Preparing to give a workshop

[vaneramos]

I've been doing some last-minute preparations for the creative writing workshop I will give tomorrow. Actually, all the preparations have been last minute. I've been thinking about it for weeks, considering what ideas to discuss and exercises to use. I started writing an outline yesterday and filled it out more this afternoon, including some inspiring passages to read from Natalie Goldberg, Deborah Garrison, Jane Hirshfield, Annie Dillard and Cyrus Cassells (my favourite living poet).

I have never done anything quite like this before. I'm trying to draw on my experience as a group facilitator for Bible studies and, in a later, different life, Gay Fathers of Toronto. I remember the award winning speech I gave in grade four before a nameless shadow came and snatched my self-confidence. I remember, much more recently, the first time I gave a public reading of my poetry and how good it felt; but then I knew each word like a friend.

The workshop ought to be informal, so all I have done is outline the topics to cover and points to make. I haven't given myself a script, gambling on the hope that I won't blank out. I'm not sure exactly how the hour will go, but have plenty of material to play with. And of course I will be teaching people about something I love doing more than anything else. How could I possibly run out of words?

I specified that the workshop would be suitable for 3 to 15 people. Five have registered so far.

Only now, as I assemble the pile of books and notes to take tomorrow and realize I've run out of preparation time, am I starting to get nervous. A black particle waits for me in the glow of tomorrow afternoon. I can't tell whether it's a bomb or a seed.

Comments

[winterknight.livejournal.com]

How did I miss that you're running a writing workshop? Heavens. I'm out of it. I hope it goes well. :)

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I had mentioned it several months ago, but only casually. The Rainbow Chorus is running a whole range of workshops as a fundraiser for its trip to Carnegie Hall next February, topics ranging from yoga to birdwatching. I won't be going to NYC, but wanted to chip in somehow. And I figured it would be a good experience for me.

[leafshimmer.livejournal.com]

Good luck with it! I am thrilled you are doing this!

When it comes to talking about the process of writing, I always remember the physical nausea that Edmund White used to describe when interviewed on this subject. He described having to lie on the floor with a cool cloth over his eyes because of the agony writing induced. The fact that he persisted seems almost heroic in that light.

He was someone I admired in my 20s, but gradually lost my patience with the baroque mannerisms of his style.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Interesting story. I think writers' block is a kind of phobia. Just like the fear of crowded places, it can probably even trigger panic attacks. Sometimes I'm afraid of my own writing; afraid of how others will perceive my words and ideas. So Edmund White's experience is believable. Writers' block is one of the topics I'll discuss today.

Good luck with the class

[djjo.livejournal.com]

and have a lot of fun at the dance. Hm.... dinner sounds really good! I had left over Chineese from downstairs as I'm stuck at work. blarg.

Smoooches there love!

Re: Good luck with the class

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I hope the work day wasn't too long and stressful. What are you up to this weekend? Some R&R I hope. My train ticket is bought.

[missprune.livejournal.com]

That is so great, Van. I know the kind of courage it takes to step forward like this. Yay you!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

It does take courage, indeed. But it's odd that I'm not as anxious about doing this kind of thing as, say, a job interview. I'm hopeful to see how this experience works out; I can almost see myself doing some kind of adult education vocationally.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks Craig. I know what you mean. I intend to read a short fiction piece I wrote a few days ago, also some other writers I feel passionate about. If nothing else, I hope to inspire a few people.

[mattcallow.livejournal.com]

This is so cool. Good luck Van!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Matt! I think it's going to be a good day.

[justapostcard.livejournal.com]

Thinking of you today. I've done this a few times (actually they were journaling workshops) and it's always great to be around people who also love writing. The journaling group I meet with weekly was an offshoot of one of those classes -- we just wanted to keep going! I hope you post an entry about how it goes today....

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Just possibly a writer's group will eventually emerge out of this workshop, too!