Community of Writers Summer Poetry Workshop: Lessons and Insights

This month, I had the privilege of attending Summer Poetry Workshop at the Community of Writers in the Lake Tahoe area of the Sierra Nevadas.

The writing retreat-slash-workshop is legendary for its history of nurturing poets and writers, and while I’d heard much about it over the years, nothing could have prepared me for what it was actually like to be there.

I arrived on June 21—the first day of summer—and was greeted not by sunshine but by a snowstorm. That moment set the tone for my week: a reminder that expectations are slippery, and creativity often thrives when we let go of them.

The setting itself added layers to the experience. Years ago, when I was young, my family skied at the very same mountain—then still called Squaw Valley. Being back there carried an uncanny sense of return.

Each day, surrounded by poets, the familiar landscape opened into new discoveries. What surprised me most? Some of the poems that emerged were tied directly to childhood memories I hadn’t touched in years.

Here are a few poetry lessons I carried home:

Lesson 1: Let go of expectations

That first-day snowstorm was only the beginning. I often walked into sessions with an idea of how I wanted to respond to a prompt, only to find myself pulled in unexpected directions by the people around me, the mountain air, or the energy of the moment.

The lesson? Creativity rarely follows a straight line. Some of my best drafts came when I loosened my grip on control and let myself be surprised.

Lesson 2: Community fuels creativity

The Community of Writers lives up to its name. It’s not just about the classes or the readings—it’s about being surrounded by others who care deeply about words.

Some of the poets in attendance were very successful, and yes, it was intimidating to share space with them. But being in that mix pushed me further than I could have gone alone. And instead of shrinking away, I found myself leaning in.

The lesson? The presence of so many dedicated language artists reminded me that poetry isn’t a solitary endeavor—it’s part of a larger conversation.

Lesson 3: Poetry feedback and encouragement matter

Unlike many workshops, the focus here wasn’t on tearing apart drafts line by line. Instead, people spoke about what worked. The atmosphere was supportive and encouraging, which gave me freedom to take risks.

That taught me something important: sometimes what writers need most isn’t critique but affirmation. Hearing what others noticed and appreciated in my work helped me see new possibilities in my poems. This was a tremendous lesson... and a lovely experience!

Lesson 4: Show up, even when it’s hard

I won’t lie—I felt intimidated the entire drive up the mountain. Imposter syndrome whispered in my ear more than once during the week.

The lesson I'm taking away? Showing up anyway mattered. Even when I was tired, even when the voice of doubt got loud, writing in that environment reminded me that persistence is the heart of the writing life.

Lesson 5: Honor the need for downtime

One surprise? How much I needed breaks. After hours of talking, writing, and listening, I discovered that I required time alone to recharge. I would slip away for a walk or sit quietly in my room, letting silence reset me.

That was its own lesson: creative growth doesn’t happen only in crowded rooms. It also happens in stillness. Now that I'm back home, I’ve decided to be more intentional about building in quiet space, even on my busiest days.

Poetry workshop lessons takeaways for your creative life

Not everyone can trek into the mountains for a week-long writing poetry workshop, but these lessons translate anywhere:

• Release your expectations: Sometimes the best writing comes from surprise

• Seek community: Find a group, online or in person, that pushes you to grow

• Listen for encouragement: Notice what’s working in your own drafts

• Show up anyway: Write even when it feels uncomfortable

• Make space for rest: Downtime is fuel, not a waste

And most of all—commit to your practice. Even if you’re writing in the dark, even if the pages feel messy, every bit of work you put in adds up. That’s the heartbeat of the creative life.

If you're struggling to work out a way to get started, I have tons of FREE resources here on the site. Plus, I've got a useful workbook available that's all about starting your creative practice.

Final thoughts...

The Community of Writers Summer Poetry Workshop was a gift: intimidating, inspiring, and deeply grounding. I left with new drafts, new connections, and a fresh reminder that the creative life is as much about persistence and openness as it is about talent.

Have you ever attended a workshop or retreat? What lessons did you carry home? I’d love to hear about it in the comments or message me through my website!

Happy creating!