Courses to begin in Bonaire in May
WILLEMSTAD – The latest edition of the Creative Writing Academy Curaçao focused on growth, experimentation and helping writers discover their own voice, bringing together participants ranging from first-time writers to published authors with one shared goal: to improve their craft and bring stories to life.
The courses were held from April 13 to 23 at The Triangle and were organized by Wintertuin Curaçao.
During the program, participants were introduced to core writing techniques combined with creative assignments and practical exercises. The curriculum covered composition, dialogue, character development, themes and style, while also encouraging participants to explore freer forms of inspiration and creativity through techniques such as flow writing.
According to the organizers, one of the main takeaways for participants was increased confidence in their own writing style and a greater awareness of the choices they make in their texts. The academy also provided space to experiment with different genres and storytelling approaches.
One of the featured courses, New Voices, was led by writer Tyson Hill and focused on young writers between the ages of 15 and 30.
Many participants found their way to the course through local creative and educational platforms such as Arte di Palabra, Albert Schweitzer VSBO and the community project Living History of Otrobanda.
Among the participants were young creatives already active in storytelling and performance, including artist Kemuël Sandries, who is currently working on a graphic novel, and Joella Ignecia, who joined the academy to further strengthen her writing skills after previously appearing at the Wintertuin Festival.
For more experienced writers, the academy offered the Starting Writers course under the guidance of Joeri Oltheten.
This program focused on deeper literary development and refining writing skills. Participants came from diverse backgrounds, including former police officer and author Nydia Hato-Arvelo.
The course worked with both classic Papiamentu literature and contemporary publications, creating a bridge between literary tradition and modern storytelling.
Some of the texts developed during the course are expected to be published later on the Wintertuin Curaçao website.
The Creative Writing Academy continues to expand its presence across the Caribbean.
Next month, Tyson Hill will lead the Starting Writers course on Bonaire in collaboration with the Public Library Bonaire.
At the end of August, the New Voices course will also launch on Bonaire under the guidance of Christine Krolis.
Meanwhile, Curaçao will launch an online advanced writing course in May for more experienced writers. That edition has already sold out.
A new round of creative writing workshops in Papiamentu is also scheduled for October.
Organizers say there is growing interest among participants to continue meeting outside the formal courses.
Wintertuin Curaçao is therefore exploring the creation of a monthly writing group where participants can share work, exchange feedback and continue inspiring one another.
With that, the Creative Writing Academy Curaçao is becoming more than just a writing program.
It is developing into a creative community where new literary voices can grow, connect and evolve.
As the organizers put it: “If you haven’t caught the writing bug yet, this is where it happens.”