Info
Jean-Marie Saporito's prose has been published in Under The Gum Tree, Horizons, Bellevue Literary Review, River Teeth, Blue Mesa Review, and elsewhere. Her nature haiku was chosen to be displayed as a weathergram for Albuquerque Open Space and will be included in a limited-edition poetry chapbook. Jean-Marie has been a finalist in the Writing by Writers short fiction contest. She's been awarded the AWP Kurt Brown prize, the Taos Resident award, and nominated for a Pushcart. She’s written a novel based on her experiences as a critical care nurse and is currently writing a memoir that circles around her brother's suicide. She's taught creative writing for over two decades and has participated in numerous readings, conferences, and has served as a literary judge in several writing contests. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts.
How it Works
Each workshop will have specific instructions, but in general, always bring what you're most comfortable writing with. Water, coffee, dark chocolate—you get the idea. Do not bring worry, pressure, or perfectionism. And if you do, that's okay, too. I give suggestions for how to make peace with the inner critic.
If you have any questions, or if you would like to speak with me directly for any reason, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Workshops
Jean Marie-Saporito (live)
Hermit Crab Essay Workshop
Do you have an idea for an essay but find the content unwieldy? Where to begin, what details to include, and how can writing this piece be fun? This workshop offers solutions to these challeges. The Hermit Crab Essay was a term coined by Brenda Miller and Suzanne Paola. These essays adopt an outer shell (like a letter, a “to-do” list, a recipe, to name a few) to bypass preconceived notions of what the story is, therefore allowing it to become. We wil examine examples of hermit crab essays, discuss some fundamentals of the writing process, and then have our hand at writing one. As poet Stephen Dunn described the relationship between form and content, we will “build the corral as we invent the horse.” Please come prepared with some essay ideas.
10th annual
Taos Writers Conference
Sponsored by SOMOS, Taos, NM
REGISTRATION CLOSES 7/22/26
All workshops (except for the ones designated online via Zoom) are located at SOMOS, 108 Civic Plaza Dr, Taos, NM 87571, unless otherwise specified.
FRIDAY JULY 24 - SUNDAY JULY 26, 2026
The Taos Writers Conference was named one of the best in the Southwest
by The Writer magazine.
What my students and colleagues have to say.
“Jean-Marie permits your imagination to clue words and images into stories… universes where nothing is forbidden.”
Marica Cruz-Redding – journalist and former student
“The workshop is an invitation to play and to imagine your story in an entirely new way…it encouraged me to think of anything as a possible narrative frame."
Isobel O’Hare poet and essayist
"I found the theme and reading selections intriguing, and the prompt writing generative and enlightening. Jean-Marie is a gentle guide, natural teacher, and very generous with her knowledge."
Kelly Barrett (SOMOS workshop (2024)
“She has unlocked my writing practice and led to a full embrace of myself as a writer. I wholeheartedly recommend Jean-Marie as a writer’s coach.”
Michael Battisone (Personal Essay Seminar 2022 and writing coach)
FAQ
- How will we connect?
Depending on the service and circumstance, we will meet via Zoom or in-person.
- How do I pay?
Venmo is easiest, but check, cash, or gold nuggets are also accepted.
- What is your cancellation policy?
Life happens. Each service will have a specific cancellation policy.
Writing Retreats
Set in Taos, NM, this is a writer's dream. An immersive day or weekend, individually or in a small group of friends, tailored to meet your desires. Luxuriate in plenty of time to write, reflect, read, and receive guidance.
Please email for details concerning fees, lodging, and transportation.
Fiction and Nonfiction
Story Consultant and Editor
This individualized instruction works best when someone has an idea for a story or has already put words on the page. At that point, I become your writing guide, your cheerleader, and the person who wants your story to be written. If your idea is brewing, we’ll spend time discussing what you want to say and ways you might begin the writing process. For those with a draft of an essay or story, I give craft-based suggestions for revision. Often, I will recommend literature, craft essays, or books that might deepen your understanding and illustrate techniques. When I work one-on-one, I intend that you discover your story and the precise words with which to tell it.
I charge a flat rate of $50/hour and can provide an estimate.
I will work within your spending plan and time constraints.
