WRITING THE NONHUMAN

WHO WAS THIS COURSE CREATED FOR?

• Emerging and established storytellers, writers, and poets of all genres, skill levels, and backgrounds  
• People who are drawn to the ocean and its inhabitants
• Anyone who wants to write about, observe, interact with, and dream alongside the more-than-human residents of the Salish Sea

 

"I loved being a part of the Writing the Nonhuman course. I'm so grateful for the time I could devote to just writing. It felt special to be in community with the other writers, all who were thoughtful and funny. Each person in the group inspired me in some way and enhanced my perspective. I'm someone who escapes through fantasy and sci-fi, but during this course it felt the other way around - like the magic was being brought into my life."

[ Kayla S. | from Ana Maria Spagna's 2023 Freeflow course ]

From Ana Maria: "In an age of shifting climate, shrinking biodiversity and critical loss of species, writers have an opportunity and, arguably, an obligation to incorporate nonhuman experience in our work. But how can we do so ethically? How do writers imagine animals in all their animal-ness (or plants in their plant-ness, the sea in its sea-ness, etc. etc.) What about human-nonhuman relationships? How can we advocate creatively and effectively for our other-than-human kin?

In this workshop, immersed in the natural beauty and rich life forms of the Salish Sea, we will focus on writing the wondrous other-than-human world.  We will read promiscuously across genres—fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and writing for children. We’ll practice building characters, indulging lyricism, integrating scientific research, and using speculation. We’ll open ourselves to risk and experimentation, joy and grief, science and poetry. We welcome and encourage people from all backgrounds and levels of experience to join us on the journey."  

ABOUT ANA MARIA SPAGNA

"Being on this trip reminded me that writing isn’t alchemy—it’s just effort, time, diligence, and observation. Often, that’s what I like about recreating outdoors too. Kayaking, hiking, climbing: often, these activities boil down to doing one thing, deliberately, again and again. A paddle stroke, or a step forward. A keystroke at my desk. The more complicated I make these activities, the less enjoyable they become. Freeflow helped me to remember that."

[ Kevin B. | from Freeflow's 2022 San Juan Islands field course ]

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS FIELD COURSE

Starting on the east side of San Juan Island, we'll paddle tandem sea kayaks our first evening to Turn Island, where we'll learn some sea kayaking basics, enjoy our first dinner together, and settle into camp life. For the next four days, we'll paddle between islands. While our route and timing will be dictated by tides, winds, our degree of caffeination, and myriad other factors, you can plan to be in your boat between 2 and 5 hours, almost every day. There'll be optional hikes. Nutritious meals prepared by naturalist guides. Morning, evening, and sometimes lunchtime class sessions with Ana Maria and Freeflow faculty. Space to be alone. Or, if you prefer, space to spend quality time with seals, eagles, or sea stars. Space to create. And space to enjoy an emerging community of writers. 

We will immerse ourselves in multiple genres, including nonfiction, fiction, writing for children, and poetry. We'll consider a few major themes, including:

• Living in wonder
• Considering and embodying the nonhuman point of view
• Translating wonder to our human and nonhuman relationships
• Leaping boldly with imagination and interconnectedness
• Writing for the future

We'll dive deep into an ongoing exploration of craft. You can look forward to the following challenges:

• Learn to write about animals while considering character development, point of view, integration of scientific research, and use of speculation and / or allegory
• Grapple with the ethical questions of writing animals: whether and when to anthropomorphize, addressing urgent ecological threats, and the danger of “othering”
• Experiment with new techniques for writing fiction, nonfiction, and / or poetry to subvert and / or challenge a reader’s perceptions of the nonhuman world
• Bravely share a piece of writing to be workshopped by fellow participants in the field
• Enjoy the space to generate new creative work in the field
• Get to know the San Juan Islands, the Salish Sea, and the nuances of associated ecosystems, human histories, and contemporary challenges and issues facing the region

YOUR FREEFLOW FACILITATOR

Meet Zoey Greenberg: naturalist, guide, writer, and your Freeflow facilitator for Writing the Nonhuman. Zoey and Ana Maria each bring unique knowledge and expertise to the field. You will be in exceptionally competent, inspiring, compassionate hands with this leadership team.

