Rewilding Craft: A Generative Writing Retreat

August 9 & August 10, 2025 in San Francisco


What are the essential elements of the craft of fiction? What makes a story come to life in a writer’s imagination, then enter the world as a living, breathing thing? In this intensive weekend writing retreat designed for writers of all levels, we reframe these questions to explore the elemental forces driving our need to tell and consume stories. Instead of traditional craft topics such as character, plot, structure, or point of view, we examine DESIRE, IMAGINATION, WILDERNESS, and WEATHER as your basic survival kit for rewilding craft, and telling stories that are urgent and alive. 

We’ll gather from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10 at The Ruby, a work and event space located in San Francisco’s Mission district. This is an offering from The Dream Side, co-led and co-taught by Meng Jin, Rachel Khong, Susanna Kwan, and Shruti Swamy. 

The retreat includes:

Four Craft Talks 
Generative writing prompts
Community lunch and dinner from local Bay Area restaurants
Bonding activities
Focused writing time 
Optional nature and art field trips
Group Readings / Open Mic
Happy Hours
Snacks & Coffee & Tea

By attending this retreat, you will:

  • Learn unconventional approaches to fiction writing inspired by our own creative practices
  • Generate pages of new writing with specific guided prompts
  • Connect with curious and thoughtful community
  • Jumpstart a new project, revitalize a stalling project
  • Share new work in a supportive, celebratory space
  • Play, step out of your comfort zone, and take creative risks 
  • Come away with lasting tools to sustain a creative life

PLEASE NOTE: This retreat was designed with Bay Area writers in mind, with daily sessions running from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Transportation and lodging are NOT included in the fee. We’re excited to share that retreats with accommodations, as well as online courses, are coming soon! If you'd like to stay in touch about future offerings, please sign up for our newsletter.

Retreat fee: $700 


Join us for Rewilding Craft 

Scholarships


We’re offering a limited number of need-based scholarships to help make this workshop accessible. If the full price would be a financial barrier for you, please feel free to select this option—no questions asked. We trust you to choose what feels right based on your circumstances.

Rewilding Craft (Scholarship)


Refund Policy


We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel, full refunds are available through July 25, 2025. After that date, we won’t be able to offer refunds, as we’ll have committed resources based on enrollment.

Questions? 


Send us an email: hello AT thedreamside.com