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Upcoming dates
Writing encouragement
Writing prompts
You love to write, but there is never enough time, never enough
quiet…or never enough motivation. Your good intentions to set pen to
paper or finger to keyboard never materialize. Sound familiar?
Then
a writing group might be just the antidote you need. Come, try a monthly writing session (one of two six-month sessions) or a Saturday retreat — writing in response
to exercises, reading what you write to supportive listeners (if you so
choose) and reveling in the creative wonder of words.
We use the Amherst Writers and Artists’* method created and honed for over twenty five years by Pat Schneider, author of Writing Alone and with Others.
An internationally known model, this method’s goal is to build
confidence as we discover (or re-discover) our writing Voices -
including those Voices that have been harmed or hindered by previous
writing experiences.
Using what is referred to as process
writing or free writing the AWA model affirms what is strong in the
fresh material written during groups sessions rather than immediately
responding with critique.
Through
writing prompts and
exercises new material and themes arise that might not otherwise
have been discovered. During the monthly writing group there is also
opportunity each month for one participant to read revised material to the larger group in order to
receive constructive reader response from a broader group. (This will
not be an invitation to "fix and repair."
* The AWA method developed by Pat Schneider, author of Writing Alone and with Others,
advocates "process" or "free" writing, and believes that affirmation
and encouragement are key to valuing the writer within. Colette is a certified AWA writing group leader having taken, with
Pat Schneider, Program I & II. For more information on the AWA
method or to inquire about training and other offerings visit amherstwriters.com where you will find me listed under Affiliates.
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