The Alumni Retreat

The alumni writing retreat gathers writers at Oz Farm from any past cohorts of The Heart of It. It is a chance to return to dedicated time in community and dive deeper into the cultivation of your writer’s life. Our programming consists of a five-day, four-night combination of generative writing workshops, dialogues, craft talks, revision and editing workshops per day, with independent time, and varying group activities included. New this year: we’ll spend three hours each day in fellow-facilitated manuscript workshop pods, offering discussion and feedback via the Liz Lerman workshop process. Each day follows a semi-flexible, emergent agenda that seeks to hold the aspirations and needs of the shared cohort. Whether you first attended The Heart of It in 2016 or 2024, we are thrilled to have you back.

A glimpse into retreat days:

• Morning: Mornings are spent on your own, with time spent independently reflecting, writing, or engaging in self-directed activities, including breakfast. Our opening morning meeting begins at 10 AM. Following the morning meeting, we will disperse into manuscript workshop pods, a new addition to our programming. Fellows will facilitate dialogue focused on one writer’s work at a time, utilizing the Liz Lerman workshop process to provide feedback and discussion on the work chosen by each writer.

• Afternoon: Workshop will continue into the afternoon with a sandwich bar lunch, allowing each writer to refuel and refresh in whatever way feels right for them. The rest of the afternoon will offer full-group dialogues, craft talks, or some facilitated generative writing. Afterward, the group may choose to go on an outing, such as a low-tide beach trip or a tour of the little town of Point Arena.

• Evening: Our evenings will include a communal dinner, closing meeting, and a chance to participate in independent and communal activities such as hot tub soaks, bonfires, late-night laughter or catching up on some reading. Late evenings are unstructured, offering time for relaxation, deep conversations, star-gazing, or personal pursuits.

Additional details:

• Meals: You’ll receive three meals daily, and everyone will contribute to meal preparation, from cooking to setting the table or washing dishes. Breakfast is self-guided, lunch is a self-serve sandwich bar (with dietary restrictions accommodated), and dinner is a collaborative meal. All will have access to snacks and beverages throughout the day.

• Time: Each day includes scheduled quiet time and opportunities for exploring the farm, reading, engaging in your writing practice, and self-reflection. All workshops are elective, and while we truly value your presence, we trust you to decide if participating in any given activity is right for you in that moment. 

• Generative Writing Workshops: Most workshops culminate in a read-back session to witness and celebrate participants’ work. Workshop programming is led by esteemed fellows and faculty.

• Manuscript Workshop Pods: Each workshop will be co-facilitated and follow the Liz Lerman workshop process. Full or finished manuscripts are not required. Pods will consist of 4-7 writers meeting over three days. Each writer will have the opportunity to have their packet of work (up to 25 pages) read by their cohort, workshopped, and discussed. 

Applications are open from February 1-28, 2025, and notifications will be sent by April 1, 2025.

Tuition: $1,500.