Swamps and sinkholes, hurricanes and highways, heat and humidity that feels almost sentient. Florida is a place like no other, and it’s long been fertile ground for writers across genres. In this multi-week class, we’ll explore what it means to write with a strong sense of place, using Florida’s singular landscapes, histories, and mythologies as our launchpad.
Each session will spotlight contemporary authors like Kristen Arnett and Karen Russell (both of whom have new books out this year), alongside other Florida-based or Florida-obsessed writers. We’ll examine how place shapes elements of all genres—fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, and how you can translate those lessons to your own chosen setting, whether or not you’re writing about the Sunshine State. Perfect for anyone drawn to the wild and the weird, this class will help you craft vivid, immersive writing that lingers.
• In-Class Writing Lift: Heavy
• Homework: Optional
• Workshopping Drafts: Intensive
Cara Lynn Albert is a writer from Florida. Her work has been published in TriQuarterly, The Florida Review, New Ohio Review, Bat City Review, and elsewhere. She holds an MFA degree in creative writing from the University of Colorado Boulder. Cara currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee.