COMPASS Literature and Creative Writing Program
Summer Immersion Program
New worlds await you! Discover meaningful stories and characters. Explore genres of literature while developing your own creations! Understand what it’s like to be a story character in professional communication activities. With hands-on experiences, immersive activities, and key tools, learn what kinds of career opportunities you have in studying literature, creative writing, and professional writing.
COMPASS 2026 will be held June 21-25, 2026.
What You’ll Experience
Topics
- Fantasy, sci-fi, poetry, nature, children’s literature, and more!
- Worldbuilding, character, and story construction
- Technical and Professional Communication (TPC)
- Career focus with a degree in English
Hands-On Experience
- Building a world
- Setting the scene
- Character construction
- Writing poetry and lyrics
- Exploring nature through writing and literature
- Creating technical documentation
- Designing and editing media like a professional
A Day in the Life
*Subject to Change
- 8:00-9:00am: Breakfast
- 9:00-10:15am: Discuss a story: Character analysis
- 10:15-10:30am: Break
- 10:30am-12:00pm: Design a story: Character design and development
- 12:00pm-1:00pm: Lunch
- 1:00-2:30pm: Live a story: Characters in professional communication—roles and rhetoric in the workplace
- 2:30-5:30pm: Free time
- 5:30-6:30pm: Dinner
- 6:30-10:00pm: Evening activity
- 11:00pm: Lights out
Program
Facilitators
Dr. Zachary Rhone, Assistant Professor of English
Literature and Creative Writing Students
Where You'll Be
Montreat College is part of the Asheville area’s vibrant cultural life. Explore the countless outdoor activities that make Western NC an international destination for adventure seekers.
Visit Montreat
To get a true feel for Montreat College, you have to see the smiles and feel the energy of campus yourself! Find the option that works best for you to experience our friendly campus and surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains in person.
Where You'll Stay
COMPASS attendees will stay in either Anderson Residence Hall or Howerton Residence Hall. Most rooms include two twin beds, two dressers, two desks, two chairs, two closets, one or two bookcases, and a private or shared restroom.
CampusWhere You'll Eat
COMPASS attendees will dine in Howerton Dining Hall, which features multiple dining options to accommodate individuals with dietary preferences and allergies.
