Workshops

Dear Writers,

Again this year, I’ve decided to take poet Mary Oliver’s advice and “be idle and blessed” this summer. I’m taking July and August off to recharge my creative batteries and enjoy time and travel with friends and family.

The reference to “idle and blessed” is from “The Summer Day,” a beloved poem famous for its last line: ‘Tell me, what is it you plan to do/with your one wild and precious life?” A while ago, I had the privilege of singing this poem set to music, surrounded by the hundred voices of Aurora Chorus, a women’s community choir here in Portland, and it still gives me shivers.

It won’t all be idleness. I’ll be working with an editing client, developing new creative prompts for three fall workshop series, and gathering poems for poetry workshops online and at Coffee Creek women’s prison. September feels like the perfect time to brew a cup of tea and start writing together again. Take a look at my new offerings for fall below. 

May you have a wonderful summer,

Hannah Kuhn

Monthly Writing Group: 100% Writing

Monthy Writing Groups start a new four-month series in September 2026! A small group of writers will meet once a month in the Zoom studio to generate new writing (in any genre) in response to creative prompts, read aloud, and offer each other supportive feedback.  The fee for four 2-hour workshops (once a month, September through December 2026) is $100.

Dates/Times: Saturdays, Sept 5, Oct 3, Nov 1, Dec 5, 10 am to 12 pm PT/1 pm – 3 pm ET

Workshop size is limited to six writers. Save your spot now. If you’re ready to commit to the accountability and camaraderie of a regular writing group, with the support of professional facilitation, please get in touch at wildfernwriters@gmail.com.

 

Monthly Writing Group: Writing & Manuscript Review

Monthy Writing Groups start a new four-month series in September 2026! A small group of writers will meet once a month in the Zoom studio to generate new writing (in any genre) in response to creative prompts, read aloud, and offer each other supportive feedback. We will also take turns offering more in-depth feedback to writing in progress, using the Amherst Writers & Artists’ strengths-based method. The fee for four 2-hour workshops (once a month, September through December 2026) is $100.

Dates/Times: Saturdays, Sept 19, Oct 10, Nov 14, Dec 12, 10 am to 12 pm PT/1 pm – 3 pm ET

Workshop size is limited to six writers. Save your spot now. If you’re ready to commit to the accountability and camaraderie of a regular writing group, with the support of professional facilitation, please get in touch at wildfernwriters@gmail.com.

 

Cultivating Your Poetic Voice

Single Workshops

Longing to write poetry or prose that sparkles? These workshops offer a variety of poems as prompts for our writing, allowing a line or theme to inspire our muses. No prior poetry experience needed, only a desire to be playful. We will read example poems, draft our own writing, read aloud, and offer each other affirming feedback. Interested in all three? Drop me a note at wildfernwriters@gmail.com for a discounted 3-workshop price!

Workshop size is limited to six writers. Register now to reserve your spot!

 

$30.00 per workshop

Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Pacific Time

Saturday, October 31, 2026, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Pacific Time

Saturday, November 21, 2026, 10:00 am -12:00 pm Pacific Time

 

Poetry Workshops at Coffee Creek

The Oregon chapter of Poetic Justice is seeking new volunteers. We offer a unique service opportunity that will open your heart and expand your mind. At Coffee Creek women’s prison in Wilsonville, Oregon, we read, write, and share poetry and make art together. Our goal is to help incarcerated women heal, express themselves, find their voice, and build community. No prior writing or facilitation experience required. Women who have taken our program have this to say:

  • “Poetic Justice touched my untouchable soul and opened a heart I thought had closed forever.”
  • “Poetic Justice made me feel like there was more of me to discover.”
  • “This is a class that is respectful & confidential. It feels safe to open up to others without judgment.”

We are taking a summer break in July and August. Our next session will begin in late September 2026. For more information about volunteering, please get in touch at oregoninfo@poeticjustice.org.

 

We want you to write with us! We don’t want cost to be a barrier. Writers may request a reduced or waived workshop fee. Email us at wildfernwriters@gmail.com with a brief description of your situation and which workshop you would like to attend.

If you are able to support reduced or waived workshop fees for other writers, your donation in any amount is welcome here.

Donate

Are Wild Fern Writers workshops for me?

These workshops are for you if :

  • You are ready to write your truth.
  • You want to write deeply into the heart of things.
  • You are ready to strengthen your writing muscles.
  • You crave a community of writers to inspire and support your writing.
  • You need structure to get writing, but once you get started, there’s no stopping you.
  • You are poised to move out of your comfort zone and make some writing magic!

What to expect at a Wild Fern Writers workshop?

  • Our workshops are designed to offer inspiration, motivation, and camaraderie in a community of writers.
  • In a virtual (Zoom) writing studio, we gather in an intimate group of writers guided by an experienced facilitator.
  • We introduce ourselves and get centered with a brief guided mindfulness exercise.
  • We review the Amherst Writers & Artists’ guiding values and practices. The Amherst Writers & Artists’ method follows two practices that distinguish it from other methods you might be familiar with.
    • First, we treat all writing as art, created narrative, or literature. Even if it is written in the first person, we never assume the writing is autobiographical. While this may feel artificial at first, it allows us as writers and listeners to experience the distance between who we are and how we tell our stories.
    • Second, AWA workshops ask us to listen in a different way than we usually do in our lives. We don’t listen to help the writer or fix the writing. We are asked to leave behind our own experiences and expectations and enter into the universe that the writer has created. We listen for and notice the craft choices a writer has made.
  • We freewrite in response to creative prompts for five, ten or more minutes, followed by an opportunity to read aloud what we’ve written, with or without feedback from other writers. Writers are welcome to write in any genre and reading is always optional.
  • Unlike traditional workshop critiques, when we offer feedback, we focus on what is working well, what is strong, and what is memorable in the writing. We believe newly drafted writing isn’t ready for a full critique, and that affirming feedback helps writers build on their strengths.
  • Workshops often close with the reading of a poem.