Four Classes at Common Ground on the Hill
I’ll be teaching at Common Ground on the Hill’s two Traditions Weeks again this summer. Common Ground on the Hill is in its 32nd year on the beautiful campus of McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland, USA. Week 1 is online and Week 2 is in person. You can take all kinds of classes in the traditional arts–music, art, writing, storytelling, dancing , photography–with acclaimed artists in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. Plus free concerts every night! For more information about Traditions Weeks and to register click here. See below for direct links to my classes.
TRADITIONS WEEK 1, 22-26 June 2026 Online via Zoom.
Transforming Experience into Memoir, Mon-Fri, 9:00-10:15 am EDT. Discuss and practice ways to transform your life experiences into memoirs that touch others. For more information and to register click here.
Build a Strong Story Structure, Mon-Fri, 10:30-11:45 am EDT. Learn multiple ways to structure a story to engage and keep the reader’s attention. For more information and to register click here.
TRADITIONS WEEK 2, 6-10 July 2026 *IN PERSON* Common Ground on the Hill, McDaniel College, Westminster, MD 21157
Leaping Poetry, Mon-Fri, 10:30-11:45 am EDT. Explore Robert Bly’s theory of leaping poetry as a starting point to writing your own poems. For more information and to register click here. .
Make a Scene, Mon-Fri, 1:00-2:15 pm EDT. Whether writing fiction, memoir or narrative nonfiction, your building blocks are dramatic scenes. Learn to build and use effective scenes in writing. For more information and to register click here.
All classes include in-class writing sprints and exercises. Appropriate for both novice and experienced writers. Optional academic credit available. Questions or need help registering? The folks at Common Ground on the Hill will make things easy for you: email Marria@commongroundonthehill.org.
Time to Write Writers’ Retreat
Thursday 17 September to Sunday 20 September 2026
Pinewoods Camp, Inc.
80 Cornish Field Road
Plymouth, MA 02360
$250 includes meals and lodging. Only a few places left!
Join us for a weekend of writing in the woods. Writing can be lonely work, so spending a few days with fellow writers may give you the boost you’ve been looking for. Plus this retreat is your chance to get away from the demands of daily life and focus on your writing.
You might take advantage of optional activities such as workshops and supportive critique sessions, find inspiration walking the lovely paths at camp and nearby Nature Conservancy trails, or simply rest and recharge. Evenings might include readings and games in front of the fire. Most of all, you will have plenty of time to write.
Pinewoods is a beautiful rustic camp located in a 25-acre pine and beech forest near Plymouth, Massachusetts. Its cabins are mostly double occupancy with nearby modern toilets and showers. There are lots of trails for walking, two ponds for swimming, and the whisper of pine trees to inspire you.
Your fee includes housing and meals. Nine spectacular meals are provided, from Thursday dinner through Sunday lunch.
Download the 2026 TTW Retreat flyer for more information & registration.
Questions? Contact me.
The 2026 TTW Retreat Flyer
Ongoing Events
Poetry Discussion Group
First Saturday of every month
12 – 2 p.m.
ONLINE via zoom
Free
Each month we read and discuss the work of a poet. Open to all. No experience or preparation necessary. Copies of the poems are available. These casual discussions are a great way to expand your knowledge of and appreciation for poetry. Come and help us choose next month’s poet.
For more information and a link to join, contact me.