Writing the Watershed: Doan Brook Tour and Writing Workshop - August 2024

Stories are like water. Words are drops that accumulate, combine, flow, and swell into watershed moments of breakthrough and insight. What can we learn about writing from studying the way water flows? How can clean water infrustructure serve as both concrete and metaphoric inspiration for our work?

Join us for a free, unique writing workshop in collaboration with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District. Together we will tour the Doan Brook watershed from University Circle to Fairhill and back (combination bus tour and short hike). At each stop along the way we will learn about clean water infrastructure and write en plein air taking inspiration from the natural and human systems to compose new writing.

Important Notes: The tour includes bussing between 3-4 stops, brief hikes through nature, and crossing the stream in safe areas for a total combined 1.5-mile walk. Closed-toe footwear good for hiking and going through water is required. We recommend bringing a bottle of water. Writing materials will be provided.

This event is free as part of our Odes to Infrastructure series sponsored by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District.

Instructor:

Christine Umerley, PE, is a Project Manager for the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District. As part of the Planning group, she is responsible for projects that evaluate and forecast future needs, as well as tracking compliance with NEORSD's 25-year Project Clean Lake program. In her free time, you can find Christine hunched over her novel draft, behind a podcast mic, or performing in the Greater Cleveland theater community.

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Details: Writing the Watershed: Doan Brook Tour and Writing Workshop takes place Saturday, August 17 from 9am-12pm in person at the Doan Brook watershed starting at the Cleveland Museum of Art (11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106).

Prerequisites: None

Genre: Multigenre

Level: All levels

Format: Watershed tour, discussion, in-class writing exercises and sharing

Location: Doan Brook watershed starting at the Cleveland Museum of Art (11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106)

Size: Limited to 25 participants.

Suggested Sequence: Follow this class with a generative fiction writing workshop or feedback course.

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