THE CURIOUS WORKSHOP. Participants may bring in short pieces of writing to share in a workshop setting that is designed to be nurturing rather than critical. Participants learn how to ask questions that help the writer develop the piece into something more substantial. Asking questions rather than simply critiquing the piece honors writers while at the same time opening up them up to the possibilities that the piece offers.
THE JOY OF WRITING. This is a workshop that brings the play back into writing and reminds us of why we write in the first place. It is filled with fun exercises and is suitable for writers at any level. I have used the techniques of this workshop in institutional settings (prisons, jails, etc), with chaplains, mental health professionals and even with graduate-level creative writing students.
FINDING FORM IN CHAOS. In this workshop, we will examine different structures for personal narrative. We will do several writing exercises playing with various forms; participants will gain an increased awareness of the important of structure in the personal narrative as well as options for their own writings.
FROM FACT TO FICTION. One of the beauties of fiction is how "true" it can be. In this workshop, we'll look at some specific steps for creating fiction from personal stories, and we'll practice these steps in exercises designed to strengthen our use of metaphor and symbolism.
THE THREE KEYS TO POWERFUL PERSONAL WRITING. Personal writing is a means to knowing yourself and allowing others to know you at the deepest level. But there is more to it than being able to put words on paper. In this workshop, we will explore three key components of personal writing and practice writing as an act of intimacy.
THE POWER OF VOICE. Creative people often speak of the creative "flow" when their work comes effortlessly. For writers, that flow comes in the form of voice, a distinct style that individualizes and invigorates our writing. This workshop will explore some techniques for summoning the power of voice to help us with our personal writing.
FEARLESS WRITING. This workshop will link your writing to your subconscious and open you to fearless writing. Participants will learn how to bypass the left-brained editor in their heads and go directly to the source of their art.
PRIVATE MATTERS, PUBLIC EXPRESSION. Personal writing can be a means for understanding larger issues. In this workshop we examine how social issues inform personal essays and how personal essays comment upon social issues and may be vehicles for transformation.
ENRICHING YOUR FICTION THROUGH IMAGERY AND SYMBOL. Powerful images and subtle symbols create an emotional impact on the reader. In this workshop we will talk about adding layers of meaning to your fiction through the use of symbols and images.
All workshops involve discussion, writing exercises and optional reading of one’s own work.
