I believe very much in affirming writers and building confidence in your own unique voice and style. Many of my workshops are built around prompts, to provide practice opportunities and a safe space if you choose to share what you wrote.
The basics of my prompt-based workshops:
- We come together because we want to practice writing.
- I’ll provide a prompt and give you about 10 minutes (depending on the prompt) to write whatever comes to mind. I’ll keep track of time and give you a 1-minute warning so you can wrap up your thoughts.
- After each prompt, everyone is invited to share their writing or to talk about what the prompt uncovered, but you’re never pressured to share.
- Absolutely no critique is to be given to this raw, just-written writing.
- What is shared in this circle stays in this circle.
I frequently reference Pat Schneider, Writing Alone and with Others:
The Five Essential Affirmations
- Everyone has a strong, unique voice.
- Everyone is born with creative genius.
- Writing is an art form that belongs to all people.
- The teaching of craft can be done without damage to a writer’s original voice or artistic self-esteem.
- A writer is someone who writes.