I believe that all persons are capable of writing creatively. Written storytelling is a synthesis of self-reflection, research, and knowledge of the writing craft. To write fiction or nonfiction, the writer benefits from natural curiosity, attentive observation skills, and a willingness to reflect deeply on ordinary events.
”The longer you look at an object, the more of the world you see in it.”
~Flannery O’Connor~
Writers often become frustrated because they choose too big a topic. Start small. Objects contain the world. And the world seems more interesting when you observe it carefully. The ordinary becomes extraordinary.
Creative nonfiction use the techniques of fiction to make the truth read like fiction.
The writing workshop is the ideal place to learn the writing craft. The group process is supportive and affirming. Many students return for repeat sessions because of the benefits of peer interaction.
All participants receive writing prompts each week and respond to these prompts at home. Each person brings new writing to share at each meeting and shares works-in-progress for strength-based peer commentary, twice during the session. Participants read published writing that illustrates writing craft techniques.Through readings and discussions of memoir and personal essay, group members learn to read more deeply.
The group process is magical! But don’t take my word for it. Read the testimonials by writers who have been, or still are, in Shape & Flow workshops.
If a workshop is what you are looking for, please consult the menu for “classes and workshops.”
