RETREATS
2013 - Present
Artist Retreats
My retreats bring serious artists together to draw support from each other and to find inspiration in a beautiful setting. The guiding idea is that each of us is on a distinct personal path and the only point is to tap into our own creative wellspring. The weeklong O‘ahu Writers Retreat takes place each spring at a sacred spot in MokulÄ“Ê»ia. The next will be April 20-26, 2026. Early-bird registration begins December 15 and ends February 1. Registration closes April 6, 2026.
​
Mini-retreat: There is also a two-day “booster” on O‘ahu each November, the weekend after Thanksgiving. The first day features lots of generative writing with Connie Hale and a special workshop with a guest writer. On Sunday, Connie guides you through revising and polishing your work. There is an arty break with a visual artist.
​
Winter 2025 - 2026
Master Class
Join a small master class in my virtual living room on the second Saturday of each month. It combines elements of classes I’ve taught in the past (“Manuscript Clinic,” “Finding Your Voice,” “Sin and Syntax”) and is intended for experienced writers who want high-level feedback. All genres welcome. I ask from you, in addition to $40 per session (or $120 for 3), only a commitment to your own writing and a promise to show up for others. Noon to 2 pm, Pacific Time. Email me.
​
2003 - Present​
Journalism conferences
On and off since 2003, I’ve directed conferences for midcareer journalists, including the Nieman Conference on Narrative Journalism at Harvard and the Latest in Longform at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism. I am in the planning stages for a new (or rather renewed) conference in creative nonfiction, to be held in Berkeley.
​