By the end of this workshop, you will:

• Write a collection of original micro-memoirs inspired by the ordinary moments, objects, and memories of your life.
• Learn how to find stories everywhere—not by searching for dramatic events, but by noticing what quietly calls for your attention.
• Discover how everyday objects—a worn sponge, a favorite coffee mug, a pair of gardening gloves, a box of hair dye—can become portals into rich, emotionally resonant memoir.
• Transform fleeting memories into vivid, cinematic scenes using sensory detail, emotional honesty, and specificity.
• Understand the architecture of compelling memoir through story structure, narrative tension, and fifteen story beats.
• Develop confidence writing with brevity, allowing small moments to carry profound emotional weight.
• Learn revision techniques that deepen clarity, compression, and resonance by boosting the white hot center of the story.
• Identify the recurring themes, images, and questions that connect individual micro-memoirs into a larger body of work—or the beginnings of a full memoir.
• Read your work aloud with greater confidence and presence.
• Receive thoughtful, encouraging feedback in a supportive community of fellow writers.
• Leave with a practical process for generating stories whenever and wherever life offers them

Your Guide

Jennifer Schelter teaches workshops and retreats in memoir writing, meditation, and yoga. Her approach sparks authentic creative expression, cinematic, and kinesthetic storytelling.

Instructor Jennifer Schelter teaches workshops and retreats in memoir writing, meditation, yoga, poetry, and intentional journaling to nurture joy and authenticity.

Your Writing Time

Each morning, we’ll explore a craft topic and a specific story beat. We’ll read work from acclaimed micro-memoirists and memoirists published in The Sun, Brevity Magazine, and beyond, immersing ourselves in personal narrative.

Writing prompts offered each morning will lead you to write, write, write—and enjoy afternoons with ample opportunity to read your work aloud and receive nurturing one-on-one feedback in a supportive community.

Explore

• How to show yourself on the page (or stage) as a compelling protagonist
• Micro-memoir craft and storytelling tools
• A no-fail storytelling template
• How to capture the tension and high stakes of your story
• Humor

Join Us

The intention of this workshop is to thrive as writers, generate new material, and practice your craft skills in a generous, friendly community.

Come write. Your story matters. We’re waiting to hear it.

Questions? Email, jennifer@jenniferschelter.com

The post Finding the Story in Ordinary Objects: Memoir, Micro-Memoir & Storytelling Skills, Sante Fe, New Mexico, May 10-14, 2027 appeared first on JENNIFER SCHELTER.

• 15 crucial story beats that raise the stakes and create a compelling, surprising narrative
• 15 writing prompts designed to unlock the pivotal moments of your life story
• Story structure techniques from the Save The Cattemplate—proven tools used by successful writers and performers
• Tools to identify and voice the most captivating changes in your life as the protagonist
• 15 new drafts of your story—the building blocks of your larger work
• 1 polished micro-memoir piece ready to share or publish
• A complete template for structuring your memoir or show
• A sustainable daily writing practice and renewed love affair with your writing
• A warm, creative community that supports your work

Your Guide

Jennifer Schelter teaches workshops and retreats in memoir writing, meditation, and yoga. Her approach sparks authentic creative expression, cinematic, and kinesthetic storytelling specificity in each writer.

Instructor Jennifer Schelter teaches workshops and retreats in memoir writing, meditation, yoga, poetry, and intentional journaling to nurture joy and authenticity.

Your Writing Time

Each morning, we’ll explore a craft topic and a specific story beat. We’ll read work from acclaimed micro-memoirists and memoirists published in The Sun, Brevity Magazine, and beyond, immersing ourselves in the literary world of personal narrative.

Writing prompts offered each morning will lead you to write, write, write—and enjoy afternoons with ample opportunity to read your work aloud and receive nurturing one-on-one feedback in a supportive community.

Explore

• How to show yourself on the page (or stage) as a compelling protagonist
• Micro-memoir craft tools and exemplary authors
• A no-fail storytelling template
• How to capture the tension and highest stakes of your story
• The power of humor in personal storytelling

Join Us

The intention of this workshop is simple: to thrive as writers, generate new material, grow your storytelling skills, and practice your craft in a generous, friendly community.

Come write. Your story matters. We’re waiting to hear it.

