How do writers bring vivid natural environments to life on the page? Join The Porch for a free craft class and reading with writer Erin Cecilia Thomas (Fiction, January 2023), whose debut short story collection I Watched You from the Ocean Floor highlights various natural settings, from the rugged California coast to Tennessee farmland to the Finger Lakes.

In her one-hour craft talk, “Writing Natural Settings,” Erin will discuss various techniques used in her own writing as well as by writers who have inspired her to use more nature-based settings. Participants will have the chance to experiment writing their own scene based in nature through a short writing prompt. Attendees will leave with practical techniques to strengthen their natural setting work.

Following the class, Erin will read from I Watched You from the Ocean Floor and discuss the writing process with fellow writer Melissa Jean. You are welcome to come to just the class, just the reading, or both!