Live a story worth writing.

exposure n. —

1. the state of being in contact with something or someone

2. a frame of photographic film

3. the direction a mountain or structure faces

In Boulder, Colorado, the word “exposure” can mean something different to everyone. To a photographer, it’s a single frame in a roll; to a mountaineer or rock climber, the chilling awareness of distance to the ground; to a first responder, the number of hours a patient has spent out in the elements. But to the creative writer, it signifies the connections we make with wilderness and the authors we admire.

Join Empathic Editors, distinguished faculty, and adventure sports athletes for a generative writing experience like no other! Fusing the workshop model with outdoor exploration and the study of place, EXPOSURE: Adventure for Writers challenges writers of travel, history, culture, nature, sport, and the outdoors, to experience real wilderness first-hand and share personal discovery through the literary arts.

In the inspiring, unforgettable settings of the Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks system, the Indian Peaks Wilderness, and Rocky Mountain National Park, EXPOSURE offers guided, daily hiking and climbing experiences for everyone regardless of ability. Each day, you’ll join a break-out small group for an experience of your choice (an array of moderate and difficult options available), then you’ll have an opportunity to independently explore a small mountain town. You’ll re-join the large group for an evening lecture and generative writing workshop with a distinguished faculty member, followed by dinner and a reading! This program is currently on hiatus, but you’re welcome to email jason (at) empathicediting.com for more information on how to get involved.

Take a look at the sample itinerary below!

what the trip offers

• Learn how to use personal experience to fuel creative writing projects.

• Gain skills in hiking, mountaineering, and rock climbing.

• Study cultural anthropology, American history, natural science, and wilderness conservation.

• Practice writing with some of the best voices in contemporary adventure, travel, and environmental literature.

• Witness and photograph the splendor of sub-alpine and alpine Colorado.

• Discover fascinating wildlife, explore the fragile tundra, and learn how to Leave No Trace.

sample itinerary

Sunday, July 26:

Land at Denver International Airport.

Take RTD Bus from DIA to Boulder. Cost is $10.50.

Arrive at lodging and check in.

6:30 p.m.: Dinner/Orientation.

Monday, July 27 – Friday July 31 Sample Daily Itinerary (Themes, Activities, Locations, and Speakers Will Vary):

7 a.m.: Breakfast – Immediately following breakfast will be the Daily Theme and Activity Briefing for the day.

Daily Theme (Orients writer to daily activity and discussions; provides focus words for writing prompts. Led/presented by facilitator.) Day One Theme: Space — time, location, direction, ascending/descending, sensation, constellations, cosmos, biomes, isolation, map orientation, exploration, observation

Activity Briefing (Led/presented by facilitator.) – From Prairie to Tundra: Biomes of Central Colorado

9 a.m. Departure: Group Activities (Led/guided by facilitator.) – Take 15-passenger van to trail head. Bring day pack including extra clothing/necessary equipment, sun protection, snack and water.

• Group 1 Moderate Activity (Wildlife Walk, Doudy Draw to Goshawk Ridge) – Start at Doudy Draw Trail Head.

• Group 2 Difficult Activity (Hike to Bear Peak Summit) – Start at National Center for Atmospheric Research Trail Head.

Noon or During Activity: Hiker’s Lunch – Pause, eat, take notes/photographs, observe at a location TBD along the trail. (30-45 minutes)

3 p.m. or After Activity: Return/Urban Exploration – The Hill (All locations TBD in Boulder, Nederland, or Estes Park, and flexible.) This time is reserved to allow groups and individuals to explore independently and to recover during a period of private contemplation.

5-7 p.m.: Lecture/Generative Prompt – A lecture/speech/discussion on writing of place, culture, experience, nature, travel, the outdoors, sport, etc., by faculty will last about 45 minutes and lead directly into a generative writing workshop of about 45 minutes.

7:15 p.m.: Dinner – Chautauqua Park (location TBD)

8:30 p.m.: Faculty/Facilitator/Student Readings

All readings will feature at least two faculty/facilitators, and will lead into student readings immediately after.

Sunday, August 1:

8 a.m.: Breakfast – Attendance not required. Offers a final opportunity for last-minute discussions and connections with students and faculty. Be sure to share your photos and contact info with your favorite people!

Check out.

Bus back to DIA. $10.50

Facilitators will be on-call to answer any questions and address any concerns.

tuition and fees

The cost of tuition and fees for this seven-day program (including check-in and check-out days) is $1,200. Travel expenses not included. A $400 deposit is required to register.

*EXPOSURE is a non-profit educational program organized and facilitated by Empathic Editing.