Writing Family Stories with Jessica Handler

Writing Family Stories with Jessica Handler

March 9-14, 2025

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Join Jessica Handler, author of The Magnetic Girl, Invisible Sisters, and Braving The Fire, for a course in “Writing Family Stories.” Whether you’re writing memoir, biography, novel, or short story, “Writing Family Stories” is designed to help you take that next step as writer.

In this week-long workshop, Jessica will lead you in techniques for developing plot as well as for writing scene, description, and character. Together, we’ll explore innovative ways of bringing family dynamics to life on the page, including research, sensory engagement, and drawing (even if you’re not an artist.) We will read and discuss excerpts from well-known examples of family stories, and maybe share a little bit of our own writing, too. We will also cover tips for building a sustainable writing routine and a discussion of the publishing landscape

Come prepared to write, have fun, build community, and enjoy the rewards of writing a well-crafted family story!

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About the Instructor:
Jessica Handler

Jessica Handler is the author of the novel The Magnetic Girl, winner of the 2020 Southern Book Prize and a nominee for the Townsend Prize for Fiction, a 2019 “Books All Georgians Should Read,” an Indie Next pick, Wall Street Journal Spring 2019 pick, Bitter Southerner Summer 2019 pick, and a Southern Independent Bookseller’s Association “Okra Pick.” Her memoir Invisible Sisters was also named one of the “Books All Georgians Should Read,” and her craft guide Braving the Fire: A Guide to Writing About Grief and Loss was praised by Vanity Fair magazine. Her writing has appeared on NPR, in Tin House, Drunken Boat, Full Grown People, Oldster, The Bitter Southerner, Electric Literature, Brevity, Creative Nonfiction, Newsweek, The Washington Post and elsewhere. Honors include the Ferrol Sams, Jr. Distinguished Writer in Residence at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia and the Kenyon Review Peter Taylor Fellowship in Gambier, Ohio. She is a visiting faculty member at West Virginia Wesleyan College’s low-residency MFA, and member of the faculty at Etowah Valley MFA at Reinhardt College. Her novel, The World To See, is forthcoming from Regal House Press. Jessica lives in Atlanta with her husband, novelist Mickey Dubrow. www.jessicahandler.com

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Accommodations

The first 8 participants to register will be housed in the Stone Cottage at Serenbe, located in the heart of Serenbe in the beautiful Swann Ridge Hamlet, a short walk from the workshop classroom. The Stone Cottage comprises two symmetrical wings of a larger stone structure. Each wing includes four bedrooms, each with private bath, plus an entertainment kitchen, dining room, and spacious, open living room with fireplace. Each wing also features a sunroom configured as a boardroom for hosting larger groups—complete with a 65-inch flatscreen and 4K web conferencing camera.

There are 6 single occupancy rooms (2 bedrooms with king beds and 4 bedrooms with queen beds), and two double occupancy bedrooms with twin beds available. Participants who select the double occupancy rooms will receive a discounted rate.

Once the Stone Cottage is full, registrants will be housed in similar accommodations in the Serenbe community.

To enjoy the accommodations at the Stone Cottage, we encourage you to register early as spots will be first-come, first-serve.

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Pricing

Private Room at the Stone Cottage* + Tuition: $3,495

• 6 hours of class instruction Monday through Thursday + 3 hours of instruction Friday
• 12 meals (5 breakfasts, 4 lunches; 3 dinners)
• Access to the classroom after dinner
• Restorative Yoga Class
• Private room in the Stone Cottage at Serenbe
• Access to chef's kitchen, board room, washer/dyer, fireplace, and outdoor patio and fire pit

Double Room at the Stone Cottage* + Tuition: $2,995

• 6 hours of class instruction Monday through Thursday + 3 hours of instruction Friday
• 12 meals (5 breakfasts, 4 lunches; 3 dinners)
• Access to the classroom after dinner
• Restorative Yoga Class
• Double room in the Stone Cottage at Serenbe
• Access to chef's kitchen, board room, washer/dyer, fireplace, and outdoor patio and fire pit

_{*First 8 registrants will be housed in the Stone Cottage. Once it is full, you will be housed in a similar accomodation in the Serenbe community.}

Local to the area and don't need housing? We have additional options for you. Please contact info@artfarmatserenbe.org for more information.

