What we’re about:
In novel writing, the first draft is where all the fun is. It’s where we get all our ideas and passion out on the page. It’s also where we take our greatest risks, push boundaries, and explore what ultimate shape our novel will evolve into. Join us for 18 workshops over 10 months. Each session focused on an integral aspect of novel creation, along with writing sessions and peer encouragement. Come prepared to learn, write, and motivate your fellow writers. All genres welcome.
What to expect:
Each workshop is 2 hours long and will follow the below format:
Welcome with time for questions or comments about our writing processes + craft lesson (15 min)
First writing exercise initiated with a prompt (20 min)
Group reading and peer feedback (35 min)
Second writing exercise (15 min)
Group reading and peer feedback (35 min)
Expect to write approximately 1,500 - 2,000 words each session plus what you add at home. That’s a 35,000-word start on your novel.
Our writing philosophy:
At Wrecked Ship, we follow the Amherst Writers & Artists method of story creation. We believe that every individual is a writer, and every writer deserves a safe environment in which to experiment, learn, and develop their craft. We follow these five affirmations.
1) Everyone has a strong, unique voice. 2) Everyone is born with creative genius. 3) Writing as an art form belongs to all people, regardless of economic class or education level. 4) The teaching of craft can be done without damage to a writer’s original voice or artistic self-esteem. 5) A writer is someone who writes.
You can learn more about the Amherst Writers & Artists here: https://amherstwriters.org/what-to-expect/
When:
Sept 2026 - June 2027
Day: Thursday 10 am - 12 noon
Dates: Sept 10 & 24, Oct 8 & 22, Nov 5 & 19, Dec 3, Jan 14 & 28, Feb 11 & 25, Mar 11 & 25, Apr 8 & 22, May 6 & 20, Jun 3
18 workshops in total. Each workshop is 2 hours long.
Each workshop consists of a craft lesson, prompted writing sessions, and guided peer encouragement.
Includes two manuscript reviews - one at the halfway point in December, and then one in June.
All genres welcome.
SMALL GROUP - ONLY 7 SEATS AT THE TABLE
Craft topics:
What is your novel? / big questions / idea generation and plot development / outlining / character development / building supporting characters / choosing point-of-view / world building / dialogue styles / pacing / theme and plot / conflict and tension / show, don’t tell / voice and style / subplots & layering / research & authenticity
Where:
The Village Hive in Old Markham, 55 Albert Street, Markham, Ontario (Plenty of parking)
PAYMENT PLAN 1 - Reserve your seat at the table with a $466 down payment. Total payment is due by Sept 1st, 2026
OR PAYMENT PLAN 2 - Payment can be made in three instalments of $466. Payment due dates are Sept 1st, Oct 1st & Nov 1st, 2026
WAYS TO PAY - 1) e-transfer to rhondawaterfall@gmail.com or 2) PayPal
Cost: $1,400
Join us for 18 workshops, over 10 months. Each session focused on an integral aspect of novel creation, along with writing sessions and peer encouragement.
Join us for 18 workshops, over 10 months. Each session focused on an integral aspect of novel creation, along with writing sessions, and peer encouragement.