WRITE ON
A Creative Writing Workshop, led by writing teacher and Elkhorn guest Mary Seid, BA, MFA
February 23 – March 2, 2025
There is no better place to be inspired and creative than at the Elkhorn Ranch. As you settle in at Elkhorn, Mary Seid will offer an opportunity for you to put your ranch and other experiences into words. This six-day writing workshop offers participants an introduction to the art of writing. We will focus on the personal essay or memoir, but fiction and poetry are also genre options.
Workshop sessions will take place Monday through Saturday from 4 – 5:30 pm in the ranch dining room. You’ll be able to ride morning and afternoon or all day and do the workshop, though the transition from barn to writing may be tight in the afternoon. Daily mini lessons (see example below) will discuss outlining, structure, and point of view, along with editing and optional feedback. We’ll review and discuss a variety of personal essay examples, with themes, which will help to demonstrate the art of non-fiction writing and get the creative juices flowing. The remaining time will be spent putting your pen to paper (or fingers to keys). By the end of the week, you’ll have a short essay or story that can be shared at the Reading Session on Saturday.
This writing workshop is geared towards beginners or anyone who enjoys the art of writing. The only supplies needed are pen and paper or a computer. All are welcome. All discussions and suggestions are presented in a supportive environment.
“We write to know what we think.”
– Joan Didion
Example Day 1 – Mini Lesson: Getting Started
Some Common Concerns:
• Overcoming any fear or insecurities
• No one is interested in my story
• Don’t have the skills
• Grammar and Punctuation
Goals:
• Learning a new set of skills
• Discovering a new interest
• Creating a work of art
• Start small and build
Reading Time: My Name, by Sandra Cisneros
Discuss: Scenes, beautiful descriptions,
Writing Time: Write the story of your name
Share Time: Mary’s name Story/Followed by others if they choose
Workshop leader Mary Elizabeth Seid is originally from Metro Detroit. She moved to Metro New York in 2005 and now splits her time between New Jersey and Colorado. She is the mother of 4 and Grandmother of 7. She spent 25 years selling dental supplies before she went to college at 48 and graduated with a degree in English. From there she went to Sarah Lawrence College and completed her MFA in Nonfiction Writing. She taught College English in Denver for 5 years. She writes personal essays about horses, dogs, nature, moving to New York from the Midwest, and is currently writing about her memories from childhood. She has spent the past 24 years riding her chestnut Quarter Horse, named Jack. She and her husband Paul love traveling and chasing nature. She looks forward to combining her love of the Elkhorn experience and writing and sharing both with fellow guests.
