Kaj Jensen

Write Relationship: Mt Tabor

Inviting all bug-seekers, birdwatchers, plant-nerds,
fungi-enthusiasts and the otherwise nature-inclined to
join me for a gentle walk on a volcano, with some
opportunities to write.

This fall, date and time TBA

This workshop takes place on the land of the Cowlitz, Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Tumwater, Tualatin Kalapuya, Wasco, Molalla, bands of Chinook, and other indigenous nations. We’ll stop to investigate the ecosystem, reflect on our connections to it, and write using a variety of prompts.

All you’ll need is a writing utensil, something to write on*, and something to sit on⁺ that you’re okay with potentially getting a little dirty.

We will be focusing on an embodied approach to our writing practice (a fancy way of saying paying attention to your senses, body, and breath in order to write from that space). Participants are encouraged to write in whatever forms and genres feel good to them (mystery, poetry, memoir, speculative fiction, you name it).

We’ll also try our hand at identifying some of the living things we encounter, be they trees, birds, wildflowers, bugs, or something else. No prior knowledge, special tools, or experience required!

There is limited space in this workshop, so make sure to apply by the deadline.

All activities are designed to be accessible. As such, I offer workshops on a sliding scale of $5-$25, and design them with folks who use mobility device(s) in mind. I’ll also be wearing a mask and asking folks to do the same during any times where we can’t maintain 6 feet of physical distance (like when we’re gathered for prompts). If you have any specific accessibility needs (only paved paths, no stairs, etc.), I’ll be happy to keep that in mind when finalizing plans. Don’t hesitate to reach out via the Contact page, or let me know once you’ve been accepted to the workshop, if you have any concerns.

Apply for the Workshop

*In my experience, writing by hand for this type of workshop is best, but if you are better able to write using technology, feel free to use a laptop/tablet/etc as long as it can be used without wifi/a power source & in an outdoor setting.

⁺If sitting on the ground is uncomfortable/inaccessible and you’re not using a mobility device with a seat, feel free to bring a camp chair or something similar. There are picnic tables we can use, and a few benches scattered throughout the park as well.

Pre-Covid Workshops

I’ve decided to leave these up for now for an example of the kinds of things I’ve offered in the past.

NBQT Writing Group

on hiatus indefinitely

We are creating a dedicated space to write, share, and connect with other trans and queer writers. Whether you want to start from a group prompt, journal, work on that novel/poem/interactive fiction you’ve been dreaming up, or anything else, this space is for you! Laptops or long hand, we want everyone to use what works for them.

RSVP by emailing me via the Contact page or on Facebook.

Great egrets wade in wetlands at Smith and Bybee. Smaller black birds can be seen in flight over the water.

Smith & Bybee Wetlands Writing Workshop

Saturday, August 10, 2019 from 1 PM – 3 PM

This is an accessible opportunity for people to spend some time connecting with nature and themselves through several writing exercises and a short walk. Trails are paved, and there is an accessible, gender-neutral bathroom available. More information about the space is available here .

We will be focusing on an embodied approach to writing practice (a fancy way of saying paying attention to your body and breath, and writing from that space). Participants are encouraged to write in whatever forms and genres feel good to them (prose, poetry, memoir, speculative fiction, you name it).

Bring a writing utensil & something to write with*, water, and something to sit on that you’re okay with getting dirty/potentially a little muddy (a picnic table cloth/rain poncho/something somewhat water-resistant is best). If sitting on the ground is uncomfortable/unaccessible and you’re not using a wheelchair/power chair, feel free to bring a camp chair or something similar. There is also a pavilion with picnic tables we can use, and a few benches along trails. All activities are accessible for folks who use a mobility device.

If you have any specific accessibility needs, please let me know and I will do everything I can to accommodate folks.

RSVP by emailing me via the Contact page or Facebook. Spaces are limited for this workshop, so make sure you have received a response from me prior to the event.