In the atmospheric surroundings of Tynemouth’s historic Watch House Museum, overlooking the mouth of the Tyne and surrounded by artefacts from the region’s maritime past, this immersive creative writing course will explore the darker side of the deep.

From ghost ships and drowned sailors to sea witches, maritime folklore, monsters from the depths and the terrifying isolation of the shore, we’ll explore why the dark ocean has such an enduring place in horror fiction. We’ll look at how writers can use the landscape, changeable weather conditions and seascape sounds to create a sense of dread where the sea itself becomes a moody character in the tale.

Through discussion, creative exercises and practical writing activities, you’ll develop your own haunted maritime stories, experimenting with building atmosphere and suspense, and the peculiar terror of wild water and hidden depths.

The Watch House’s own history of shipwrecks, coastal rescue and the lives lost along this dangerous stretch of coastline provides an evocative backdrop for exploring stories of the sea and those who never came home.

This creative writing course is suitable for beginning and emerging horror writers.

The Haunted Deep invites you to dive into the darkest waters of your imagination; to stare into the deep and imagine what, exactly, might be staring back.

Address: The Watch House Museum, Spanish Battery, Tynemouth, North Shields, NE30 4DD

Where is The Haunted Deep taking place?

The Haunted Deep is taking place in the old library at Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade – The Watch House Museum on Saturday 3rd October at 13:00.

Who is The Haunted Deep suitable for?

This course is best-suited to beginning and emerging horror writers, as well as people looking to try their hand at something new.