Join author Dirk Ruff for an immersive afternoon writing workshop. The focus will be on short stories, flash fiction, non-fiction, essays, and other creative works. Bring something you've been working on, be it an idea outline, a started piece, or a rough draft. Be ready to share and collaborate on the creative process with others, and to receive feedback on your work. By the end of the workshop, you should have direction, if not a completed piece.
What to Bring:
Your preferred writing tool — pencil and paper, laptop, or tablet
A lunch or snack for the midday break
A reusable water bottle or travel mug
Workshop Schedule:
This intimate, hands-on workshop is designed to help you move your writing forward — whether you're working from a rough idea or a draft in progress.
We'll start with an informal round-table to get to know one another, share what you've been working on, and talk through your process and goals for the day.
Share the piece you've brought with the group. You may be asked to re-read sections as others gather their thoughts, and to share any specific feedback you're hoping to receive.
Break out into small groups or work independently to put the feedback into practice. Take things in a new direction, draw inspiration from others, or simply gain a fresh perspective on your work.
Bring your own lunch or take a break to grab something locally. Grass River offers beautiful outdoor areas to relax, eat, and recharge — or take a stroll on the trails before the afternoon session.
Reconvene with the group to share what you've added, adjusted, or discovered during your writing time. We'll close out the day together and celebrate the work you've done.
Meet your instructor:
Dirk Ruff is a graduate of Northern Michigan University's writing program. He is a recipient of the 2026 Michigan Writers' Poetry Prize and has published a few works, including two collections of essays and short stories, “Perception at the Roots” and "Cross Currents", a novella, "Under the Sleeping Bear", and a poetry collection, “Among the Branches". His work has also appeared in the Great Lakes Review and the Poets Night Out 2026 Chapbook.
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