Blog
From Ocean Explorer to Children's Author: Celebrating Alumni Blair Northen Williamson
by Writing Workshops Staff
2 months ago
The ocean has always been Blair Northen Williamson's classroom, playground, and source of inspiration. As a yacht master captain, PADI scuba diving instructor, and dedicated ocean activist, Blair has spent over a decade exploring the world's waters through her work with Global Expeditions Group.
Now, this WritingWorkshops.com alumnus is making waves in the children's publishing world with two exciting new books that bring her underwater adventures to young readers.
Two New Books Making a Splash
Blair's debut works showcase her unique ability to blend environmental education with engaging storytelling. Her first book, The Ocean Protectors: Colors of the Coral Reef, is a climate fiction picture book that follows sisters Sadie and Josie as they discover their vibrant coral reef has become a bleached underwater graveyard. Determined to save their marine friends, the girls rally their community to confront warming oceans and restore the Coral Gardens. This high-concept STEM story proves that even the smallest voices can spark the biggest changes.
Pre-order The Ocean Protectors: Colors of the Coral Reef
Her second book, Birthday Bash, takes readers on a hilarious adventure with Kiko the Mouse, who's determined to host the perfect birthday party aboard his houseboat. When a buzzing bug crashes his cupcake preparations, chaos ensues with boat holes, gushing leaks, and sinking party plans. This laugh-out-loud story helps children ages 4-8 identify their feelings and discover that sometimes uninvited guests become unexpected friends.
Pre-order Birthday Bash on Amazon
From Virginia Waters to Global Adventures
Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Blair spent her childhood off the coast of Wilmington, North Carolina, where her passion for life at sea first took root. Her love of nature, ocean exploration, and connecting with others has taken her around the globe, sharing her expertise through sailing, scuba, and marine conservation courses in destinations from the British Virgin Islands and Phuket, Thailand, to the Bahamas and beyond.
As a Collegiate Hall of Fame athlete, wife, and dedicated mother to two daughters, Blair brings the same determination to her writing that she applies to navigating the world's oceans. Her incredible imagination and love of teaching have culminated in her dream of writing children's stories inspired by her exciting global adventures.
Learn more about Blair's journey and upcoming projects at her author website.
A Writer's Journey Begins in Paradise
Blair's path to becoming a published children's author was shaped by her experiences in our Writing Workshops Hawaii program, where she worked with literary agent Mark Owen Gottlieb. She further honed her craft in specialized classes focused on children's book writing and publishing, led by industry expert Rosie J. Pova. These foundational experiences provided Blair with the tools she needed to transform her real-world ocean adventures into compelling stories for children.
Your Writing Adventure Awaits
Blair's success story demonstrates the power of combining real-world experience with expert instruction and mentorship. Whether you're interested in children's literature like Blair, or exploring other genres, our workshops provide the guidance and community support you need to bring your stories to life.
Ready to dive into your own writing journey? Join writers from around the world in our online creative writing workshops and discover where your imagination can take you. Don't miss our upcoming opportunities to learn from industry professionals, including Rosie J. Pova's picture book seminar and Mark Owen Gottlieb's Literary Agent Series.
