The Further Shore

A workshop for writing about death, loss and dying

So you want to write about a bigger topic… the bigger topic.

In this workshop we’ll use writing as a tool to explore dying, loss, and the bittersweet corners of mortality. Together, we’ll excavate our feelings and beliefs around this huge topic with honesty and compassion in a community of people who actually want to go there. With pens in hand, we’ll ask the big questions, tell the hard stories, and explore what it means to die, and also what it means to live.

Here’s how it works:

We’ll meet on Zoom eight times with our notebooks and minds open. Each class will be loosely tied to a theme, which we’ll explore through guided writing exercises and sharing.

We’ll write lots and share our work as we create it for kind, supportive feedback from the group. Each participant will also have the chance to prepare one piece at home to bring to the class for deeper (but still wildly supportive) feedback.

There will be some homework in between sessions, so come prepared to engage.

- Are curious about exploring different perspectives about death and dying, whether they’ve had any direct experience with death or not.
- Have an urge to write about the end of life, but don’t want to do it alone.
- Love the idea of a bi-weekly creative date with a small group of others who aren’t afraid to face the complicated stuff.
- Feel ready (though maybe a little scared) to share personal writing.
- Are genuinely open to listening to and giving supportive feedback to other writers whose experiences and perspectives about death may be very different from their own.
- Are comfortable with tears and Kleenex, and don’t turn away when they read words like “morgue”.
- Feel aligned with our fundamental beliefs.
- Lots of new writing that you didn’t expect to create.
- A renewed sense of your writing voice and the breadth of your material.
- A more complex hold on your own values and beliefs around death and dying.
- Writing peers whose work you are invested in.
- Creative courage.
- Grief counseling or advice on how to handle loss. While sharing thoughts on death might have a therapeutic impact, this class isn’t working from a therapeutic framework, and isn’t a bereavement group.
- Critique or competition. We’re all about the love.
- Any kind of judgment about your personal beliefs of death and dying.
- Rules on how to write. We’ll work on developing your writing skills but we don’t subscribe to the idea that there’s only one way to create powerful work.
- All the answers.

A note from Britt:

We don’t always choose what we’re pulled to write about. Death is a topic that has always come up a lot up in my writing. I know I’m not alone, but still, I often hear my clients talk about how they feel like they’re “too much” when they share stories like this.

In the past I’ve been a bereavement group facilitator and a hospice volunteer. I’ve also completed training as a Life Cycle Celebrant, specializing in funeral ceremonies. Having the conversations with people about death is important to me. I created this class because I wanted to make a space that’s designed for people like me who long to explore these topics without holding back.

That desire only grew when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. After multiple surgeries and a long leave from Firefly, I’m back and more humbled and excited than ever to lead this group.

Details:

We run this workshop annually, stay tuned for updates!

Join our early bird mailing list for early access to registration or sign up for our newsletter.

Cost:

The Total Workshop Fee is $615 plus applicable taxes. If you prefer, you can pay in 4 monthly installments of $153.75. There is no extra fee for this service.

Kindly note that since this workshop is for a small group, deposits are non-refundable. One week before the workshop starts, the full fee is non-refundable. See our financial policies here.

If money is a barrier, check out our financial aid program, which we open up four times a year.

If you don’t have a credit card, let us know and we’ll gladly find a way to make it work.

Sign up here:

Join our early bird mailing list for early access to future registrations or sign up for our newsletter.

Questions?

Your answer is probably on this page.

What clients are saying…

This was such a therapeutic and healing class without being maudlin or morose. Britt was supportive and inspiring. The writing prompts always managed to bring out surprising little nuggets. I’d leave the class energized, inspired and thoughtful. It was a perfect balm for a difficult time and I loved everyone in the class. It was a warm and loving group. And the cookies at break were delicious!!!

Kristine Groskaufmanis
The Further Shore is a sensitively guided journey delving into a personal relationship with death, dying and the meaning of life. Britt is a gentle and supportive facilitator, making space for fear and doubt while encouraging bold exploration of the sacred and the mundane with both tears and laughter.

Maureen Pollard
MSW, RSW (Social Worker)