Ike's Canyon Ranch
A Writer's Far Outpost
2020
High Plains Writing Workshops
July 26 - August 1, 2020 @ Ike's
​
High Plains Writing
Workshop
Philosophy
To progress at our craft, a writer needs both inspiration and time for new ideas to incubate, crack open and grow. For this reason, our workshops take place in spectacular locations, places to help us time travel, shape-shift and dream new dreams, since these are all activities writers aim to be proficient in.
But to explore new artistic territory, to excite ourselves and ignite our work, a writer also needs a third element: a bit of pressure. We need risk in order to leave our comfort zones. So, while being fun and relaxed, workshops here at Ike’s are designed to give your writing a little push off a cliff’s edge.
​
Through a series of craft exercises and approaches, the workshops are intended to open hidden doorways that, we believe, are already awaiting you in your writing. Once there, we will adventure deeper in. We will aim to explore and learn to exploit these unmapped landscapes. On the way, we will seek to dismantle the barriers to writing in ways we most aspire to.
​
In the vast and powerful landscapes here at Ike’s — as well as the ancient, mythic and historic landscapes around the world — your work, whatever style or genre it is, will shift and grow.
​
The workshops are open to all levels of experience.
​
All workshops will be lead by Robin McLean.
Choose a workshop Location
Accommodations at the Ranch
​
Sleeping accommodations at Ike's: There are two Private bedrooms in the main house allocated on a first come first served basis. If the workshop is full, two writers will share the 1870's stage stop cabin, which is just feet from the main house.
All Residents will have private writing space.
Food: Light breakfast will be provided. Writers will bring there own lunch supplies, and ingredients to make one meal during the week for the whole group.
IMPORTANT!
This is a remote and wild place, and it's important that you understand what to expect before you apply. Please read all about Ike's and contact us with any questions .
Cost
$1200 including 6 nights accommodation.
The cost does not include food or transportation.
​
A $200 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your space.
​
If you need transportation to the ranch, we will pick you up July 26th and drop you off in Reno for $150 each way. Be sure to let us know you need a ride well ahead of time!
​
The Workshop
Silk Gowns and Cowboy Hats @ ike's
July 26 - August 1, 2020
We think people write kind of as they dress – with a particular style that they barely think about. But sometimes our style limits us. We need some other way to express what we want to get at. In this workshop we will be subversive. Using a variety of craft exercises we will attempt to turn our usual writing style upside down, find ourselves constructing lines we didn't know we could write.
With new tools, we hope participants go away from the week comfortable with new ways into their work, and with fresh techniques to stimulate and open their short prose beyond the tried-and-true.