In stock
Success in writing means showing up regularly and taking risks. In this workshop, you’ll explore techniques for getting to the page, overcoming resistance, and tapping into your creative intuition. You’ll set writing goals tailored to your style of devotion. You’ll begin a new piece or add to a work-in-progress with original prompts designed to encourage experimentation. Stretch and surprise yourself. Weave the universal with the personal in original, captivating ways. Leave with new material, fresh optimism, and momentum to carry you into your next writing session.
For this online workshop (times are central standard time), we’ll gather on two Saturday afternoons with curiosity and generosity to support our own and each other’s writing. Everyone will be invited to share insights and revelations as we try new methods and learn from each other. Approximately half of our time together will be spent writing, while the remainder will consist of micro lectures and discussions.
Class size 15
Level Beginner and above
Student Supply List Class time will be held over Zoom with the instructor for live interaction and a moderated chat. Students should have a laptop/computer with live camera and microphone.
Tamara Dean is an author of fiction and nonfiction whose most recent book, Shelter and Storm: At Home in the Driftless (University of Minnesota Press, 2025), weaves science and history into true tales of discovery that urge readers to live mindfully with nature and community in a time of uncertainty. Her essays have appeared in The American Scholar, The Georgia Review, the Guardian, Orion, The Progressive, The Southern Review, and elsewhere. “Safer Than Childbirth” received a 2024 Pushcart Prize Special Mention and “Slow Blues” was named a 2021 National Magazine Award finalist. She teaches workshops independently and with writing centers such as Hugo House, The Loft, Madison Writers’ Studio, and writers.com.
Workshops
Mining Your Stories Writing Retreat
Class Confirmation
You will receive a confirmation of your workshop registration via email about a week prior to the class. If you do not have an email address, you will receive a snail-mail confirmation. Please check the online class listing for supplies to bring to class (there will also be a link to the Supply List in your class confirmation). Some supplies may need to be ordered well ahead of time.
Please note that your class registration will not be confirmed without full payment.
Please read your class confirmation carefully as it may include a supply list and other important details, and note our community standards on our Planning Your Workshop Experience page.
Materials Fees
Many classes have materials fees in addition to the tuition. These are identified in the class listing and are usually paid with the tuition payment; however, in some cases materials fees are paid directly to the instructor at class time (check the class listing).
Cancellation Policy
While we recognize that life intrudes and plans change, in consideration of the time and energy instructors invest in preparing for classes (and this includes purchasing supplies and assembling workshop kits), we must adhere to the following cancellation policies:
Student cancellations
> Cancellations made 30 days or more before the start date of the workshop are eligible for a 75% refund OR a gift certificate in the full amount. The gift certificate can be applied to workshops or lodging one year from the date of cancellation and is transferable.
> Cancellations made 29 days or fewer before the start date of the workshop are not eligible for refunds or gift certificates. We encourage all students to purchase trip insurance, which is available for a reasonable fee.
> Cancellation requests must be made by contacting our office at info@shakeragalley.org or (608) 987-3292.
> If you have booked lodging with Shake Rag Alley in conjunction with your class and cancel less than seven days in advance of your reservation, a $50 cancellation fee will apply.
Cancellations by Shake Rag Alley
> If Shake Rag Alley must cancel a class for any reason, you will be notified via email or phone and will be eligible for a full refund or, if you prefer, a transferable gift certificate. You may also consider donating your refund to support our operations or scholarships.
If you have booked lodging with Shake Rag Alley in conjunction with a class canceled by Shake Rag Alley, you may receive a full refund on lodging or gift certificate should you wish to cancel.
Waiting Lists
If a workshop you are interested in is sold out, please fill out this waiting list form. We will contact you if a spot becomes available. The class code requested on the form is the Workshop ID shown at left, beneath the Add to Cart button.
18 Shake Rag St.
Mineral Point, WI 53565
(608) 987-3292
