Writing the Wild in Sedona, Arizona
A five-day creative writing workshop for all genres and experience levels.
March 21-26, 2027
Now enrolling
Workshop at a Glance
This is for you if you are a nature-curious writer of any genre and any level who wants to slow down and let the desert in.
Learn to see like a naturalist and write with intention in one of the planet's most awe-inspiring landscapes.
📍 Sedona, Arizona
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Fly in to Flagstaff Pulliam Airport or Phoenix Sky Harbor
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Rent a car or take a shuttle to your Sedona accommodation
🗓️ Dates
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Arrive by Sunday, March 21, 2027
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Workshop runs Monday, March 22 through Friday, March 26, 2027
🧑🏫 Instruction
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Experiential, place-based curriculum led by expert instructor Eric Aldrich, Ph.D.
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Small cohort: 7-10 participants
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Generous 1:1 and group feedback
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Free time for writing and reflection
💳 Costs
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Early bird tuition: $2,195 until 12/31/26
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Nonrefundable deposit: $500 at time of acceptance
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2 guided excursions included
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Travel & other expenses excluded
What you'll do
During five immersive days,
you'll alternate between field observation, discussion, guided writing, and individual feedback. You'll learn to notice more deeply, generate stronger material, and experiment with techniques that can strengthen any genre.
You'll spend time:
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Writing in Sedona's landscapes
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Practicing close oberservation
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Experimenting with craft techniques
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Sharing work in a supportive community
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Receiving individual feedback
You'll leave with:
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Fresh writing generated in the field
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Practical observation and revision techniques
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New ways of seeing landscape and place
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Greater confidence in your writing practice
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A notebook full of ideas to keep developing
Sedona as the Classroom
Sedona's soaring red rocks, winding canyons, and high desert landscapes become an extension of the classroom. Every field experience is intentionally connected to the day's lessons, helping writers observe more deeply and gather material that can only be found through being there.
Meet Your Instructor
Eric Aldrich, Ph.D.
Eric Aldrich, Ph.D., is an award-winning writer, educator, and environmental advocate. He teaches literature and writing at Pima Community College, serves on the Board of Directors of Sky Island Alliance, and is an assistant nonfiction editor for Terrain.org. His writing is deeply rooted in the landscapes of the American Southwest.
In Sedona, Eric helps participants sharpen their observation, strengthen their craft, and transform time outdoors into meaningful writing. Through field exercises, discussion, and individualized feedback, writers of all experience levels leave with fresh material, practical techniques, and a renewed way of seeing the natural world.
Workshop facilitator: Wandering Writers Workshops founder and cultural anthropologist Angela Orlando, Ph.D.
Is this workshop only for nature writers?
No. While we'll learn from Sedona's extraordinary landscape, this workshop welcomes writers of all genres, including memoir, fiction, essays, poetry, travel writing, and creative nonfiction. The natural world becomes a lens for observation and craft, not a limitation on what you write.
I'm a beginner. Will I fit in?
Absolutely.
This workshop is designed for both experienced writers and people who are just beginning to take writing seriously. Curiosity, openness to feedback, and a willingness to learn matter far more than publication credits.
What kinds of writing can I work on?
Whatever you're excited about.
Participants may work on memoir, essays, fiction, poetry, travel writing, creative nonfiction, or entirely new projects. The instruction focuses on transferable craft techniques rather than a single genre.
What makes this different from a writing retreat?
Retreats often emphasize relaxation or independent writing time.
Wandering Writers Workshops is a traveling writing school. Every day combines expert instruction, discussion, writing practice, and place-based experiences designed to strengthen your craft.
Why Sedona?
Because place changes how we notice.
Sedona's dramatic landscape invites us to slow down, pay attention, and observe more deeply. Those habits strengthen writing in every genre, whether you're describing a canyon, remembering childhood, or creating fictional worlds.
Where will I stay?
Unlike many retreats, participants choose their own accommodations. We think that's part of the experience. Whether you prefer a quiet casita, a boutique hotel, or another nearby option, you'll have the flexibility to make Sedona your home for the week. We'll provide recommendations close to workshop headquarters to simplify your planning.
How physically demanding is the workshop?
Expect leisurely walks on uneven terrain, with opportunities to stop frequently for observation and writing. We strive to make the workshop as accessible as possible and encourage participants to discuss mobility or accessibility needs with us before the program.
Why do you build workshops around place?
Every Wandering Writers Workshop begins with the same belief: remarkable places help us notice differently.
We don't travel simply for inspiration. We choose destinations with rich ecological, historical, and cultural stories because they challenge assumptions, sharpen observation, and deepen our writing.
That's the philosophy behind our school.
What is your cancellation policy?
Your $500 deposit is nonrefundable. Refunds of additional tuition payments are available until a specified date before the workshop; after that date, tuition is nonrefundable. Full details are provided in our Terms & Conditions before you register.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage.
How Enrollment Works
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and are not competitive. The application helps us learn about your interests, understand your needs, and create a cohesive workshop group. If space is available and the workshop is a good fit, you’ll receive an invitation to enroll and reserve your seat with a $500 deposit.