Our physical bodies, our spirits, lived experiences and our minds are treasure troves holding vast amounts of information and knowledge. In this four-day workshop we will explore new ways of mining the personal for poetry, memoir and mixed-form writing. In addition to my own work, we will survey and read together writers such as Robin Coste Lewis, June Jordan, Ocean Vuong, Dionne Brand, Layli Long soldier and more. In addition to examining the personal and political and ways of weaving the personal and current events together, we will look also look at the autobiographical as both landscape and collage. The aim is for writers to develop new ways of seeing, and awareness leading to greater voice, confidence, technique and skill. This workshop is for writers at all levels who are interested in deepening their practice and learning in a beautiful workshop setting.
“ … she quite literally changes people’s lives, helping them to move from pain to power and connecting the personal to the political. I can’t say enough about the impactful and positive force of Pamela’s teaching.”
DATES: Tuesday, October 6 – Friday, October 23
FLIGHTS: Fly into Guadalajara Intl Airport with airport arrival before 2pm on the 6th
RESIDENCY COST: $90,190 MXN ~ $5,150 USD
DEPOSIT: 50% deposit ($45,095 MXN ~ $2,575 USD) due at booking
AVAILABILITY: Only (9) 360 XQMX residents will be included
TWO INCREDIBLE LOCATIONS!
The first part of the residency (10/6 – 10/13) will take place in Ajijic and includes an opening session and four full workshop sessions with Pamela Sneed. The 360 XQMX headquARTers provides the ideal location for instruction, private space for writing and multiple areas to socialize and make connections. The headquARTers is full of art from local, regional and international artists, making for a very creative and welcoming setting. We find the daily breakfast to be a crucial element to the residencies, giving you time to get acquainted over coffee and delicious food. The facility has a gallery, a stone-lined pool and gym equipment, as well as a scenic mirador with stunning views of both mountains and Lake Chapala.
The second part of the residency (10/14 – 10/20) will be spent in Tlalpuhajua (Tlal poo ha wa). Michoacan. 360 XQMX took a group of women to Tlalpuhajua in Spring 2026 to see the monarch butterfly migration and the group stayed at this spectacular mountain & forested estate. It is approximately a 4.5 hour drive through the majestic countryside of Mexico. We will stop on the way there and the way back in Morelia for lunch. It is a beautiful town and perfect for a lunch break with time to wander the area around the central plaza. While in Tlalpuhajua, you will find lovely solitude and space to write. The estate is massive with endless writing locations throughout. Breakfast each day will be on an outdoor terrace with a roaring fire. Dinner will be in the formal dining room with happy hour and evening time being spent in the great room with another roaring fire. There are fireplaces in every room and piles of firewood. Each bed is made with a cozy electric blanket. The picturesque estate just screams “writing retreat”. The staff is first rate, taking care of all of our needs. All of your meals will be included and delicious. Optional excursions will be available if you wish to drag yourself away from your writing and the forested estate.
The final part of the residency (10/21 – 10/23) will be spent back in Ajijic. There will be a follow-up group session with Pamela Sneed to reflect on the writing you did while in Tlalpuhajua. You will also have free time to explore the weekly tiangues market (tee ain gees) for shopping and are invited to join us for a local trivia night. You will be included in the closing reception for the current art exhibition in the 360 XQMX gallery and a closing night dinner with your residency colleagues. You will find this residency to be a lovely balance between valued instruction, personal time to write and free time to explore and experience multiple charming communities in Mexico.
INCLUDED:
Round trip airport transportation between the Guadalajara Intl Airport and 360 XQMX in Ajijic
All gratuities for staff and services
(17) Breakfasts, Welcome Dinner, Salon Dinner & Closing Dinner
(2) hour Opening Session & (2) hour Follow-Up session with Pamela Sneed
(4) four-hour workshop sessions with Pamela Sneed
Inclusion in the 360 XQMX Artistas Juntos Salon Series - an opportunity to share your writing
ACCOMMODATIONS:
(11) nights in Ajijic, Jalisco
Private suite at our incredible 360 XQMX headquARTers in Centro Ajijic
Free time in Ajijic including (2) mornings to wander the weekly street market (tiangues)
Optional participation in local trivia night as part of the “360 Artistas” team
Art Exhibition Closing Reception party
(6) in Tlalpuhajua, Michoacán
(2) stops in Morelia for lunch and exploring the city
Shared rooms at the fabulous, forest retreat in Michoacan
(5) days of uninterrupted writing
Optional excursions:
- Tlalpuhajua (eternal Christmas village with fun ornament shops)
- El Oro de Hidalgo (nearby town)
- Estanzuela Ceramics (workshop, gallery/shop) adjacent to our property
ADDITIONAL COSTS:
(9) lunches & (8) dinners in Ajijic
Each suite at the 360 XQMX headquARTers includes a full kitchen so you can prepare meals as you wish or dine at the incredible taco stands and stellar restaurants found in Ajijic.
“Saw the fabulous Pamela Sneed as Joe’s Pub, performing “A Tribute to Big Mama Thornton”. The show was stunning and brought tears to my eyes again and again. Her renditions of “Ball and Chain”, “Summertime” and “I Shall Be Released” blasted a hole in my universe. Thank you, Pamela. ”
Meet Your Facilitator:
Cancellation policy:
A 50% deposit paid at time of booking.
The remainder 50% is paid two weeks prior to arrival date.
If canceling more than 30 days from the arrival date, the paid deposit can be applied to a future stay.
if canceling under 30 days from the arrival date, the deposit is non-refundable.