Sense of Place Writing Programs
Find your stories and bring them to life.
Finding stories that
live at intersections between self, nature, history, meaning and place.
These writing programs invite you to slow down, notice more, and listen closely—to places, to memory, and to your own inner landscape. From that attention, stories begin to take shape.
Sense of place writing draws on our lived relationships with landscapes, communities, and moments in time. These connections offer a rich source of imagery, insight, and meaning—often revealing stories we didn’t know we were carrying.
This work is grounded, reflective, and craft-focused. It honors both inner inquiry and outer expression, supporting writers who want their work to be resonant, precise, and alive on the page.
Writing as Inner Orientation for Outer Work
These programs are a foundational part of my Sense of Place and Story Compass approach. They rest in the knowledge that time spent exploring your interior landscape strengthens your ability to do meaningful work in the world—whether that’s writing, interpretation, education, or leadership.
We attend to presence, perception, and meaning not as an end in themselves, but as a foundation for clear thinking, strong voice, and purposeful expression.
Who These Programs Are For
These programs bring together a wide range of creatives and professionals, including:
✓ Essayists, memoirists, nonfiction writers, poets and songwriters
✓ Naturalists, historians, educators, park rangers, and interpreters
✓ Writers seeking to elevate craft through place-based inquiry
✓ Professionals who work with meaning, narrative, and lived experience
✓ Anyone drawn to writing rooted in relationship—with place, history, and self
Some participants come to deepen craft.
Others come to uncover voice and direction.
What they share is a commitment to writing that is grounded, attentive, and meaningful.
Explore a creative process with an experienced guide:
I’ve spent decades working with writers, creatives, and professionals whose work lives at the intersection of story, place, and purpose. My background in the creative arts and interpretation allows me to support both exploratory writing and more research-grounded work.
My teaching blends a clear, place-centered framework with careful listening and discernment. I don’t teach formulas. I guide people through a process of discovery and refinement—helping them recognize what’s already present and shape it with intention and craft.
Get in touch to explore writing together →
Three Ways to Write Together
1. Private Mentoring
One-on-one guidance for writers seeking depth, clarity, and sustained development.
Explore private mentoring →
2. Writing Classes & Retreats (When offered)
Group programs offered throughout the year for writers who want structure, continuity, and community.
Join the mailing list to be notified when enrollment opens →
3. Programs for Organizations
Workshops and retreats for organizations and groups interested in place-based writing and storytelling.
Reach out to discuss options →
Classes and Retreats: More Details
These writing programs are designed around a simple understanding: writers need different kinds of support at different moments in their work.
Some are seeking orientation and discovery.
Others are ready for deeper development and refinement.
Many move between the two over time.
Wherever you feel called to begin, these offerings form a coherent writing and creative growth ecosystem, rooted in my Sense of Place and Story Framework.
Sense of Place Writing Masterclass
A 4-week course exploring the tools and practice of place-based writing
An accessible entry point open to writers at any level. This course offers a deep dive into understanding how sense of place shapes narrative, with guided practice woven throughout.
Join the list to be notified when this course is offered.
The Grounded Writer’s Craft
Sustained support to deepen craft and elevate your work
This program is for writers who are ready to settle into a writing practice that works over time. The focus is on depth—voice, structure, discernment, and sustained attention—supported by thoughtful feedback and a shared commitment to craft.
Offered seasonally. A three-month commitment is required. Learn more →
The Creative Compass Journey
A foundational exploration to uncover stories and bring them to life
A three-month exploration designed to help you identify the stories you feel called to tell now. This program supports clarity, uncovers core themes, and helps establish a deeper, more grounded relationship with your creative work.
Creative Compass is an accessible entry point for writers seeking depth, direction, and coherence—and often provides a foundation for longer-term developmental work together.
Offered once a year, with limited enrollment..
Seasonal Retreats
Immersive time for nourishment, focus, and renewal
These place-centered retreats offer spacious time for reflection, integration, and renewed attention. They serve as anchors within a longer creative life, supporting both depth and sustainability.
Join the list to be notified when retreats are offered.
Kind words from participants
“A great place to expand your skills.”
“I heartily recommend this class as a place to find your voice and expand your skills. It works for writers with vague ideas as well as those with works in progress. The practice of blending history, personal experience, theme, and description led to strong, well-shaped pieces. Through Erica’s focused guidance, we were treated like writers—not students.”
— Beth Arrowsmith, Educator & Photographer, Colorado“Never fails to make my imagination leap.”
“Erica weaves stories, writers, and inspiration together around sense of place in a way that never fails to make my imagination leap. Her classes deepen my connection to past and present places and invite me to explore attachments I never thought to write about.”
— James McMenamin, Heritage Photographer, Switzerland“Helped me find my writing voice.”
“Working with Erica moved my writing in directions I never expected. It helped me find my voice and shape my ideas into a connected set of essays. Erica teaches more like a guide than an instructor—she knows how to sense what each writer needs. She offers a journey shared with others, and they are the best travel companions!”
— Julia Clebsch, Naturalist & Retired Park Ranger, New Hampshire“I have not written this much or as easily in 30+ years.”
“I have extensive experience writing academic articles and chapters, but very little opportunity for creative writing. I have not written this much—or this easily—in over 30 years. The classes are supportive while keeping us actively writing, and they allow each participant to engage at a pace that fits their life.”
— Jeanne Stanley, Ph.D., Psychologist & Graduate School Consultant, Pennsylvania“I learned to write much more expressively.”
“I took Erica’s class to return to a regular writing practice and revisit a long-sidelined project. She creates a warm, inviting space that allows writers to work without fear of judgment. I learned to lean into vivid detail and write much more expressively.”
— Shae McWilliams, Sales & Development, Rhode Island
Let’s Work Together
Join the mailing list for updates on upcoming programs
Reach out about 1:1 mentoring
Contact me about bringing this work to your organization or institution
