USCA offers writing course in Scotland

USCA invites the community to take part in a creative writing course in Edinburgh, Scotland, May 8 – 18, 2026, led by the English department’s Writer-in-Residence Dr. Andrew Geyer.

Cost for the programs is approximately $3,000 and includes ground transportation in Scotland, several meals and accommodations.  Initial deposits are due Dec. 4.

Geyer says the course is available for those who have never put pen to paper, novice, or experienced and published writers.  He will work with travelers in advance of the trip to tailor their writing assignments — and related explorations while in Scotland — to their individual writing and genre interests.

“This is very much an independent study course,” Geyer said.  “I want to facilitate writers’ growth and lived experiences.”

Those taking the course for USCA credit will have two assignments, for which they’ll need to submit writing projects, one being a journal, which will become the foundation for other products. Those not taking the course for USCA credit can write as much or as little as they please.

The course will include writing seminars and historical, cultural, and educational activities.  The itinerary includes stops at the Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh Castle, and the Highlands areas. 

Whether writing fiction, non-fiction, poetry, travel blog or graphic novel, Geyer will work with all students, interested in any genre, so they get the most out of the experience.  For his own research, Geyer plans to make the most of the tour of the city’s “haunted” underground, an experience available to all travelers. 

Geyer said he’s looking to do as much research as his students.  He comes from Scotch-Irish descent and is interested not only in his family ties to the area but also insight for at least two stories he’s writing for his next book, which features supernatural phenomenon.

“Setting is more than a place,” said Geyer.  “Setting evokes character. When people interact with their environment, in a way it becomes part of who they are and helps to integrate the connection between the characters and the stories they “live.” 

“Edinburgh and Scotland are perfect for that.”

Experiencing settings firsthand, Geyer says, rather than just imagining a setting, enriches the storyline and enhances the experience of the readers.  He plans to make those discoveries with his students as well.

“Setting, when done right, essentially becomes another character.  That involves capturing the specific details in ways that are meaningful,” Geyer said.

“While I’m there, I’ll imagine myself in that space, not as Drew Geyer but as a character in the particular fiction I’m creating.”

Those enrolled in the course will also visit the Writer’s Museum, which highlights the works of Scottish authors, including St. Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson.

“Let’s go!  We’ll all write and have an awesome lived experience.”

As the university’s writer-in-residence, Geyer is responsible for building an international program for the English department.  This inaugural trip is open to all students and the community at large.

Members of the community interested in the Scotland Storytelling and Writing course must apply to attend.  Email international@usca.edu for more information.

USCA is the only public institution in the state which offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in creative or professional writing.

Creative writing degree students master the art of storytelling, poetry, and lyrical prose during a variety of creative workshops, including the Scotland-bound trip.  The professional writing degree track prepares students to use the written word in the workplace, technical writing and health care writing. 

For more information, contact USCA Marketing & Communication at news@usca.edu.