I had no idea this workshop would impact me so deeply. I came out of it with a deeper connection with myself and my voice. Stopping life and writing these pieces brought me so much joy.
—Leslie T., Integrative Women’s Health Specialist
Have you been wanting to…
- work on your poetry in a spectacular natural setting?
- receive advice from experienced poet-teachers?
- participate in a community of readers and writers?
- write, and read, new poems of your own?
If so, join us for the Windermere Ranch Poetry Writing Workshop on Saturday, December 6, 2025, for an immersive day of poetry in a stunning natural environment. This workshop is led by seasoned writing instructors David Starkey and Catherine Abbey Hodges, both award-winning poets.
Located off West Camino Cielo on 142 acres of paradise, Windermere Ranch looks out on Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean and is the perfect place to read, write and discuss poetry.
Catherine and David will each lead separate workshops in the morning and the afternoon, so all participants will work with both poets.
Catherine’s workshop will be an opportunity to begin one or more new poems. We’ll start by reading and discussing a poem, noticing how it unfolds and where it surprises. The majority of the session will be given to several rounds of writing in response to prompts informed by the opening discussion.
David’s workshop will focus on the revision of existing poems. Please bring 8 copies of two poems. Each poem should be no longer than one page.
Revise with David, generate new poems with Catherine, and leave refreshed and inspired!
During lunch time, participants are welcome, and encouraged, to wander the grounds.
Our one-day workshop offers the opportunity to join a community of readers and writers of poetry. Participants receive instruction, readings, writing prompts, and feedback from both instructors and fellow students. We will meet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at beautiful Windermere Ranch, a 140-acre paradise off West Camino Cielo Road that looks out on Santa Barbara and the Ocean.
In our workshops, we foster a safe community in which participants feel free to experiment, and we provide guidelines for meaningful and encouraging feedback. Our goal is to offer not only a self-contained experience but also a springboard to further writing projects. To that end, we’ve designed a daylong workshop that’s relaxed, flexible and fun.
We’ll be using two of the very comfortable houses on the property as our workshop headquarters. One is quite close to the parking area; the other is a quarter-mile hike down a dirt road. Participants with mobility issues will be able to enjoy both workshops in the home closest to the parking lot.
Visitor Suggestions:
The weather at Windermere can vary widely in the summer and winter. The temperature may be different than what it is at sea level. We suggest bringing:
- Water
- Close-toed shoes
- Long pants
- Jacket and layered clothing
- Hat
- Gloves
- Sunscreen
We’ll provide coffee and tea in the morning, and water throughout the day, although we ask that you bring your own lunch, as there are no places nearby offering food.
Windermere is at 5812 West Camino Cielo. You can find directions, with pictures, here.
THE FEE IS $125 AND THE WORKSHOP IS LIMITED TO 14 PARTICIPANTS.
We ask that all participants pay as follows:
- With a check for $125 made out to David Starkey and mailed to 1336 Camino Manadero, Santa Barbara, CA 93111.
- With Venmo: @David-Starkey-28
- With PayPal: @DavidStarkey62
Reservations for the workshop will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
We will have a waiting list, if necessary, and participants may cancel up to 48 hours in advance (i.e., by 9 a.m. on Thursday, December 4).
Once you have paid, please email us at canyonwrenwriting@gmail.com for confirmation and further information.
Participants must sign a Windermere Ranch waiver, which will be emailed in advance, before entering the property.
We look forward to seeing you at Windermere!
