Writing Workshops

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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! For information about early discounts and to signup, click here.

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.

Writing from the Mountains: A Weekend Workshop with Appalachia Journal

I am delighted to be again leading this workshop for the Appalachian Mountain Club October 24-26, 2025.

Writers of all levels and interests, join the mountains with the landscape of your writing ideas at AMC’s beautiful Cardigan Lodge in Alexandria, New Hampshire, with me, Appalachia journal editor-in-chief for the past two decades, and Elissa Ely, a writer and community psychiatrist whose radio and print pieces show unusual encounters with people on and off the trails.

Many writers already realize that their work is not merely an indoor, sedentary pursuit but that the best ideas come in a flash while we are doing other things that have nothing to do with writing. The mountains can deliver this flash. We will help you find it and write it.

Writing from the Mountains is for writers of all levels—anyone who wants to use the backcountry as a way to tell human stories.

At this workshop, you will write new words inspired by our ramblings in this mountain setting. My years of work as a professional writer and writing workshop leader will provide you with a fresh look at your calling and stirrings to write.

Trails around Cardigan are many and varied: you can hike uphill or go flat. No obligation to go any special distance during the times you go outside.

I donate my time leading this workshop for the Appalachian Mountain Club, and if you’ve been thinking about trying a workshop with me, this could be a great one to try. The rates are reasonable! Ranging from $409 for an adult AMC member to $504 for an adult. non-member. And you can bring a partner who comes along just to stay for a lower rate. AMC handles all of the arrangements. Sign up here.