Writing at Sea: Multi-Module Courses

The course kicks off with introductions, a course overview, and a PowerPoint presentation about channeling the inspiration we experience while traveling into a creative writing project.

This module introduces the two major writing groups: fiction and non-fiction, and examines the principles and goals of each. Short exercises encourage participants to identify which group they would like to explore throughout the course.

This module examines the different genres within Fiction and Non-Fiction writing, as well as popular forms such as blogging and newsletters. A short 15-minute exercise invites participants to consider which genre(s) they wish to explore during the course.

This module introduces the concept of self-reflective writing, including memoir, the practice of journaling and morning pages. We then spend 20 minutes on a piece of self-reflective writing.

In this module, we roll up our sleeves and craft a broad outline of the work we intend to produce during the course both in group discussion and in a sustained writing session.

In this module, we look at some of the classic plots in literature, as well as examining how non-fiction can benefit from a plot and story arc. In a short 15-exercise, we will outline an effective plot, or hone an existing one.

In this module, we examine the concept of a story arc, using a well-known film plot as an example. We look at several ways to approach crafting a story arc for both fiction and non-fiction works. A 15-minute exercise invites participants to craft their own story arcs.

This module introduces the concept of a story beat, the essential building block of scenes. In a 20-minute sustained writing session, I invite participants to build a scene using story beats.

In this module, we consider the relevance of technology in the writing process and look at writing apps, tools, software, and other innovations that help writers increase productivity.

In this module, we explore how authors of both fiction and non-fiction create interesting characters, through rich description and dialog. A 20-minute exercise invites participants to flesh out a description of one of their characters.

This session delves deeper into the popular mediums of blogs and newsletters as conduits for ideas and audience building.  We will explore the technology and software options for each medium, writing styles appropriate for each medium, and the particular skillsets necessary to sustain and grow these outlets.  In a group discussion, we will explore ideas for starting a blog or newsletter.

This module introduces the powerful tool of point of view, asks participants to consider how they are already using point of view in their work in progress. In a 20-minute exercise, participants are invited to create a scene using one point of view.

 Dialog &  Narrative Voice In this session we consider what makes for successful dialog using examples from literature.  We also lookthe power of a consistent narrative voice with examples from P. G. Wodehouse, Tacitus, and Junie B. Jones. In a 25-minute exercise, participants are invited to tackle a scene using what we have learned in the session to craft or edit the dialog.

How to craft a meaningful setting is the subject of this session, in which we consider how to channel description and mood, as well as the excitement of world building.  In a 20-minute exercise, we create a setting that will play a key role in our story.

In this module, we examine the crucial difference between showing and telling in writing. In a 25-minute exercise, participants identify places in their works in progress that might benefit from more showing and less telling.

In this module, we consider aspects of time, including fiction works that take place in multiple timelines, and how non-fiction can also benefit from a time structure. We also look at works that bend or shape time.

In this module, we consider how and when to edit our work in progress, exploring the differences between structural edits, copyediting, and line edits. In a 20-minute exercise, participants are invited to edit a section of their work in progress

In this module, we consider how and when to edit our work in progress, exploring the differences between structural edits, copyediting, and line edits. In a 20-minute exercise, participants are invited to edit a section of their work in progress

We will examine ways to “cut off the fat” from the work in progress, using what we have learned about story arc and plot structure to achieve flow. We will spend 25 minutes working on a section of our work in progress.

In this module, we explore the challenges that come at the end of the writing process. We also look at the options for soliciting feedback such as hired editors or beta readers.

As we approach the end of the course, we consider how to sustain our writing practice once the voyage is over. In a 25-minute exercise, we commit to habits and routines to stay committed to the project.

Participants are invited to read aloud from their edited and polished Works in Progress before an invited audience of fellow cruise passengers.

The course kicks off with introductions, a course overview, and a PowerPoint presentation about channeling the inspiration we experience while traveling into a creative writing project.

This module examines the different genres within Fiction and Non-Fiction writing, as well as popular forms such as blogging and newsletters. A short 15-minute exercise invites participants to consider which genre(s) they wish to explore during the course.

In this module, we roll up our sleeves and craft a broad outline of the work we intend to produce during the course both in group discussion and in a sustained writing session.

In this module, we examine the concept of a story arc and story beats using a well-known film plot as an example. We look at several ways to approach crafting a story arc for both fiction and non-fiction works. A 15-minute exercise invites participants to craft their own story arcs.

In this module, we look at some of the classic plots in literature, as well as examining how non-fiction can benefit from a plot and story arc. In a short 15-exercise, we will outline an effective plot, or hone an existing one.

This module introduces three powerful tools in storytelling, and asks participants to consider how they are already using them in their Works in Progress. In a 20-minute exercise, participants are invited to create a scene using these tools.

How to craft a meaningful setting is the subject of this session, in which we consider how to channel description and mood, as well as the excitement of world building.  In a 20-minute exercise, we create a setting that will play a key role in our story.

We will examine ways to “cut off the fat” from the work in progress, using what we have learned about story arc and plot structure to achieve flow. We will spend 25 minutes working on a section of our Works in Progress.

In this module, we consider how and when to edit our work in progress, exploring the differences between structural edits, copyediting, and line edits. In a 20-minute exercise, we edit a section of our works in progress.

Participants are invited to read aloud from their edited and polished works in progress before an invited audience of fellow cruise passengers.

The course kicks off with introductions, a course overview, and a PowerPoint presentation about channeling the inspiration we experience while traveling into a creative writing project.

This module introduces the concept of self-reflective writing, including memoir, the practice of journaling and morning pages. We then spend 20 minutes on a piece of self-reflective writing.

In this module, we roll up our sleeves and craft a broad outline of the work we intend to produce during the course both in group discussion and in a sustained writing session.

In this module, we examine the concept of a story arc and story beats using a well-known film plot as an example. We look at several ways to approach crafting a story arc for both fiction and non-fiction works. A 15-minute exercise invites participants to craft their own story arcs.

Participants are invited to read aloud from their edited and polished Works in Progress or present a creative project before an invited audience of fellow cruise passengers.