ABOUT UTV

UNDER THE VOLCANO

is an international program of writing master classes and public events that has convened every January since 2003 in Tepoztlán, Mexico, an hour outside Mexico City in the foothills of the great volcanoes. Our award-winning faculty spans the English-speaking and Hispanic worlds.

In Spring 2021, the entire program will take place online.

Our master classes are open to poets, novelists, short story writers, investigative journalists, memoirists and essayists, as well as those working on projects that challenge traditional genre forms. Both accomplished and emerging writers are strongly encouraged to apply.

Under the Volcano is a unique international community that is recreated each year on the principles of mutual support and respect for differences of character, opinion, identity, age and life choices. Please keep in mind that our program is highly selective and that acceptance is based first and foremost on the interest and promise of your writing.

Registration for all master classes is limited to ten, except for investigative journalism, which can accommodate 12, and the two Manuscript Seminars, which each accept a maximum of eight.

Please see the links on the Masterclasses Page for details on specific workshops.

"Under the Volcano is not just about the writing. It is a personal journey. Never has a combination of place, people and programme felt so powerful and inspiring."

NATALIE HART, United Kingdom

“I had been hungry for an opportunity to write in Mexico, my ancestral homeland. The energy of Tepoztlán nurtured my creative process and allowed me access to stories I’d forgotten.”

NORMA LILIANA VALDEZ, California

"This residency has done more than change my words; it has given me an ongoing community to help give these words meaning."

ERIN SOROS, Vancouver, Canada

"Magic happens when you meet like-minded writers who can help you see your work and obstacles from a higher elevation. to do this in a place of such natural beauty and energy is an incredible opportunity."

MAUREEN FAN, San Francisco, California

"My time in Tepoztlán helped me contrast my lived experience in the West as a Native woman with a different landscape and community. I met writers from all over the world, broadened my networks, and made friends that will be with me for a lifetime."

CMARIE FUHRMAN, Boise, Idaho