of the workshop is limited to 14 participants. The earlybird fee for the workshop (which includes accommodations and all meals) is $1500 if you register before March 31. After that the fee is $1750. A $550 deposit is required to hold your place. Most rooms are doubles. If there is room, singles are available for a surcharge of $300, but this can't be guaranteed in advance.

For more information about LaSerrania visit www.laserrania.com. For more information about the workshop and to register, please email me at or call 831-426-8006.