JOIN ME AT KYLEMORE ABBEY IN CONNEMARA, IRELAND–
FOR A THREE-DAY RETREAT/WORKSHOP ON THE VOCATION OF THE ARTIST!
TWO OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE: AUGUST 30-SEPTEMBER 1, OR SEPTEMBER 6-8. DETAILS FORTHCOMING.
THIS WILL BE SIMILAR TO THE RETREATS I OFFERED IN THE FALL OF 2023.

Venture to the West of Ireland for a unique experience during one of our weekend sojourns – ideal for those seeking an escape and an emergence from COVID-19 in a creative, mindful, and invigorating environment. These weekend breaks include enjoying the breathtaking Connemara landscape, communing with others and tasting the local cuisine. These weekend adventures will offer the participant the unique opportunity to stay in a unique setting, with insight into local attractions which involve hiking, writing or hill walking.
The weekend includes two residential nights (ensuite bedrooms) and three days, complete with resident experts, all meals prepared by our in-house chef from locally sourced producers. Join us for a completely new and unique experience.
THE VOCATION OF THE ARTIST WORKSHOP
Join me for a weekend of contemplation and conversation amidst the breath-taking backdrop of Connemara. Together, let’s discover the divine spark in our hearts that urges us to create, whether it is to paint, sculpt, teach, build or write. How does one stay the course, earn a livelihood and remain faithful to the artist’s calling?…
The retreat is tailored toward any spiritual seeker with a creative spirit, a love for the arts, and a sense of humor!
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the mystery and beauty of the West of Ireland while also reflecting upon the questions: Where did I come from? Where am I going? What am I to do while I’m here?…
kylemore-with-scan
WITH (I’m not kidding) A WALLED GARDEN
WRITING FROM SILENCE: A THREE-DAY WRITING WORKSHOP, TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 1-4, 2024, AT NEW CAMALDOLI HERMITAGE IN BIG SUR, CA

Join the monks, the hawks, your fellow participants, and me at what internationally-acclaimed travel writer Pico Iyer has called his favorite place in the world. There’s a reason for the Big Sur hype. And what’s great about New Camaldoli is THE SILENCE.
We’ll have reflections. We’ll hear excerpts from great writers. We’ll have prompts. We’ll count ourselves in on the wondrous world of writing.
DETAILS AND REGISTRATION INFO TO FOLLOW, BUT MARK YOUR CALENDARS.
And feel free to email with any questions: hdking719@gmail.com.

My eight-week writing workshops combine instruction, writing prompts, in-class critique/discussion and an atmosphere of intense welcome, encouragement and support.
Here’s the flyer from I’ve used in the past, just to give you a flavor. 2023 is shaping up to be a year of travel, but I hope to be offering my 8-week worshops again in the not-too-distant future.

A desire to learn more and to establish a more dedicated and structured way to write more is ALL that’s “required” for the Workshop! The participants generally bring a wide range of sensibilities, approaches, demographics, and levels of expertise. Some are Catholic, many are not. Some have never seriously written before, nor shown their work to another human being. Others have been published. The emphasis is not so much on the technical aspects of writing–although in the course of giving and receiving notes each week, those aspects are definitely covered–but rather the spiritual: enlarging our hearts, horizons and souls.
I’ve come to love the serendipity of each group–a tightly-knit, supportive community of eight weeks in which we’re invited to stretch, explore, and grow. All are most welcome.
TO SIGN UP, SIMPLY EMAIL ME AT HDKING719@GMAIL.COM.
TESTIMONIALS
“Heather’s firm command of the tools of her trade, those practical nuts and bolts of storytelling was invaluable to me. She is eager and encouraging, and her ability to share her deep love of writing inspires me every day.”
—PATRICK KERR, actor. Noel on FRASIER and blind guy on CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM
Heather’s Writing Workshop dropped in my lap in such a manner that I can only describe as, Divine Providence; after years of delaying an inner prompting to write, her 8-week course gave me the confidence I needed to begin my journey as a new writer!
Ms. King’s experience and love for the craft and art of writing preceded her, but what struck me the most was the length to which she nurtured all of us for the duration of the Workshop. Heather approached each student with a profound tenderness, sensitivity, encouragement, and generosity of spirit that spilled over into each one of us, creating a safe space it seemed we all needed.
I highly recommend Heather King’s Writing Workshop to writers of all levels, and at all stages in the development of their work!
—NATALIA FERREIRO, OPERA SINGER AND ACTRESS
When I first heard of Heather’s writing workshop I thought, “I wish!” I desperately needed something, but I didn’t think Heather’s workshop would be possible for me. It was a financial commitment, but more than that, it was a time commitment. I brought it up to my wife, fully expecting her to shoot down the idea. Instead, she said she thought I should do it. I was floored… and very grateful. You see, I’m a writer who has been writing for years, but I’ve been stuck for the last two or three years. Over the last decade I’ve authored a book, contributed to other books, and have been published in various periodicals (including my own monthly column for three years), and created weekly content for podcasts and radio. But the last few years I have been in a rut. Stuck. In short, I’ve been a frustrated writer… frustrated because I wasn’t writing. One of the things I hoped to receive out of the workshop was new fire for writing, a reignited passion for writing. And on this point, Heather’s workshop did not disappoint. The experience of meeting weekly with other writers for the sole purpose of helping each other with both the art and craft of writing was… well, priceless. I am so grateful to have been a part of the workshop, and I look forward to participating again in a future workshop. Thank you, Heather, for putting your gifts at our service and for always calling us onward and higher!
The last few years I have been in a rut… I’ve been a frustrated writer… frustrated because I wasn’t writing. One of the things I hoped to receive out of the workshop was new fire for writing, a reignited passion for writing. And on this point, Heather’s workshop did not disappoint. The experience of meeting weekly with other writers for the sole purpose of helping each other with both the art and craft of writing was… well, priceless.
–JEFF YOUNG, THE CATHOLIC FOODIE