Elk River Writers Workshop

The 2026 Elk River Writers Workshop will be held from October 18 to October 23 at Chico Hot Springs, a historic retreat in Pray, Montana, near Yellowstone National Park. The program features workshops, craft talks, panel discussions, campfire readings, and a Yellowstone field trip for poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers. The faculty includes poets and nonfiction writers Chris La Tray and Deborah A. Miranda, and fiction writers Jamie Ford and Diane Wilson. Tuition, which includes most meals, is $1,750; some scholarships are available for local writers, Indigenous writers, and other writers from diverse backgrounds based on factors including but not limited to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, abilities, and economic status. Lodging is available at Chico Hot Springs and other area hotels. To apply, submit a writing sample of up to 1,500 words in any genre and a brief bio with a $25 application fee. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until September 1. To apply for scholarships, fill out an online application form after completing a workshop application; apply by June 1. Visit the website for more information.

Accessibility accommodations include accessible sidewalks, pathways, and doorways; a single-level event space; accessible restrooms; accessible parking; and assistive listening devices (with advance request). Contact the program manager via e-mail for additional accessibility details.