In mid-January, I traveled to Mexico for the first time to participate with The Chestnut Review’s writer’s retreat in Mérida. Twelve writers, six fiction authors and six poets, from all over the world converged with mag editors David Galloway and Maria Picone on the beautiful grounds of Hotel Luz en Yucatan for daily critique and generation workshops.

The hotel was our own private retreat bubble and we met outdoors for craft discussions, readings, and socialized splashes in the pool during happy hour. Each morning, the hotel provided made-to-order breakfast in their quaint on-site restaurant. The staff were so warm and welcoming to our group and there were many beautiful spaces throughout the building to relax or work. I ate incredible food during my explorations—my favourite dishes were octopus tostadas from Marlin Azul and huevos motulenos from Santa Anna Market. I learned how to make designs with traditional Mexican embroidery. I got incredible feedback from my colleagues for new prose and poetry work in-process. The sights of the city had such a similar architectural vibe as the French Quarter in NOLA. I look forward to returning. Please enjoy some of my gallery images below.