Classes & Events
with Plein-Air Prose
Upcoming Events
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Join the private Plein-Air Posse Facebook group for resources, further networking with other local writers, and announcements and updates about classes, retreats, and other community events. |
What Is Plein-Air Prose?
Plein-Air Prose is a Seattle-based outdoor writing community that hosts classes, workshops, retreats, and other writing events in and around the Seattle area. Writers (and editors) spend long hours alone, indoors, hunched over desks, and staring at computer screens. Plein-Air Prose was created to encourage writers to take a break from technology and tap into the many benefits of spending time in nature, breathing fresh air, moving the body, handwriting text, and interacting in-person with fellow creatives. All activities use nature combined with these other elements to nurture, inspire, rejuvenate, and facilitate creativity and productivity. We also provide resources and guidance to build and strengthen storytelling and self-editing skills, and for navigating the editing and publishing processes, to put writers on a successessful path toward achieving their writing goals.
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The name was borrowed from another creative outdoor art form, plein-air painting, or painting en plein air (French for "outdoors"), where artists set up easels and canvases at parks, beaches, and other natural environments and paint or draw the scenery in front of them. For writers, it's even easier - the only equipment needed is a notebook and pen or pencil!
Below is a list of upcoming and past events. If you're a writer in the Seattle area, come write in the woods with us! |
Upcoming Events
Write-Out Walks & Hikes in September 2024
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We have two Write-Out events in September to help you take advantage of the last few weeks of suitable plein-air-writing weather. Write-Outs offer a chance for dedicated, focused time to work on writing projects in a quiet, peaceful, nurturing environment in the company of other local writers. This month's events add another element to the mix of activities that fascilitate creativity and mental focus: exercise!
The Write-Out Walk and Write-Out Hike are both FREE, but space is limited, so registration is required to reserve your spot. |
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DATE: Sun., Sept. 15, 2024
TIME: 10am - 1pm LOCATION: Northeast Seattle A leisurley walk on a mostly flat, paved trail around a hidden little gem of nature in northeast Seattle. (There are a few stairs along the trail, but the route can be modified for accessibility to all participants.) We will stop at various points for timed, focused writing sessions surrounded by trees, plants, water, and wildlife. We'll also have additional fun activities to further spark creativity and increase productivity! Writers of any type are welcome! Specific location, meeting spot, parking information, and other details will be provided after registration. |
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DATE: Sun., Sept. 22, 2024
TIME: 10am - 2pm LOCATION: Northwest Seattle A moderate hike through part of an extensive, diverse trail system in northwest Seattle. In between getting our hearts pumping with a more vigorous workout, we will stop at various points for timed, focused writing sessions surrounded by the intriguing trees, lush plants, and active birds of this coastal forest along the Puget Sound. We'll also have additional fun activities to further spark creativity and increase productivity! Writers of any type are welcome! Specific location, meeting spot, parking information, and other details will be provided after registration. |
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Join the Plein-Air Prose private Facebook group or sign up for the email newsletter to get notifications and priority registration of future events!
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The Ecosystem of Story Workshop Series
Saturdays in September 2024
Saturdays in September 2024
In each of these three in-person, outdoor classes, you will learn the essential elements of story and narrative structure, self-editing techniques, and other aspects of novel and memoir writing to ensure your manuscript is set up for success and to help you finish or revise your first draft. The small, intimate class sizes will allow you opportunities to discuss and work on your specific writing project as we delve into writing craft and storytelling topics, using examples from nature. (Your work in progress does not have to be nature-related.) These classes are part writing workshop and part guided nature walk - a unique experience designed to inspire, educate, and rejuvenate by getting away from desks and computer screens and into an environment more conducive to creativity.
Each class focuses on a different stage of the novel or memoir writing process. They are designed to build on each other, but are available a la carte, or as a 3-class package. Space is limited for each class, so reserve your spot today! Classes will be customized based on the students' project types and status.
Who should take these classes?
Writers of fiction (any genre) or memoir in the following stages:
Each class focuses on a different stage of the novel or memoir writing process. They are designed to build on each other, but are available a la carte, or as a 3-class package. Space is limited for each class, so reserve your spot today! Classes will be customized based on the students' project types and status.
Who should take these classes?
Writers of fiction (any genre) or memoir in the following stages:
- Seed: you have an idea for a story, but not sure how or where to plant it
- Sapling: you have a partially written draft, but would like guidance on how to nurture it to continue growing or make sure it's planted in fertile ground
- Tree: you have a completed manuscript that could use some pruning, and you'd like to self-edit and revise before paying for an editor, sending to literary agents, or submitting to contests
Class #1 - Seeds, Roots & Successful Shoots
Sat., September 7, 2024
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. North Seattle, WA (exact location provided after registration) |
In the first class of the series, we'll be looking at story seeds and the basic elements needed to provide fertile ground and nourishment to create strong roots and grow your novel or memoir organically into a healthy, thriving, fruit-bearing tree.
Topics include:
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If you are already on the Plein-Air Posse mailing list or a member of the Facebook group, no need to add your name to the wait list. A notification will be sent out with any class updates!
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Class #2 - The Hiker's Journey
Sat., September 14, 2024
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. North Seattle, WA (exact location provided after registration) |
In the second class of the series, we'll change our analogy from trees to topography as you find out what can be learned about story structure and scene scaffolding from rivers, forests, mountains, and valleys. We'll also take a look at popular plotting methods and storytelling templates to see where they can be useful for creating an exciting, engaging journey through the woods for your readers.
Topics include:
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If you are already on the Plein-Air Posse mailing list or a member of the Facebook group, no need to add your name to the wait list. A notification will be sent out with any class updates!
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Class #3 - Bird's Eye View
Sat., September 28, 2024
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. North Seattle, WA (exact location provided after registration; note that this class is 2 weeks after previous class -- no class on 9/21) |
In the third and final class of the series, we'll get inspiration from wildlife to illustrate how different perspectives and voices can influence the experience for your readers. We'll discuss "Show, don't tell," "Kill your darlings," and other narrative techniques and "rules" of writing that affect reader engagement and enjoyment. This class will also tie together elements discussed in previous classes to give you the tools, skills, and confidence you need to take your writing project to the next stage.
Topics include:
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If you are already on the Plein-Air Posse mailing list or a member of the Facebook group, no need to add your name to the wait list. A notification will be sent out with any class updates!
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Past Events
Write-Out Wednesdays in August 2024
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The Plein-Air Prose Posse met at a different natural area in Seattle every Wednesday during the month of August for FREE "write-outs" to spend dedicated, focused time on our writing projects, outdoors, in the company of other local writers. We worked on a variety of projects: memoirs and other nonfiction, novels, and more!
To see photos from this event or to join us for the next time, become a member of the private Plein-Air Posse Facebook group or subscribe to the newsletter. Writers of any type are welcome! |
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First-Draft Focus Retreat, July 2024
For details and photos of this past event, join the Plein-Air Posse over on our Facebook group page.
