OUR PHILOSOPHY . . .

Below Sea Level is a unique concept in writing workshops and conferences. We offer vigorous, focused instruction on all aspects of the creative process and do so in a nurturing, honest environment. Individualized instruction and attention to detail are our hallmarks. The brainchild of internationally acclaimed author and teacher Connie May Fowler, Below Sea Level focuses on the art and craft of writing in an intimate atmosphere that feeds the muse and builds community. Our focused, holistic approach to teaching and writing is designed to help writers improve all aspects of their art and craft. Workshops, depending on the venue and genre, are limited to between six and ten participants. The Cedar Key Project conferences are limited to six participants per workshop. The Remembering Blue Novel Writing Group admits only four writers per cycle. Held in uniquely beautiful locales around Florida, Below Sea Level immerses writers in settings that bolster both imagination and soul. In order to participate in Below Sea Level workshops and conferences, applicants submit manuscripts in the genre they are applying to. Admission is based on the merit of each writer’s submission.

A FEW REVIEWS . . .

"Writing Below Sea Level: The St. Augustine Project jump started my heart, which had been floating along in day-to-day survival mode, cruelly forgetful of my muse and my spark and my passion--which is words. With love, skill, and an admirably open heart and mind, Connie May Fowler pooled together an incredible cross-section of gifted writers all with one thing in common--the deep, pure love of writing, of words, of telling stories. From the gentle-but-firm encouragement and constructive feedback in workshops to lunches complete with firmly established writers, agents, editors, and publishers to readings that involved encouragement and brave soul-sharing, the intense, life-giving workshop was indeed a full immersion into the wild, deep waters of inspiration--all buoyed by the practical, hard work necessary to stay afloat long enough to tell the stories only you can tell."  Ama Reynolds, 2008 St. Augustine Project Participant

"Below Sea Level was the most transformative event of my creative writing career. The manuscripts were simply amazing, as were the women who wrote them. I feel certain I developed friendships and relationships that will last a very long time. The faculty offered advice and encouragement both personal and professional, and made sure each one of us left the workshop with a clear plan of how to move forward with our writing careers. I returned home happily exhausted, but with a renewed commitment to myself and my future, and with high hopes of continuing to work with such talented, extraordinary women."  Tricia Booker, 2008 St. Augustine Project Participant

"Intimate and rigorous, friendly and rigorous, fun and rigorous - it was what I'd always wanted the writing life to be."Sandra Gail Lambert, 2008 St. Augustine Project Participant