Writing workshop

[vaneramos]

I first asked everyone to introduce themselves and tell why they had come. What did they want to write? Six people, all friends or acquaintances. Most said they wanted to learn how to get started.

That's what I had planned to talk about. How to break past inhibitions about putting pen to paper and writing creatively. My main point of discussion was time, our most valuable commodity. People can't create anything effectively without getting a handle on it. To emphasize this I read "The Poet", by Jane Hirshfield. Then outlined techniques for bringing writing alive, and read passages to illustrate them.

Finally I gave them a five-minute writing exercise. "Put your pens to the paper and go. Don't stop." We had just enough time for several people to read the results, which were startling.

The hour was too short.¹

In the morning I had attended a singing workshop.

Then sacred circle dancing. The movement, rhythmic and harmonious, felt cleansing and empowering. Harcourt United Church hosts sessions once a month, so I'll try attending next fall.

After my own workshop, I unwound with my first yoga class ever, tough and relaxing. I felt the progress my body made in one hour.

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¹ As one who has trouble participating in group conversations, I'm still surprised that I can do this. Like doing it, in fact.

Comments

[missprune.livejournal.com]

Perhaps you are a bit like me in this regard. I'm pretty bad at making conversation in company, but I'm pretty good at being the leader of a class (yoga was what I taught). Having a defined role seems to take me past the whole shyness thing. I'll bet you are a really good leader/facilitator type communicator.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

A defined role, yes, I think you hit the metaphorical nail. I've just been talking on the phone with one of my friends who was there, and she reiterated how well I did. I suppose my lifelong experience on the sidelines helps me understand how to garner participation.