The Visceral Self

Weekend workshops fill quickly, so reach out soon to hold a spot! The intensive is for writers seeking to produce more vivid, embodied writing, as well as to access the visceral stories that are sometimes more difficult to tell. Prompts will be structured, guided, and accessible/appropriate for all levels and genres.

Elephant Rock does not discriminate against anyone, regardless of age, color of skin, national origin, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, gender expression and identity, sexual orientation, or anything else. We expect the same from our all of our participants.

what does "intensive" mean?

This one is called intensive for a reason! Writing about your life offers the opportunity for creating clarity, cohesion, and beauty from disparate memories that course beneath the surface of your daily experience. Research has shown that writing literally (meaning on an actual physical level) heals. Writing about past experiences in a particular way can improve your physical health as measured by myriad biomarkers. How cool is that? Very cool. Tapping into the body’s wisdom creates greater openness to truth and art.

Our focus will be the stories we hold in our cells, body, and memory. We will integrate meditative and movement practices along with purposeful writing exercises to write not just about the body, but from it. This transformative practice is rooted in both spiritual and scientific understandings of how the mind body connection. Each day will include a 60-minute yoga practice, meditation, and multiple guided movement and writing exercises. You will leave with valuable  craft principles and tools to apply long after the workshop is over, as you develop a work in progress or begin a new chapter. 

what writing & yoga experience is necessary?

All kinds of writers are welcome, from complete beginners to those with many publications. The focus and exercises will contain something new and refreshing for everyone, beginners and experienced alike. Likewise, the yoga offered during this intensive focuses on honoring the body and is appropriate for all levels. Exercises will be structured to help students find their edge, whatever that means for them. Variations and adjustments will be available as desired.

where is the workshop held?

This intensive is Minneapolis-based, held 6-9 PM Friday and 9-4 PM Saturday & Sunday (with a moving meditation from 7-9 Saturday night) at the comfortable, light-filled Elephant Rock homestead (that’s Jeannine’s home) just blocks from the University of Minnesota campus and a few miles from downtown Minneapolis. There are a great many hotels nearby, some within easy walking distance, all within an easy drive or light rail ride (Elephant Rock is a block away from the light rail), as well as many Airbnb options. Let me know if you want help with recommendations.

what are the requirements?

A passion for writing, a curiosity about your own stories, a willingness to imagine yourself into some movement, and an openness to what might arise. An open heart.

who are the teachers?

This workshop is led by Jeannine Ouellette and one of her adult children, Billie Ouellette-Howitz.

Jeannie is the author of the The Part That Burns, 2019 Annie Dillard Award Winner for creative nonfiction, 2018 Narrative Story Contest Finalist, 2017 Masters Review Emerging Writer Awardee, 2016 Proximity Essay Contest winner, 2015 Curt Johnson Fiction Awards honoree, two-time Pushcart nominee, published author of several educational books, founder of Elephant Rock, and, most of all, passionate teacher of writing. In addition to teaching through Elephant Rock, Jeannine serves as a writing mentor for the Association of Writers & Writing Programs Writer-to-Writer Program and teaches writing through the Minnesota Prison Writers Workshop. She also guest lectures on writing at the University of Minnesota.

Billie has been practicing yoga for ten years and is a 200-hour RYT certified teacher. The heart of their teaching philosophy is to honor the body. They believe in the power of asana (shapes) to bring the mind, body, and spirit into alignment. Their teaching is rooted in functional yoga, emphasizing bodily sensation rather than aesthetic appearances. They are passionate about expanding accessibility and approachability in yoga spaces. Billie's movement and meditation practice translates on the page in fragmented and experimental literary works that explore the intersection of brain, body, and identity. Their writing has appeared in a variety of magazines and literary journals including Calyx, where their essay, “Bent: Daughterhood Recalled Through Skin and Bone,” was first-runner up for the 2019 Margarita Donnelly Prize for Prose Writing.

what is the cost?

Tuition is $799 and a non-refundable deposit of $450 is required to hold your spot. Full payment is due 15 days before the workshop begins. 

how do i register?

Contact Jeannine at elephantrockretreats@gmail.com.  Inquire soon, and thank you! These will be a transformative intensive and we hope to have you join us.

what have others had to say?

One writer observed: "I'm still working on settling the emotions of all I learned, felt, and began to understand about my writing and my life this past weekend. Thank you!" Another observed, "Thank you for your incredible energy, sharing of knowledge and craft, hospitality and grace. I felt blessed to be a part of workshop." Writers of all levels gain insight and tools from Elephant Rock workshops and retreats. Read observations from past participants here, and please don't hesitate to get in touch directly with questions about whether this workshop is right for you! These workshops do sell out, so inquire soon.