Writing Workshops

Writing with Woodside on Squam Lake

My unique workshop works on the writing process. At Rockywold-Deephaven Camps, Holderness, New Hampshire

Join me for the 2026 workshop! Early discounts and signup links will be posted soon.

Thursday, May 28-Sunday, May 31, 2026 

Writing with Woodside is a methods workshop for writers of all levels who wish to discover, hone, expand, or revise their ideas and work in a beautiful setting. Writers walk and observe in nature and with my guidance, draft new writing.

This workshop is the workshop I wanted when I was starting my career. I could not find it, so I invented it. The origins of Writing with Woodside were in a writing class I taught at a community arts center 16 years ago in Middletown, Connecticut. I’ve run more than a dozen workshops in Connecticut and New Hampshire: one-day, two-day, and three-day, since that time.

Fees are reasonable and include everything: workshop, lodging, and meals. Details will be posted soon. We will have our own dock, and you have the option of renting a kayak or canoe on your own. Career-builder and student rates available. Payment is expected at the time of signing up so that we can run a good workshop. Super early-bird signups, by December 1, 2025, get a 20% discount! Early-bird signups, by March 1, get a 10% discount!

Cancellation policy: Refunds available if cancellations occur before February 27. Cancellations between February 27 and April 27: Writer will be responsible for 50% of the cost if the vacancy is not filled. Cancellations after April 28: Writer will be responsible for the full cost if the vacancy is not filled. Email Chris: chris@chriswoodside.com.

and Tentative Agenda

 Thursday

3-4 p.m. Arrive. Check in at the Rockywold office. We will direct you to the building where we will stay.

5-6 p.m. Opening exercise and introductions

6-7 p.m. Dinner in Rockywold Dining Hall.

7-8 p.m. Free time. Chris will direct you to some spots for hanging out, or you might explore on your own.

8:15-9:15 p.m. Opening program 

• Chris will focus on some aspects of the Squam Lake weather patterns and wind.
• We will look at maps of the camps and think about where you want to walk during tomorrow’s exercise.

9:30 p.m. Night walk (optional)

Friday:

6:30-7:30 a.m. Optional early walk with Chris.

8-9 a.m. Breakfast in Rockywold Dining Hall.

9:30 a.m. Walk 1: Route-finding. You will walk alone for 1 hour with no notebook or pen. Avoid taking photos.

11 a.m. until noon: Guided writing.

Noon-12:30: Break.

12:30-1:30. Lunch in Rockywold Dining Hall.

1:30-2:30 p.m. Break.

2:30-4 p.m.: Waterfront writing exercise TBD

4-5:00 p.m. Walk back and free time.

5:00-6: Discussion of some readings that will have been emailed ahead of time.

6-7 p.m.: Dinner.

After dinner: Free time. Square dance at the camp available for all interested.

Saturday:

 6:30-7:30 a.m. Optional early walk with Chris.

8-9 a.m. Breakfast in Rockywold Dining Hall.

9:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Walk 2: Details TBD 

11-noon: Guided writing. Place TBA.

12:30-1:30: Lunch.

1:30-2:15 p.m.: Break.

2:15-3:30 p.m.: Foray onto the water, note-taking experiments. Boat tour.

3:30 or so to 4 p.m.: Break.

4-5 p.m.: Guided writing, to be announced.

6-7 p.m.: Dinner.

7-8 p.m.: Free time.

8-9 p.m.: Readings from your own work.

Sunday:

 8-9 a.m. Breakfast

9-10 a.m. Break.

9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Walk 3: Field Guide. You will observe and “collect” through note-taking or otherwise. Details TBD.

11 a.m. to noon: Field guide to your morning. Each of us will share.

Lunch and goodbyes follow.