Using the Amherst Writers & Artists workshop method, we write in response to prompts or triggers. The greatest benefit of writing this way is that we are caught unaware, and the element of surprise will often not just open a door, it will show us doors we had no idea were there.

These are generative writing workshops: each week writers will have at least 3 pieces of new writing they can, if they wish, continue to work with at home. We’ll write at least 60 minutes in each workshop and also have time to respond to each other’s work as well as enjoy a break with healthy snacks, which I provide.

Because it’s new, first draft work, we respond with what we think was strong and memorable about the writing, what’s working well in the piece. The writer can then build on or polish their work after the workshop. This practice is one of several things that make the AWA workshop method the perfect container in which to unleash our creativity, allow it to bubble and brew, to experiment.

There is never any pressure on any writer to share their work.  Writers may choose to pass on reading whenever they wish.

These writing workshops are for writers of all genres. During the flow of writing in response to a prompt, it’s often too soon to know what form the writing will ultimately take, how the writing wants to be expressed. This is another reason we respond with details about what is strong in the writing; it leaves the decision of the next step – choosing the form, with the writer and the writing itself.

When we write with no expectation of how we will, or should show up on the page, with no critical eye for perfect grammar and punctuation, we give ourselves the generous gift of creative freedom. We can go wherever the pen wishes to take us, to places where we can discover our unique voice, and the stories waiting to be told.

A non-judgmental, supportive environment is maintained to ensure optimum conditions for creative freedom, and for creativity to show its often shy face.

Who are these workshops for? Anyone who wants to write. You might be new to writing, or you might be an experienced or established writer. You might write only for yourself, or you may have work published. It doesn’t matter. With the AWA workshop method, we all face the blank page together.

Autumn 2016

Maine

• Six Week Creative Writing Series – Oct. 11 – Nov. 15  (Tuesdays)
• Portland area
• 1:00pm – 3:30pm
• Healthy snacks, coffee and tea provided.
• Cost: $150
• Write to me for more information.

One-day workshops TBA

Ireland – 2016/17

• One-Day Creative Writing Workshop – Saturday, October 1
• University College Dublin (UCD) Belfield Campus
• 10:00 – 3:00
• Contact UCD Adult & Continuing Education for more details

• Five-Day Intensive Creative Writing Workshop using the Amherst Writers & Artists Workshop Method – March 20 – 24
• University College Dublin – Belfield Campus
• 10:00 – 12:30 M-F
• Contact UCD Adult & Continuing Education for more details

Other one-day workshops TBA.

A writer is someone who writes.*

It’s as plain and as simple as that.

*Pat Schneider in Writing Alone and With Others, Oxford University Press.