“As we write, we are both describing and deciding the direction that our life is taking.” — Julia Cameron

Everything in your life, from the mundane to the extraordinary, is a story waiting to be told. In this workshop, you will discover your own unique and powerful story. Michel de Montaigne, the great personal essayist said “ Every man has within himself the entire human condition” and the intention of this workshop is for you delve deep into your own personal narrative. Writing from your deepest source, you will gain insight and self-understanding that can bring peace, healing and direction to your life.

Through improvisation, writing exercises, and group discussion, you will find your authentic voice, along with a way to express it. Ann Randolph creates a supportive, fun, and dynamic space to create. All levels welcome. A perfect workshop for those seeking to explore personal essay, memoir, solo show, or the sacred art of journaling.

Ann’s workshop was one of the best courses I attended at Esalen. Ann managed to create a safe and open atmosphere from day one, which allowed us to dig up our stories from deep within us and share them in the group. I very much enjoyed the act of writing, sharing our stories, impov, music, dance and talks about storyline and marketing. But most of all I am amazed and grateful at Ann’s generosity and support as a teacher. Not only is she an amazing performer but a wonderful teacher. I felt throughout the week that she truly cared about each one of us finding and telling our stories. Ann is a true artist, teacher and amazing women.
— Tara, 35 years old

I have been coming to Esalen since 1974 (Joseph Campbell) and have been part of dozens of workshops. I can say hands down this seminar with Ann has been the most useful, enjoyable, fun, enlightening, uplifting group I’ve ever had. Ann is the most dedicated, organized, FUN, hilarious teacher one can hope for in this lifetime on the planet. Halfway in the week, I started thinking about when Ann will be back at Esalen so that I can sign up again. We were attracted by her story, her energy and were not disappointed in the least.
— Lee, 55 years old

It was a big challenging for me to take Ann’s workshop as I am not a writer at all and my English is not fluent. But I really appreciate Ann’s kind and warm support. I liked writing freely and I enjoyed improvs, moving with the music, which gave me new ideas. Even if my English understanding is not enough, I could feel Ann’s passion and every other student’s passion and I loved the atmosphere of the workshop. Thank you so much.
— Kate, 22 years old

Ann Randolph’s class restored my faith in my humanity and stimulated my writing to its next level. Her performance skills and ability to teach them is exceptional and riveting. Her compassionate and sensitive approach to teaching and life and art is inspiring and will remain with me for the rest of my life. Thank you Ann.
— Sarah, 45 years old

I was shy with trepidation arriving at Esalen- meeting Ann for the first time immediately settled down my inner-critic. I have been doing workshops with some of the best, well known “masters” in the country — Deepak, Tolle, Myss, Kabot-Zinn, Siegel etc., and can say without question Ann is masterful at her teaching skills — having a rare inner beauty, accepting everyone right where they are in their journey. I would return again and again to go to deeper levels, peeling layers with her. I encourage as many people as possible to experience Ann’s amazing gifts.
— Susan 65 years old

What surprised me about the course was the amount of personal learning — the depth of self-discovery. The ease of tapping into that creative being that has been lurking here all these years. Ann’s style is quite unique in my experience. Ann brings together the facilitators ability to let presence shine through us all, while following a path through an environment where trust for each can flourish.
— Craig, 28 years old