Event Description
Take a moment to get grounded, and get writing at GrubStreet’s Boston Writers of Color retreat in collaboration with the Boston Harbor Women of Color Coalition on October 24 from 10:00a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
During the day-long retreat at the Arnold Arboretum, participants will have the time to connect with one another, learn about our partner, head outdoors for an optional guided walk and join Dr. Elizabeth Santiago in two independent, yet interconnected writing workshops. Retreat goers will be invited to slow down, awaken their senses, and discover how paying closer attention to the world around them can deepen their writing.
Morning Workshop: Awakening the Senses
The morning session will focus on opening ourselves to creativity through observation, sensory awareness, and reflection. Through a series of writing exercises, participants will explore how the sights, sounds, textures, and emotions of everyday life can spark new ideas and unexpected stories. We'll consider what happens when we slow down, notice the details we might otherwise overlook, and allow our curiosity to guide us. Participants will leave the session with a writing prompt to carry into the nature walk, inviting them to continue observing, reflecting, and gathering inspiration from their surroundings.
Afternoon Workshop: From Observation to Story
In the afternoon, we'll build on our morning explorations, transforming observations, memories, and emotions into the beginnings of a story. Through guided visualization and creative writing exercises, participants will explore how sensory details can bring characters to life, reveal their inner worlds, and create emotionally resonant scenes. Whether working on an existing project or discovering something entirely new, writers will have the opportunity to experiment, follow their curiosity, and see where their imagination takes them.
Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. The retreat schedule is from 10:00 am. to 4:00 p.m., but even if you can’t make the entire day, feel free to drop in whenever you can. It would be most beneficial to come from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. so that you can participate in the first writing workshop, and the optional walk at 12:00 p.m. or from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. so that you can learn about our partner and participate in the second writing workshop.
All genders are welcome.
When: October 24, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: The Arnold Arboretum
Cost: Free
Parking: Free parking is available along the Arborway, Flora Way, and Walter Street
GrubStreet is the place where writers from all backgrounds and ages develop their craft – and themselves – through the power of writing and sharing their work.
GrubStreet’s Boston Writers of Color (BWOC) program focuses on artistic and career development for writers of color in New England and beyond. Founded by author and GrubStreet Instructor Jonathan Escoffery, this program includes literary support funding, free writing sessions, a network of BIPOC writers and artistic leaders, and a variety of free events that focus on community, artistic growth, and publishing. Our mission is to amplify the work of writers who are often marginalized and systemically undervalued in the existing publishing industry, and we strive for cultural, economic, and financial equity.
The Boston Harbor Women of Color Coalition (BHWOCC) is a community dedicated to elevating women of color as leaders in green and blue spaces while fostering connection with one another and the outdoors. BHWOCC provides opportunities for professional development, relationship-building, outdoor connection, and community engagement, creating space for women of color to connect, learn, and support one another. We envision a world where we have recognized and elevated the insight, wisdom, and brilliance of women of color; where their leadership is advancing the needs and interests of our communities in green and blue spaces.
Regardless of where you fall on the gender spectrum, or if your passion for public spaces is personal or professional, we welcome any individuals who identify with the experience of being a woman of color and work toward connecting community members of color to the outdoors to join BHWOCC.
