Writing at Home in the Natural World

This class will take place at Dillman’s Bay Resort on July 15 and 17, 2025, 9:00 a.m.-Noon, with John Bates.

This is part of a trio of 2025 Fe University courses offered in partnership with Dillman’s Art Workshops. 

We thank Dillman’s for their generosity in working with us. Dillman’s is a beautiful Northwoods resort with a world-class art workshop series, and we are grateful to be offering these classes with them.

Writing at Home in the Natural World

In writing about the natural world, we need to write with both a sense of wonder and a scientist’s eye. We’ll focus in the first session on creative non-fiction. While it may seem that those two words – creative non-fiction – don’t go together, they really do. The genre is all about telling true stories using accurate facts about real life, but doing so in a vivid, enthralling manner that reads every bit as compellingly as fiction. Writers of creative non-fiction can supply information while being humorous, inspirational, and wildly creative at the same time.

During the second session, we’ll explore the world of poetry, reading works from poets who have made deep connections with their home places, and discussing what makes their words move our minds and hearts.

During both sessions, we’ll take the time to try our hand at each approach using some writing prompts, and as time permits, do some sharing.  

No experience necessary – just an open heart and deep curiosity.

Requirements: Students must bring their own favorite writing implements–pen and notebook, laptop, etc.

We recommend signing up at least two weeks ahead of class to ensure class fills and to prevent cancellation.

This class is limited to 10 students.

Register by July 1 to get a $5 Early Bird discount off the regular registration price of $35!

Instructor: John Bates

Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.

Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.

Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.

Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.

Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.