The Heart of It is a multi-genre writing retreat with collaboration, expansive learning experiences, & intimate gathering at the center, founded by Desireé Dallagiacomo in 2016. We have a core staff of four, a dynamic faculty of teaching artists, and over 100 alumni. You can read more in-depth about The Heart of Its history here.

THOI consists of generative writing workshops, dialogues, editing and feedback workshops, cohort readings, time in the natural world, and self-guided independent time. Throughout the 5-day retreat, there is ample time to connect with other writers in workshop and organically.

The Heart of It 2025 was at Oz Farm, on the traditional lands of the Hopland Band of the Pomo Indians (Sho-Ka-Wah or “east of the river” is the name of the people for themselves in the Central Pomo language), now called Point Arena, California in Mendocino County.

With a team of writers and organizers, we are procuring seed funding to steward land and creative space to house the retreat alongside other co-op creative projects. You can learn more and donate to the seed funding here.