Field Studies
The primary work is attention. Writing is welcome, never required.
What Field Studies Are
Once or twice a year, Early & Away convenes a small group of writers for an immersive research journey to a single destination. These are not workshops or traditional retreats — there are no assignments, critique sessions, or productivity expectations.
Field Studies are about entering a place, not escaping one. About learning how a city, landscape, or community functions before trying to turn it into material. The primary work is attention. Writing is welcome. It's never required.
What to Expect
Mornings
Walking tours, museum visits, conversations with local experts.
Afternoons
Independent research, writing, or exploration. Deliberately left open.
Evenings
Group meals or informal conversations. Conversation emerges naturally, often over meals or walks.
What's Included
| Accommodation | Private rooms throughout |
| Meals | Most meals included |
| Activities | All planned activities and experiences |
| Transport | Local transportation during group activities |
| Materials | Pre-trip materials and reading list |
| Support | Ongoing support from departure to return |
| Not included | International airfare, travel insurance, independent meals during free time |
Who This Is For
Writers who value shared experience without forced collaboration.
Writers who enjoy listening as much as speaking.
Writers who want exposure to how others notice and interpret place.
Structure without rigidity, community without obligation, depth without performance.
What This Is Not
Field Studies are not writing workshops, critique groups, productivity-driven retreats, or sightseeing tours. There are no assignments, readings, or expectations about what you produce. The work is attention. Everything else is optional.
Upcoming
Each Field Study is distinct, shaped by its destination and inquiry rather than a repeatable format. Subscribe to be notified when the next one is announced.
Subscribe to be the first to know when the next Field Study is announced.