People of color often do not have access to either writing spaces or outdoor spaces. When Fly Ranch invited queer black writer, Yodassa Williams, to their property in Spring 2018, she shared a vision for the space to be an incubator for writers of color seeking liberation, solitude, and inspiration, knowing such a space was necessary. Writers Emerging was crafted for, and is honored to exclusively serve women of color and non-binary writers of color with this event. To learn more about the inception and passion that birthed this project, read the blog post (https://journal.burningman.org/2019/05/global-network/fly-ranch/fly-ranch-writers-of-color-to-become-heroines-of-own-stories/).

The Writers Emerging expedition takes place at Fly Ranch, a 3,800 acre property just north of the Burning Man event site. Fly Ranch is located on Northern Paiute land 12 miles north of Gerlach, Nevada. The property is home to dozens of hot and cold springs, three geysers, acres of wetlands, dozens of animal species, and more than 100 identified types of plants. Fly Ranch is becoming an incubator site for innovation and creativity.

To be clear, this is a writing expedition held in a remote wilderness location. This is NOT a luxury retreat. To learn more about the Fly Ranch property which will support the activities of this 4-day event, please visit https://flyranch.burningman.org/ and https://journal.burningman.org/2018/10/global-network/fly-ranch/so-whats-actually-happening-with-fly-ranch/

Please carefully read each section below before filling out the application, to gauge if this Retreat is a good fit for your creative needs.

Writers Emerging @ Fly Ranch invite between 35-40 women of color and non binary persons of color for the first writing expedition held on Fly Ranch from October 3 - 6, 2019.

All participants will be camping in close quarters, with full access to all Fly Ranch facilities (listed in the Facilities section). This four-day expedition will include:
Guided generative writing workshops on fiction, poetry, and nonfiction writing,
Nature expeditions including hiking, camping, swimming, and cooking outdoors,
Unstructured writing time, and
Community and group networking activities

We are seeking participants from all levels of exposure to these activities, and we are prepared to support those with no experience in any. Please be honest about your level of comfort or previous involvement in either writing or nature experiences. The advisory team will pay particular attention to the short essay questions of this application, so please take time to answer fully.

The mission of Writers Emerging at Fly Ranch is to foster liberation and growth through creative exploration, acceptance, and connectivity to nature, self, and others.

As organizers, we acknowledge that we are guests on this Native/Indigenous land originally home to the Paiute people, and we invite all applicants to do the same.

This event is made possible through the generosity of the nonprofit Burning Man Project (https://annualreport2018.burningman.org), the most recent stewards of this land. To learn about the 10 Principles of Burning Man which provide the framework for this gathering, please visit https://burningman.org/culture/philosophical-center/10-principles/.

Writers Emerging at Fly Ranch is crafted to be a safer space for the creative expression of women of color and non-binary writers of color.

We invite all participants to become active members of a community that disrupts dominant-culture values and is centered on the healthy evolution of the individual soul in community with others.

What does this look like?
1) Recognize Wholeness – People have inherent worth outside of productivity. We acknowledge the necessity for rest, self-care, and self-exploration.
2) Work Towards Collective Understanding – We encourage compassion as a tool for the wellbeing of ourselves, each other, and our environment.
3) Don’t Assume, Let the Individual Share – No policing of identities or assumptions about gender, race, ability, skill level, or knowledge.
4) Leave Shaming Behind – We come from a variety of experience levels, financial access, and opportunities. Avoid ableist, ageist, racist or gendered language.
5) Trust Intent, Acknowledge Impact – Stay conscious of the energy you carry into each space you enter. Listen to others when you may have caused harm.
6) Share Your Voice, Make Space for Others – If you tend to be quieter, consider sharing in this space. If you tend to speak often, consider making space for others.
7) Listen Out Loud - Practice active listening, give the type of attention you would like to have when sharing your truths.

*We thank Sins Invalid, WTF Bikexplorers, and East Bay Meditation Center for this language on culture creation.

Applicants must identify as a woman of color or a non-binary person of color
Applicants must be 18 years or older
Applicants must have an interest in developing or maintaining a creative writing practice
Applicants must have an interest in participating in nature expeditions in the wilderness
Applicants must honor the Writers Emerging at Fly Ranch seven core principles
Applicants must attend alone (no children, pets, or additional guests of any kind are allowed during this expedition)

The application opens on June 15, 2019. Completed applications are due at 11:59 p.m. PT on July 14, 2019. All applicants will be notified by or on August 1, 2019. For accepted applicants, a nonrefundable deposit of $100 will be due by August 15, 2019 to officially accept and secure your spot in the expedition.

Writers Emerging is committed to making this expedition as cost accessible as possible for participants. Thanks to the generous support of Burning Man Project and the Fly Ranch Team, the total subsidized cost of this writing expedition is $150. The first $100 is due with your acceptance by or on August 15, in order to secure your spot. The final $50 is due by or on September 15th, just two weeks before the event launch.
Please let us know if you foresee hardships in financing your involvement in this writing expedition.

As noted, this Retreat takes place in the remote, sprawling property of Fly Ranch. The Ranch is a solar-powered property that has: a kitchen, running water, showers, toilets, a community relaxation tent, a dining tent, a sauna, fire pits, and more.
As noted, this is not a luxury retreat and is ideal for writers who want to experience nature, in all her grungy glory. Participants will be expected to be responsible for bringing what amenities will keep them comfortable, but our team will do what we can to accomodate those who cannot financially afford the cost of certain camping supplies, such as headlamps, sleeping bags, etc.

Housing: We will provide sturdy, weather resistant tents for participants. We will confirm and clarify all available housing options before deposits are sent in by students.

If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to email us at the address listed below.

Event Manager, Non Fiction Instructor: Yodassa Williams - @yodawill12 - yodawill.com/writing.html
Outdoor Advisor, Non Fiction Instructor: Mary Ann Thomas - @postcardsfrommat - postcardsfrommat.com/
Logistic Advisor, Poetry Instructor: Maya Sisneros - @ayamayapapaya
Fiction Instructor: Valerie Haynes Perry - @vhpmotivationalwriting - motivationalwriting.com

Contact us:
Email: flywriters.emerging@gmail.com
IG: flywriters.emerging