We carry a multitude of stories inside us, whether they live in our banks of memory, imagination, or both. We've been telling stories since we first leapt off the bus to report what happened in school that day or swore to our mothers, honest-to-god, we weren't the ones who ate the butterscotch-oatmeal cookies she made Uncle Joe.

 

     Storytelling is natural. So is writing. But sometimes we forget that. In this workshop, we'll remember. We'll remember the voices we first heard telling stories around our kitchen table and down at the corner store. We'll remember the voices we first used in our own writing, before anyone ever critiqued or graded us. And we'll begin to trust those voices again.

 

      This is a generative workshop based on the Amherst Artist & Writers method. What makes it different from other writing workshops is: 

                          1. Each week, we'll write together to creative prompts - exercises - inside the workshop.

                          2. Although you may write in absolutely any genre, all work we create will be treated as fiction, even when you write with the "I" narrator.

 

      We'll read our work out loud - and listen carefully to each other read. In this workshop, we learn how to be mindful listeners. What was strong in the work, I will ask you. What do you remember from what you just heard? What stayed with you? What worked? What made you care? We will give feedback on the strength of each person's just-written work. 

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       And then we will write again. And again. You will quickly get used to this rhythm: Write, read, listen, respond. I provide a supportive environment where you will feel comfortable writing freely, and also learn to listen for specific elements of successful writing craft in others' work. You'll gain confidence in your own writing voice while sharpening your ability to discern elements of satisfying writing. 

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     When we write in the moment like this - too quickly to let our own critical inner voices pipe up – vivid, fresh stories bubble up from our memory and imagination in delightful and surprising ways. Whether you are writing your first short story, your third novel, flash fiction, a blog, poetry or epic letters to the editor...there's room at this table for you. Join us! You'll be amazed at what comes pouring out of you.

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Meeting Times: 6 Tuesdays, 10 am to 1 pm

Sessions: June 21, 28  July 7, 14, 21, 28  Cost: $450

For further information or to enroll, contact 

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Writers of all experience levels, genres and ages are welcome.

There is no writing sample required for this workshop. The only requirements are a readiness

to be a constructive workshop member and the willingness to write.

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Enrollment limited to 7 workshop members

   

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