To Register, Maine Media Workshop & College 

The post Transform Your Life Into Art: Master Memoir, Micro-Memoir & Story Structure, August 2026, Rockport, ME appeared first on JENNIFER SCHELTER.

Why retreat with us?

Yoga & Meditation

“Yoga was magnificent as expected…The morning meditation and yoga are in perfect balance.”

• Morning guided meditation and yoga

• Sound bath and walking meditations

• Hands-on or personalized instruction for every level

Writing & Sharing

“Writing breaks down walls and brings everyone closer together…Listening to people volunteer to read their writing is transformative.”

• The small group size ensures personal attention

• Group feedback creates connection and insight

• Optional exercises for new awareness

Community & Connection

“Freedom and grace to show up how and when it works for each person…Meals together were wonderful to deepen connections.”

• Meet new friends and reconnect with old ones

• Safe container for self-inquiry

• Shared exploration and fun

The Setting

“Unbelievably beautiful — honeymoon material…Beautiful, but not annoying resort-y.”

• Remote mountain seaside location

• Whale watching, surfing, swimming, or simply lounging

• Delicious, fresh, healthy meals

• Gorgeous rooms and attentive staff

The Leadership

“Down to earth, well-read, articulate, hilarious, and human…Jennifer helps you work deeply on yourself as well as learn from fellow retreaters.”

A Retreat That Stays With You

• A meaningful week of discovery, connection, and balance

• Flexibility to explore or rest at your pace

• A chance to return home inspired and renewed

Space is limited to ensure intimacy and personal attention.

“So much more than just going to a resort… inspiring, transformative, unique.”

Join Jennifer Schelter and a friendly community of adventurers for a soul-nourishing week.

Enjoy a daily structure and plenty of free time to play and explore.

“The Radiant Retreat evoked a sense of adventure in me. An opportunity to stop the noise. And time and space to figure out what is really important to me. The place. The people. The laughs. I’m going back next year.”
— GG

About Xinalani

This award-winning eco-luxury retreat center is nestled in the Sierra Madre mountains and only accessible by boat.

Xinalani invites you to reconnect with nature and a mindful, slower rhythm of the waves and birdsong.

• Located on Banderas Bay during whale migration season
• Open-air yoga studios, an infinity pool, and beachfront access
• 3 fresh gourmet meals daily (dietary needs welcome)
• Wi-Fi available but spotty—ideal for unplugging

“This is the most life-changing, outstanding retreat I’ve ever been on.”
— Oprah Producer

What’s Included

• 7 nights eco-luxury accommodations
• Daily meditation, yoga & writing sessions
• 3 delicious buffet meals per day
• Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding
• Guided hikes & water taxi transport from Puerto Vallarta
• A sacred, supportive, and joyful retreat community

Accommodations & Rates

If you need a roommate, we’ll do our best to match you up.

“Jennifer has a gift in her ability to create a positive and authentic experience that meets everyone’s individual and collective needs.”
— Lisa Hompe

Travel Details

• Fly into Puerto Vallarta (PVR)
  • Arrive before 3:30–4:00 PM on Feb 7
  • Depart no earlier than 12:00 PM on Feb 14
• You’ll be transported from the airport to a boat that brings you to Xinalani

Flight cost not included
Tips ($10–15/day) not included
Smoothies & alcohol available for purchase

Booking & Payment

• $500 deposit secures your spot
• Final payment due December 12, 2025
• Payable by check or Venmo
• All bookings confirmed via: info@jenniferschelter.com

“I found my voice!”
— J. Scott

Cancellation Policy

• All payments are non-refundable
• Cancellations 90+ days in advance may receive credit (minus $50 fee) toward future retreats or services
• No credit for cancellations under 90 days or early departures
• One-time reschedule allowed; second cancellation forfeits all funds
• In case of force majeure, credit may be used within 18 months
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended

Gift certificates available
Ask friends and family to contribute for birthdays or holidays!

“The Radiant Retreat is a joyful, safe space where each person is seen, heard, and celebrated. You will absolutely discover that you are a writer.”
— Anne Marie Kennedy

Questions? Set up a discovery call, jennifer@jenniferschelter.com

The post The Radiant Retreat: Self-Inquiry, Inspiration, & the Beach at Your Door, February 6–13, 2027 appeared first on JENNIFER SCHELTER.