Seven Swimming Pools

Seven evenings. Low stakes. Super fun.

It’s almost summer and the pool is open.

We’re bringing back one of our most popular programs again this summer: Seven Swimming Pools. The idea is simple. We are seven creative writing facilitators, each with our own approach to writing. We’ll curate seven evenings of writing, devoted to the things we are currently delighted and confounded by, and want to share.

This is a space for fresh ideas, big questions, and new paths back to the heart of our work. We’ll lower the bar, write lots, and let ourselves see what this summer has in store.

Here’s the plan:

We’ll gather on Zoom on seven Monday evenings. We’ll use short, easy writing prompts to help you create brand new work. You’ll have lots of choice with the prompts and full control over where the writing goes. You can turn the tap of emotion on full blast or keep it as a trickle.

We deeply encourage you not to perform or perfect anything in this space. We’re here to hold all the weird, unfocused, surprising, and emergent parts of you. Pajamas, bath robes, sweats, and slippers are welcome and expected.

Details for Summer 2026:

7 Monday evenings (weekly), 7–8:30pm ET
July 6 – August 24 (no class on August 3)
Via Zoom (sessions will be recorded and available for four weeks after the end of the program)

Week to week:

Stories of Animals and Non-Human Life
July 6th with Sophia

Whether it’s nostalgia about a beloved childhood pet, or irritation at the mice that want to nest in our walls, we share our lives with animals, and – if we like it or not – there are many stories there. In this session we’ll turn our attention to the non-human world for inspiration, direction and humour on our writing paths.

Writing for Kids
July 13th with Kim

Writing for kids seems like the easiest thing in the world… but is it? In this session, Kim im will lead the group in exploring what we love about stories and poems for kids and we'll dive in and start our own. This session is for anyone who wants to write for actual kids or just try a new voice out to see where it takes us.

Letters to Courage
July 20th with Asifa

We live in bruising times. Facing the world with honesty and clear eyes takes tremendous courage. So does writing about it. In this session we’ll use meditation, freewriting and gentle inquiry to reconnect with our courage and move forward, into the lives and writing paths we long for.

Covid Stories
July 27th with Chris

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought us countless new things – fears, technologies, tests, hobbies, symptoms, divisions, connections, questions and of course… stories. This session will be a chance to look over these heady times and ask – what are the stories I want to tell? And how can I get started telling them?

Let's get Ekphrastic
August 10th with Mari

“Ekphrasis” is a piece of writing that responds to a piece of art. In the past this was mostly poems about vases. These days, it’s more open – a way to bridge the gap between what we can say in images, and in words. In this generative workshop, Mari will lead the group in working from paintings, dance, graffiti to unlock new possibilities for our own writing.

WWD: Writing While Distracted
August 17th with Britt

Life is full of distractions, but they don’t need to be a reason not to write. They can actually be fuel, direction and inspiration. Arrive at this session with a million things on your mind and together we’ll chart a course through the rubble of overthinking and the noise of everyday life, back to our creative voices.

Self-compassion for our inner writers
August 24th with Nina

If there’s one thing that unites writers it’s that we are hard on ourselves. Whether it’s guilt, comparison, or impossibly high standards, these things often cloud over the real gold: Our tenderness, motivation and self-trust. In this session we’ll write towards compassion for our writer selves, and explore tips for keeping it alive.

Cost:

The fee for this program is on a sliding scale of $95–$180. If you’re unemployed, or earning minimum wage, we encourage you to pay the lowest amount. If you have a comfortable income, equity and savings, we suggest a higher fee. You’re in charge.

If you don’t have a credit card, or can’t currently afford the base fee, let us know, we’ll gladly find a way to make it work.

See our financial policies.

Sign up here:

Questions?

Your answer is probably on this page.

Looking for more options?

Take a peek at our small group writing workshops, our large group writing programs, and our coaching services.

Credit where credit is due:
The photo we’re using to promote this page was taken by Etienne Girardet (via Unsplash).

What clients are saying…

The facilitation of these sessions was incredible. Such a warm and inclusive approach to a large group workshop. Making everyone feel safe and supported. You all have incredible listening skills and clearly a passion for what you do. The thoughtful comments after each person's share were so appreciated. The sessions were very engaging; I never felt bored, frustrated or rushed. Thank you very much for this inspiring experience.

Olivia Roth
Educational Professional and Writer
All of the facilitators were amazing in their own unique ways. I love the level of attention and gentle care given to dealing with all people, things, and issues.

Naz Ahmed
Educator