Field Studies
Field Studies for Writers
Once or twice per year, Early & Away convenes small groups of writers for immersive research journeys to a single destination.
These are not workshops or traditional retreats—there are no assignments, critique sessions, or productivity expectations.
Field Studies are outward-facing by design. They're 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, never required.
What to Expect
Duration: 7–10 days Group size: 8–15 participants Format: Shared experiences with individual time built in
Typical structure:
- Mornings: Guided experiences—walking tours, museum visits, conversations with local experts
- Afternoons: Unstructured time for independent research, writing, or exploration
- Evenings: Optional group meals or informal gatherings
Days are thoughtfully paced. Some moments are curated; many are deliberately left open. Conversation emerges naturally, often over meals or walks. Not everything is explained.
What's Included
Included in your Field Study:
- All accommodation (private rooms)
- Most meals
- All planned activities and experiences
- Local transportation during group activities
- Pre-trip materials and reading list
- Ongoing support from departure to return
Not included:
- International airfare to/from destination
- Travel insurance
- Independent meals and activities during free time
Who Field Studies Are For
Field Studies are designed for writers who:
- Value shared observation without forced collaboration
- Enjoy listening as much as speaking
- Want exposure to how others notice and interpret place
- Prefer conversation over instruction
They're a good fit for writers who want structure without rigidity, community without obligation, and depth without performance.
What This Is Not
To be clear, Field Studies are not:
- Writing workshops
- Critique groups
- Productivity-driven retreats
- Sightseeing tours
There are no assignments, readings, or expectations about what you produce. The work is attention. Everything else is optional.
Upcoming Field Studies
2026 Field Study dates and destinations will be announced in Spring 2026.
Each Field Study is distinct, shaped by its destination and inquiry rather than a repeatable format.
To be notified when registration opens, subscribe to our newsletter or send us a message at hello@earlyandaway.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Research Travel Planning and a Field Study? Research Travel Planning is for individual writers who want customized itinerary design and booking services—you travel independently with an itinerary designed specifically for your project. Field Studies are small-group experiences that we design and lead, where writers travel together to a shared destination. Both serve different needs: solo flexibility vs. shared observation and community.
Do you offer payment plans? Yes, for Field Studies we offer payment plans. Contact us to discuss options.
Do I need to be a published author? No. We work with writers at all stages. What matters is genuine curiosity about how a place works and willingness to spend time figuring it out.
Ready to Join?
Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when the next Field Study is announced, or contact us with questions.