Gozo:
a creative feast for women writers
in Oaxaca, Mexico
June 22-27, 2025
Application opens 2025
gozo (alegría): joy, enjoyment, pleasure, delight
gozo (composición poética): couplet
We know we learn from the hard things. We know that sorrow can carve deep wells of wisdom into our souls and bodies. But what if it’s also true that joy can be a source of deep wisdom and inspiration? (Even if you’re writing hard things.) Gozo is an immersive writing workshop located in the heart of Oaxaca. Each morning we will meet and create with a Oaxaqueña artist whose expression speaks directly to one of the five senses. From the artists’ workshops, we will go directly to the page, writing from the smells, sights, sounds, sensations, and tastes that fill our mornings.
We welcome women writers and poets of all genres and experience levels. We especially welcome writers who are eager to imbue their writing practice with a sense of delight. This workshop is generative. You will write new material. It is also a space to revisit and revise work already in progress, to see it with new eyes and breathe new life into it.
Who?
We welcome women and nonbinary writers of all genres and experience levels. Space is limited to 15 people.
When?
Join us from June 22 to 27, 2025.
Where?
We will stay and write in the heart of of Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico
How much?
$1100 includes lodging, some meals, daily activity and writing workshop.
Workshop leaders
Michelle Otero
Michelle Otero served as the Poet Laureate of Albuquerque from 2018-2020. She is the author of the essay collection Malinche’s Daughter, the poetry collection Bosque, and Vessels: A Memoir of Borders. She is co-editor of 22 Poems and a Prayer for El Paso, a tribute to victims of the 2019 El Paso shooting and winner of a New Mexico-Arizona Book Award. She is a member of Macondo Writer’s Workshop.
She is the founder of ArteSana Creative Consulting, rooted in the belief that art and story heal. As a writer, community-based artist, and coach, she utilizes creative expression and storytelling as the basis for organizational development and positive social change. Her process of engaging individuals and communities through the expression of shared story has found a wide range of applications, from helping environmental organizations understand the priorities of traditional land-based communities to engaging Albuquerque residents in the Race, History and Healing Project, a series of talking circles on culture, shared values, and how to represent complex history in public spaces.
Originally from Deming, New Mexico, she holds a B.A. in History from Harvard College and an MFA in Creative Writing from Vermont College.
Suzanne Barbezat
Suzanne Barbezat is an author, tour guide, and speaker living in Oaxaca since 1998. She grew up in Montreal, Canada and holds a degree in Anthropology from McGill University. After traveling extensively through North America, Europe,and Asia, she embarked on a solo trip through Latin America and lost her heart to Oaxaca, and decided to make it her permanent home.
Suzanne’s book Frida Kahlo at Home (Frances Lincoln, 2016) explores the influence of Mexican culture and tradition, La Casa Azul and other places Frida Kahlo called home, on her life and work. It has has been translated into 7 different languages. She has also written hundreds of travel articles which appear online on Tripsavvy, Afar, and other outlets.
Suzanne has a deep love and appreciation for Mexican history and culture (not to mention the food!). She is a licensed tour guide in Mexico and offers tourist excursions through her company Discover Oaxaca Tours. Whether exploring little-known archaeological sites, foraging for mushrooms high in the Sierra Norte, snorkeling along the coast, or attending fiestas in small towns, there’s nothing she enjoys more than getting to know Oaxaca better, and sharing her love for it with others.
writing workshop
If you’re a woman writer who would like to join us for this special experience to dive deep into the sensory delights that Oaxaca offers and reflect that in your writing, apply now.
about oaxaca
Oaxaca is one of the most interesting and beautiful locations in Mexico. Although economically one of the poorest states in the Mexican Republic, it has great wealth in other respects. Home to 16 ethnic groups, Oaxaca has a rich and vibrant cultural tradition. It offers an abundance of attractions to visitors. From its fascinating history which you can enjoy through the ancient sites and colonial architecture to present-day culture evident in its exuberant festivities, excellent cuisine, and superb handicrafts, Oaxaca is full of experiences to delight your senses.
