
Ouroboros Writing Lab
Welcome to the labyrinth
of your imagination. ​
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Welcome to Ouroboros Writing Lab a sanctuary for writers, explorers, and anyone on a creative odyssey. Named after the ouroboros symbol, which represents infinity and the cyclicality of nature, our lab is a space where the end of one story is always the beginning of another. Here, we are on a perpetual journey of writing, growth, and self-discovery.
Philosophy
At the heart of Ouroboros Writing Lab is the belief that writing is an act of creation and a path to transformation. We see writing as a practice of attention, intention, and emergence. We hold that what we nurture with our words grows into existence and shapes our realities, our communities, and ourselves.
What we offer
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Workshops and Writing Intensives
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Craft Workshops
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January and June Writing Odyssey (Month-Long Writing Experiments in your inbox every day)
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Nexus Writing Retreats
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Friday Gathering: Weekly Generative Writing Workshop
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Coaching for Individuals and Group​
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Tackling Overwhelm: Break through the barriers of feeling overwhelmed and reclaim your creative flow.
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Goal Setting: Craft goals that are simple, achievable, relevant, and time-based, so you can see real progress.
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Balanced Creative Lifestyle: Design a life that embraces both your professional and personal priorities—no more choosing between the two!
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Sustaining Your Practice: Develop financial strategies that support and sustain your creative journey.
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Burnout: Recognize and combat burnout to maintain your passion and energy
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Defining Career Purpose: Clarify your career purpose and align your work with your true calling.
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Defining Career Purpose: Clarify your career purpose and align your work with your true calling.​​​
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Momentum Building for Arts Entrepreneurs​
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Resource Building
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Creative Leadership: Strategize how to effectively manage and motivate as a creative leader.
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Book Services
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​Conceptual Brainstorming
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Developmental Editing ​
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Publishing Planning
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Welcome to the labyrinth
of your imagination.
​
Welcome to
Ouroboros Writing Lab.
About MK Chavez
Executive Director
MK Chavez is an Afro-Latinx writer, educator, curator, and creative coach whose work explores the intersections of mixed-race identity, social justice, environmental resilience, horror cinema, magic, ritual, and the creative process. With an unwavering commitment to equity and community, Chavez empowers others to find their voices and embrace their authentic creativity.
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As the founder of Ouroboros Writing Lab, Chavez has created a nurturing and inclusive space where writers at all levels can explore, expand, and thrive. Through innovative workshops and personalized coaching, the Lab fosters creativity and connection, equipping writers with the tools to push boundaries and cultivate meaningful expression.
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Chavez’s leadership extends into the literary community, where they co-curate the acclaimed reading series Lyrics & Dirges and serve as co-director of the Berkeley Poetry Festival. These efforts reflect their dedication to amplifying diverse voices and building spaces for artistic collaboration.
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An award-winning writer, Chavez has received the PEN Oakland Josephine Miles Award, the San Francisco Foundation/Nomadic Press Literary Award, the Ruth Weiss Maverick Award, and the Alameda County Arts Leadership Award. They have also been honored with fellowships from Hedgebrook, Caldera, CantoMundo, and VONA, recognizing their profound contributions to the arts.
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Chavez’s literary works include the poetry collections Dear Animal and Mothermorphosis, the lyric essay chapbook A Brief History of the Selfie, and Virgin Eyes. Their writing has been widely celebrated and featured in the Academy of American Poets' Poem-A-Day series, the Voices of the Trees Project in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, and the groundbreaking art installation Manifest Differently.
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With deep roots in social justice and a belief in the transformative power of storytelling, Chavez continues to innovate and inspire. Whether leading workshops, mentoring writers, or curating literary events, their work embodies a commitment to creating spaces where creativity flourishes and communities are strengthened.