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Testimonials

I had tried many times to find a writers’ workshop that would help me pull the memoir swirling around in my brain out and get it down on paper. I had tried online writers’ conferences, individual coaching by telephone and sheer will and determination.   Nothing seemed to work. I was therefore amazed when a notice popped up in my Facebook that said “Write your Own Memoir,” and offered a retreat at a place called Art Farm at Serenbe. We spent a week at Serenbe, a new experience for us. As we went along, we learned more about each member in the group, their families, their dreams, their doubts.   Serenbe seems like the perfect place for such a retreat – just enough diversion there for an hour or two a day, but not enough to draw attention away from our main purpose. It was a true retreat. As I wrote to a friend during the week, it was actually a writer’s workshop where we actually wrote. I came home with a renewed purpose to finish my memoir, and a new idea for publication and freelance writing.  Bravo to the Art Farm for putting this event together – I can’t wait for the reunion week!

-Teri S, 2024 Workshop Participant

This is the best-organized writing workshop I have attended. From the meals, to the space, information, and instructor, it was just amazing.

-2024 Workshop Participant

The intimate nature and setting of Serenbe makes it really conducive for holding workshops. It was the perfect setting.

-2024 Workshop Participant

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More Information and FAQs

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About Serenbe

Serenbe is a wellness and arts focused community about 25 minutes south of the Atlanta Airport. Within this walkable community you will find 4 restaurants, The General Store, an art co-op gallery, and other retail and wellness focused shops. To learn more about the community, visit serenbe.com.

About Art Farm at Serenbe

Art Farm at Serenbe is the arts and environmental nonprofit that serves Serenbe and surrounding communities. Funded in part by every property owner in Serenbe, Art Farm's vision is "to be a global destination that inspires creativity, stewards environmental resources, and respects collaboration, diversity, and sustainability." We fulfill these goals by programming unique, engaging, and thought-provoking events and arts experiences across several arts disciplines for community members and visitors to enjoy.

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Where are the workshops held?

Workshops are held in Guild 1 in the Grange Community next to The General Store. The address is:

10642 Serenbe Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268.

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Do I need a car?

We do not provide transportation to/from the airport so if flying in you’ll need to rent a car or arrange for Uber/Taxi to get to Serenbe. The Serenbe community is walkable, but you may wish to rent a car for easier access to surrounding areas. Serenbe is also accessible via golf cart, and rentals are available through the Inn at Serenbe.

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Are meals included?

Most meals are included in your tuition. Breakfast and lunch will be served at Stone Cottage Monday – Thursday. Three dinners are also included in your tuition: Sunday, Monday, and Thursday.

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What if I need groceries?

The General Store, located within the community, is probably all you’ll need since most meals are provided. The closest grocery store (Publix/Kroger) are approximately 12-15 miles away.

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If I am local to the area, is there an option to participate in the workshop without partaking in the meals or additional activities?

The meals and activities are an important component of the workshops because they provide the opportunity for fellowship and interaction with other artists — an important aspect to any master class. There is not an option to take the classes separately without the meals or additional activities.

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What supplies do I need?

Once you are registered, we’ll contact you directly to let you know the supply list and other details.

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What’s our daily schedule?

Schedule may vary slightly by workshop. Once registered you will receive a detailed program schedule. Generally, the daily schedule may look like:

8:00 am – Breakfast in the Stone Cottage

9:00 am – Class begins in Guild 1

Noon – Lunch in the Stone Cottage

1:00 pm – 4 pm – Afternoon class and activities

6 pm - Community dinner (Sunday, Monday, and Thursday)

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How many other participants will be in class with me?

The capacity for each workshop ranges from 12-16.

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Are beginners welcome, or do I need to have a background in writing to participate?

All skill and experience levels are welcome! 

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Additional questions? 

Please contact info@artfarmatserenbe.org.