Writing   

After a short, guided meditation, participants will be given a prompt and then will put pen to paper and write what they hear in their hearts. After writing for about 25 minutes, those that are so moved will share what they have written. Based on Proprioceptive Writing, this method helps us to clarify what and how we feel or think and the sharing helps to create a safe community of support. New in-person workshop. Format includes hands-on learning.

This course is for everyone who wants to read, discuss, and write poetry, whether you’ve written before or not. We will select topics and exercises from The Discovery of Poetry by Frances Mayes to discuss at the beginning of each class, respond to prompts in class, and share our spontaneous work on a voluntary basis. In the second hour of class, we will read and respond to each other’s work. We believe that writers learn best with both praise and friendly questions in a nurturing setting of fellow learners. Bring an open mind, a sense of fun and discovery, and a readiness to read and write. Repeat in-person course. Format includes discussion and hands-on learning.

REQUIRED BOOKS: The Discovery of Poetry, Frances Mayes, ISBN 0156007622; Real Sofistikashun: Essays on Poetry and Craft, Tony Hoagland, ISBN 13: 9781555974558

Interested in sharing life stories? Curious about learning to write better? We all have stories waiting to be written. How do we choose them, share them so they flow, sound authentically like us, and draw in readers? We will write and read rough drafts, share strategies to improve our writing — give feedback in a supportive environment. No previous writing experience necessary — only curiosity and willingness to write. Homework: Weekly writing and some reading. New remote course. Format includes discussion and hands-on learning.

This in-person monthly workshop is a supportive group of 12 writers focusing on the elements of fiction writing. Members’ projects range from short stories and vignettes to segments of full-length novels. Pieces to be critiqued are shared via email prior to the meeting. During the meeting, the author reads a short excerpt of the work, and members give constructive feedback, during the discussion and in written comments. With our wide range of styles and experience, we learn from each other!  Format includes discussion and hands-on.

Students learn the art of writing memoir. They are encouraged to submit a written memoir for each monthly workshop and receive constructive comments in return.

The workshop meets via Zoom once a month between October and May.

Repeat remote course. Format is discussion.

This ongoing poetry writing workshop is limited to ten members. The Sunday before each monthly workshop, members will email a copy of their poem to all other members, print out all poems, and write comments on hard copies for discussion on workshop days. Format includes reading, reflection and discussion

Inspired by Natalie Goldberg’s seminal book, this course invites you into a practice of fearless, present-moment writing. Through writing prompts, and gentle guidance, you’ll learn to bypass self judgment and access your authentic voice. Each session includes in-class writing and supportive sharing, with optional assignments to deepen your practice between meetings. Open to all levels, this course emphasizes process over product, encouraging curiosity, spontaneity, and the joy of putting words on the page. New in-person course. Format includes lecture and hands-on learning.

SUGGESTED BOOK: Writing Down the Bones, Natalie Goldberg, ISBN 9781590307946