Class Date:
Saturday, Sept. 21 sailing day, Monday, Sept. 22 and Tuesday, Sept 23.
Class Time:
Saturday 9/21 12:30-2:30 P.M. sailing, Monday 9/22 and Tuesday 9/23 4-6 P.M. writing class.
Class Size:
6
Age Group:
5th-8th Graders
Location:
Wind Sailing, Discovery Pier 13271 SW Bayshore Dr, and PoWeR! Book Bags studio, 13606 SW Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City.
Set sail on a real-life writing adventure! In this three-day creative nonfiction workshop, students will first embark on a guided sailing trip on the beautiful waters of Grand Traverse Bay, courtesy of Wind Sailing. With the breeze in their hair and waves beneath their feet, they’ll take in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the open water, and learn some of the basics of sailing along the way.
The following two days, students will gather on land for a writing session where they’ll learn how to turn their sailing experience into a vivid piece of creative nonfiction. With guidance and prompts, they’ll explore memory, description, and personal voice—crafting true stories that capture the spirit of their journey.
Perfect for young writers who love the outdoors, storytelling, and trying something new!
All enrolled students will have the opportunity to publish work in the 2026 issue of the National Writers Series’ literary journal.
Chris Loud has several years of experience as a writer and producer for TV, film, and documentaries. In the narrative feature film world, Chris has helped produce films like the 2025 official Sundance selection Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake), as well as Quicksand, a multi-award-winning independent film that now airs on Amazon. Chris was also a consultant and associate producer on the award-winning short film, Created Sleep Transmissions. In TV, Chris has written and produced for the travel TV shows Third Coast, Coolest Places on Earth, State to State, and Great Escapes, as well as the true crime series Forensic Justice. Chris also writes and helps produce many of the short films created for The Boardman Review, and serves as the executive editor for the print publication.
2025
National Writers Series. All Rights Reserved.