Originally from Bellingham, Washington, Zoey migrates between island archipelagos and works at sea the rest of the time. She holds a B.A in Human Ecology from College of the Atlantic and an M.S in Environmental Writing from the University of Montana. At the latter, she was a writing tutor and senior editor for the literary magazine Camas: Nature of the West. Zoey’s past professional roles include vulture trainer, hawk watcher, science writer, sailing deckhand, and whale watching guide. In addition to her work with Freeflow, she is currently a naturalist with Lindblad Expeditions and writes about bald eagle breeding behavior as the Raptor Ecology Specialist for HDOnTap. She is a volunteer compiler for the IUCN’s biannual newsletter on global vulture research and conservation and holds a shameless love for all things scavenger. When she’s not following animals, Zoey enjoys volleyball, ultimate frisbee, dance, relentless reading, and the color turquoise.

"I'm so grateful that I got the opportunity to participate in Writing the Nonhuman with Ana Maria Spagna and Outdoor Odysseys. What a completely unique and magical experience. Paddling around the islands of the Salish Sea was the perfect way to explore an ecosystem teeming with more-than-human life, to build intimate and immediate connection to subject matter. I'd never sea kayaked before, but our guides Sam and Ivy were such patient, encouraging, and knowledgeable instructors, and I love that I got to try a new physical skill while flexing my creative muscles.

Ana Maria created such a welcoming, inquisitive space for discussion and writing, and the pacing of the trip was perfect, allowing space for both physical and mental exertion as well as rest and contemplation. As someone who spends a lot of time in the backcountry for my own job, it was revelatory to have other people in charge for once. We were, literally, wined and dined with delicious healthy meals and local coffee and wine. Abundant coffee! We even had afternoon coffee some days! I love, too, that Sam and Ivy were interested and invested in our creative mission, sharing their own local ecological knowledge and reflections on relationship with the nonhuman. An unforgettable trip."

[ Claire T. | from Ana Maria Spagna's 2023 Freeflow course ]

COURSE DETAILS

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2024: $2895

After December 31, 2024, regular pricing applies: $3250

• daily discussions, workshop sessions, and generative exercises with Ana Maria Spagna + Freeflow faculty
• pre-course logistical support + substantive reading / media list
• professional kayak guides + fiberglass tandem sea kayaks + safety / paddling gear
• nutritious meals and snacks, plus wine and coffee, from dinner on August 11 through dinner on August 15
• all permitting + fees
• the full, university-accredited curriculum - whether you pursue the credits or not
• post-course community

The course serves as an introduction to the Freeflow galaxy of writers, leaders, and thinkers. Our alumni receive discounts on future Freeflow courses.

Because we believe teachers and students need regenerative outdoor experiences more than most, Freeflow always extends a small discount to contracted educators and enrolled students. We also offer a small discount to our alumni. Because we believe in paying our instructors, facilitators, support staff, and guides an equitable wage, we do not offer individual discounts that compromise the integrity of those wages. If you need financial support, please consider applying for our scholarships. We also encourage you to seek financial support from your organization or employer, as Freeflow courses may be taken for professional development or continuing education. 

If you’d like to take the course for University of Montana credit, please let us know. There's a one-time credit processing fee of $155 (payable to the University of Montana). You'll have roughly one month after the field experience ends to finish your coursework and submit it for credit. No letter grades are assessed for this course; the offering is credit / no credit.

Guide gratuities are not included in the program cost. We strongly suggest giving your kayak guides some love, and we are happy to discuss norms for tipping - just ask.

You'll need quality camping gear (tent + sleeping bag + sleeping pad). Please tell us if you need any gear and we will help you track it down.

Space on this adventure is limited to 12 participants. We will close registration once the roster is full. Please apply early.

All deposits and payments are non-refundable. Payment plans are available. Payments can be made by mailing in a good old-fashioned check, or by credit card or bank transfer via our online payment system.

CLAIM YOUR SPACE

Energize your creative work, immerse yourself in the Salish Sea, enjoy movement, and build community this spring. Send us your questions and we’ll get in touch right away. If you know you’re ready to apply, click the APPLY NOW button. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Read more about the registration process and payment options here.

Thank you to Chris Holmes and the Center of Whale Research for sharing photos with us.