Place-based writing is prose, poetry, or nonfiction that engages with the physical locations that shape our lives and communities. In this 90-minute generative workshop, we’ll look at examples of literature rooted in the natural or human-built environment, discuss techniques for bringing the landscape to the page, and dedicate time to a guided creative exercise to help you begin a new work that emphasizes setting as a central element. No writing background is needed to participate, and all levels of experience are welcome.

Eleri Denham is the Rambler Arts visiting Artist in Residence this January. They are a writer, editor, and multimedia artist. Their fiction, nonfiction, and poetry have been published in numerous venues, including Fruitslice, Central Oregon Book Project, The Ilanot Review, Bending Genres, and Whale Road Review. Their work has been nominated for Best Microfiction and Best of the Net, and in 2025, they were one of the winning playwrights featured in the Majestic 8 10-Minute Play Festival. Originally from Chicago, Eleri now lives in Oregon with their partner. Find out more at eleridenham.com or @eleridenham.bsky.social.