Writing Connections

Laura Walker
  • 5.0 (4)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Writing Connections is a podcast devoted to exploring the literary landscape and larger creative ecosystem, looking at the ways we connect with and support one another through retreats, residencies, writing groups, conferences, mentorships, and other opportunities and relationships. Host Laura Walker interviews writers and creative supporters across genres, disciplines, and geographic boundaries.  

  1. Putting Yourself Out There with Chelsea DesAutels

    FEB 12

    Putting Yourself Out There with Chelsea DesAutels

    Chelsea DesAutels is the author of A Dangerous Place (Sarabande Books, 2021), which was named a New York Times Editors’ Choice and described by Publishers Weekly as a “lush and transformative debut” (starred review). Chelsea writes and teaches extensively and is the founder of Freshwater Writing, which offers writer-focused, community-centered retreats, writing circles, and mentorships. In Part 1 of my conversation with Chelsea, we talk about her experience attending and running retreats and the importance of putting yourself out there to make connections and build a life as a writer.  Check back in two weeks for part 2, where we discuss risk, rejection, and the role of poetry in difficult times.  Show Links: Chelsea's websiteChelsea's InstagramFreshwater Writing------------------------ Connect with me online: On Instagram @laura_isa_walker On my website: lauraswalker.com Through my newsletter Additional Resources: Get the latest information about promoting or finding a writing retreat. Promote Your Writing Retreat Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

    21 min
  2. Creating Your Own Path with Shannon Vesely

    JAN 28

    Creating Your Own Path with Shannon Vesely

    In this second half of my interview with Shannon Vesely, we take a broader view on writing connections and talk about how to make the most of them. Shannon gives advice on both attending and offering retreats, and we discuss what to do with rejection. Ultimately, Shannon shares her successes and failures as a writer and the importance of creating your own path.  Show Links: Shannon's blog SanctuariesShannon's book The Way of ThingsShannon's book Keeping Watch on Soap CreekSoaring Gardens Artist Retreat application portal------------------------ Connect with me online: On Instagram @laura_isa_walker On my website: lauraswalker.com Through my newsletter Additional Resources: Get the latest information about promoting or finding a writing retreat. Promote Your Writing Retreat Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

    20 min
  3. The Freedom to Create with Shannon Vesely

    JAN 12

    The Freedom to Create with Shannon Vesely

    In this first episode of 2026, I interview Shannon Vesely, a poet, writer, and educator. This is the first half of our interview, where we discuss Shannon's writing process and her experience with writing retreats.  Show Links: Shannon's blog SanctuariesShannon's book The Way of ThingsShannon's book Keeping Watch on Soap CreekSoaring Gardens Artist Retreat application portal------------------------ Connect with me online: On Instagram @laura_isa_walker On my website: lauraswalker.com Through my newsletter Additional Resources: Get the latest information about promoting or finding a writing retreat. Promote Your Writing Retreat Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

    23 min
  4. Podcast Handover, Part 2 with Laura Walker

    11/22/2025

    Podcast Handover, Part 2 with Laura Walker

    In this episode, Laura discusses her history with all kinds of writing retreats, her vision for this podcast, and her infatuation with inchworms—perhaps the most acrobatic of all earthbound insects. 🐛 Tune in to catch the new name of the podcast and to hear us gush about its future! Show Links: Laura Walker's websiteInchworms doing their thing!Laura's instagram @laura_isa_walker------------------------ Connect with me online: On Instagram @laura_isa_walker On my website: lauraswalker.com Through my newsletter Additional Resources: Get the latest information about promoting or finding a writing retreat. Promote Your Writing Retreat Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

    20 min
  5. Podcast Handover, Part 1 with Laura Walker

    11/04/2025

    Podcast Handover, Part 1 with Laura Walker

    I was excited to talk to this week’s guest, Laura Walker about the upcoming changes to this podcast. We delved into my mission for it when I started it and how excited I am to have Laura, who is amazing, take the reins and keep it growing. Today’s episode is part 1 of that interview. Tune in in a few weeks for part 2 to hear more about Laura’s vision to help more writers feel supported, inspired and motivated. Show Links: Laura Walker's website------------------------ Connect with me online: On Instagram @laura_isa_walker On my website: lauraswalker.com Through my newsletter Additional Resources: Get the latest information about promoting or finding a writing retreat. Promote Your Writing Retreat Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

    19 min
  6. Season Three Kickoff

    09/16/2025

    Season Three Kickoff

    Welcome to Season 3 of "Your Writing Retreat Connection." In this episode I share what's in store for the next chapter of the podcast. ------------------------ Connect with me online: On Instagram @laura_isa_walker On my website: lauraswalker.com Through my newsletter Additional Resources: Get the latest information about promoting or finding a writing retreat. Promote Your Writing Retreat Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

    1 min
  7. On Summer Break - See You in September

    05/13/2025

    On Summer Break - See You in September

    Thank you for supporting the "Your Writing Retreat Connection" podcast during season 2. We had great episodes chatting with writing retreat hosts and writers from around the world.  The show is going on hiatus for the summer and will be back in September 2025.  All the previous episodes have great information for writers and writing retreat hosts so I highly recommend going back and listening to earlier episodes. And don’t forget to check out the Writing Retreat Directory to find a great writing retreat or to advertise yours. If you’ve been wanting to host a writing retreat or improve on your last one, the Plan A Writing Retreat website has great information and resources. Links to those are in the show notes. See you in September! ------------------------ Connect with me online: On Instagram @laura_isa_walker On my website: lauraswalker.com Through my newsletter Additional Resources: Get the latest information about promoting or finding a writing retreat. Promote Your Writing Retreat Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

    1 min
  8. Writing Retreats in New Zealand with Christine Sheehy

    05/05/2025

    Writing Retreats in New Zealand with Christine Sheehy

    I was excited to talk to this week’s guest, Christine Sheehy, about her experiences hosting and going on writing retreats. We also had a great chat about why she decided to host writing retreats and become a book coach. Like so many of us, she just followed the path the experiences in her life were taking her. I loved hearing how Christine’s writing retreats started as a way to give writers time and space to write and how they evolved - especially after getting her Author Accelerator Book Coaching Certification. Show Links: Christine Sheehy's websiteAuthor Accelerator (find a book coach or look into becoming one)------------------------ Connect with me online: On Instagram @laura_isa_walker On my website: lauraswalker.com Through my newsletter Additional Resources: Get the latest information about promoting or finding a writing retreat. Promote Your Writing Retreat Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!

    28 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Writing Connections is a podcast devoted to exploring the literary landscape and larger creative ecosystem, looking at the ways we connect with and support one another through retreats, residencies, writing groups, conferences, mentorships, and other opportunities and relationships. Host Laura Walker interviews writers and creative supporters across genres, disciplines, and geographic boundaries.  

Information

  • Creator
    Laura Walker
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    87
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Writing Connections
  • Show Website
    Writing Connections