by Writing Workshops Staff
A week ago
Imagine spending four nights in the enchanting city of New Orleans, where the rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere will inspire your creative journey. From January 29th to February 2nd, 2025, we invite you to immerse yourself in the art of storytelling at our New Orleans Writing Workshop Retreat. This exclusive event is designed for both fiction and nonfiction writers who are ready to deepen their craft, receive personalized guidance, and become part of a close-knit writing community.
Why New Orleans?
New Orleans is a city like no other, renowned for its historic charm, artistic spirit, and dynamic cultural scene. From the lively streets of the French Quarter to the tranquil beauty of the Garden District, every corner of this city tells a story. What better place to nurture your writing than in a location that has inspired countless artists, writers, and musicians?
Meet Our Esteemed Faculty
Our retreat is led by two distinguished writers: Karen E. Bender and Robert Anthony Siegel.
Fiction Workshop Instructor Karen E. Bender is the author of two collections; Refund, which was a Finalist for the National Book Award, shortlisted for the Frank O'Connor International Story Prize, and Longlisted for the Story prize, and The New Order, which was Longlisted for the Story prize. A new collection, The Words of Dr.L and other stories, will be published by Counterpoint Press in May, 2025. Her novels are Like Normal People and A Town of Empty Rooms. Her fiction has appeared in The New Yorker, Granta, Ploughshares, Zoetrope, The Yale Review, The Harvard Review, Story, Guernica, and others, have been reprinted in Best American Short Stories and Best American Mystery stories and won three Pushcart prizes.
Nonfiction Workshop Instructor Robert Anthony Siegel is the author of a memoir, Criminals, and two novels, All Will Be Revealed and All the Money in the World. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Smithsonian Magazine, The Paris Review, The Drift, The Oxford American, and Ploughshares, and has been anthologized in Best American Essays 2023, O. Henry Stories 2014, and Pushcart Prize XXXVI. He has been a Fulbright Scholar in Taiwan, a Mombukagakusho Fellow in Japan, a Writing Fellow at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, and a Paul Engle Fellow at the Iowa Writers Workshop. He holds an MFA from the Iowa Writers Workshop.
A Retreat Designed for Your Growth
Our program is intentionally small, with each genre workshop accepting no more than 10 participants. This intimate setting ensures personalized attention and a supportive community. Upon acceptance, you'll submit two pieces of your work. One will be workshopped by your peers and instructor for group feedback, and the other will be discussed in a private one-on-one consultation with your instructor.
Daily Craft Talks and Activities
In addition to workshops and one-on-one meetings, our daily craft talks are open to all participants. These sessions, led by our esteemed faculty, cover a wide range of topics from honing your voice to navigating the path to publication. Whether you're looking to refine your craft or explore new literary techniques, our talks will provide the insights and inspiration you need.
An Unforgettable Setting
You'll stay at the historic Henry Howard Hotel, a beautifully reimagined boutique hotel that combines 19th-century elegance with modern comfort. Constructed in 1867, this double-gallery townhouse is the perfect place to relax and connect with fellow writers.
Schedule Overview
Wednesday, January 29th, 2025:
- 3:00 PM: Hotel check-in begins
- 6:00 PM: Free introductory dinner at the hotel
Thursday, January 30th - Saturday, February 1st, 2025:
- Mornings: Workshops and one-on-one meetings
- Afternoons/Evenings: Lunch break, free time, optional afternoon seminars, and evening activities
Sunday, February 2nd, 2025:
- 11:00 AM: Final check-out
Optional Evening Activities:
- Wednesday: Welcome Dinner
- Thursday: Walking Tour of Garden District
- Friday: Hands-on cooking class at New Orleans School of Cooking
- Saturday: Reading and Happy Hour
Apply Now
Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your writing in one of the most inspiring cities in the world. Join us in New Orleans and transform your writing journey. Applications are open now, and spaces are limited.
Apply today to secure your spot in this unforgettable retreat.
For more details and to apply, visit the program web page.
Why Trust Us?
Since 2018, WritingWorkshops.com has been planning and leading world-class destination writing workshops in stunning locations such as Tuscany, Paris, Ireland, Hawaii, Vermont, Santa Fe, Asheville, Iceland, and Mackinac Island.
Our trip guides, including founder and executive director of WritingWorkshops.com, Blake Kimzey, and seasoned tour leader Mike Franz, bring a wealth of experience and passion to each retreat.
Blake, a writer who lived and worked in France as a bicycle tour guide, and Mike, the former general manager of Fat Tire Bike Tours in Europe, have over 14 years of expertise in leading transformative experiences around the globe. Now, we are excited to invite you to our next inspiring retreat in the vibrant city of New Orleans from January 29th to February 2nd, 2025.
Embark on a creative adventure in New Orleans, where your writing will flourish amidst the city's literary allure and vibrant community. We can't wait to see you there!
