Writing at The Fells

Writing Wednesdays with Tracy Wood

Please join Tracy Wood for a writing workshop on Wednesday afternoons at the John Hay Estate.  The class will focus on the writing process through a workshop format, providing ample opportunities for individual writing and partner sharing.  Class participants will also be offered plenty of practical tools that can be applied to any writing project. 

Tracy has taught secondary school and community college for nearly twenty-years. She enjoys helping students find and develop their voice in a supportive, interactive environment. 

Spring 2026 Writing Wednesdays, with Tracy Wood

Join our three-week spring writing session for $50 Non-Members ($40 members, $25 students); the three-week session dates include March 18, 25, April 1.

April/May 2026 Writing Wednesdays, with Tracy Wood

Join our six-week spring writing session for $80 Non-Members ($70 members, $40 students); the six-week session dates include April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20.

Discover Your Voice at The Fells

Tuesdays in July Writing Workshop Series 

Embrace your creativity in the inspiring setting of the historic John Hay Estate this summer. Join us each Tuesday in July for intimate writing workshops led by distinguished instructors, where the spectacular lake views and lush gardens become your muse.  

Each workshop includes full-day admission to The Fells. Take inspiration from our historic house, meander through our renowned gardens, or find your perfect writing spot on our welcoming porch overlooking Lake Sunapee. Whether you're a published author or just beginning your writing journey, you'll find support, community, and inspiration at The Fells. 

Writing Workshop: The Power of Place with Aine Greaney 

Tuesday, June 30, 10:00am-12:00pm

Whether we’re writing fiction, nonfiction or prose poetry, we need to open that door and invite our readers to step into our real-life (memoir), imagined (fiction) or poetic settings (places). 

This workshop will give you the skills to brainstorm, evoke and craft detailed and memorable settings and scenes. 

We’ll also look at the interplay between geography (place) and emotions; what feelings or memories does a place evoke within us--both as readers and as writers? 

This workshop on writing place will be a blend of craft instruction, group discussion and short, generative writings. 

Writing Workshop: Let’s Make a Scene with Joni B. Cole 

Tuesday, July 7, 10:00am-12:00pm

MAKE A SCENE! (Or Risk Boring Your Readers). Scenes are the lifeblood of both fiction and narrative nonfiction. They are the building blocks of our stories, the "units" that dramatize key moments, and make readers feel and care. In this interactive workshop you'll learn the key components of effective scenic writing. We'll workshop examples from participants’ work so please bring in 250 words to share aloud. If time allows, we'll also write from a prompt to further exemplify core concepts. Whether you're a newbie or seasoned author, expect lots of insights that will enliven both your writing process and your prose! Please leave all self doubts at the door. 

Writing Workshop: "Write In" with Story Guide Masheri Chappelle 

Tuesday, July 14, 9:00am – 4:00pm  

Join award-winning author and Story Guide Masheri Chappelle for an inspiring day of focused writing and creative guidance at The Fells. This unique "Write In" offers dedicated writing time in a beautiful setting, plus a personal 20-minute consultation with Masheri to help deepen your characters and advance your plot. Whether you're working on a novel, screenplay, or short story, you'll benefit from structured writing time, optional social connections during lunch, and professional insights to move your project forward. 

Writing Workshop: Where to Start? with Tracy Wood 

Tuesday, July 21, 10:00am-12:00pm 

Is there anything more intimidating to a writer than a blank page? This workshop will help you get the ideas that have been lurking in your head onto the page. The prompt-based class will not only get the ideas flowing, but our discussion will help you bring structure to your brainstorm, by playing with different starting places.