Writing Transformation: 

A Creative Nonfiction Workshop

When: Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.; 
September 28 - November 23, 2013
(Please note: we will skip Oct. 19, for a total of 8 sessions)
Where: Good Shepherd Center;  
4649 Sunnyside Ave N  Seattle, WA 98103
Cost: $247 by check; $252 by Paypal; receive $20 off your tuition if you register by August 26th.

Everything is changing; every moment we are being changed. In this workshop, we will explore the continual flux of our minds, hearts, and lives, while generating many pages of new writing. Each session, we will free-write together from prompts and be given the opportunity to share our words in a supportive, non-judgmental space. As we listen to others and ourselves, we will seek to recognize where the energy lies in our writing, identify what stories we most need to write about, and dare to be surprised by what we find.
           
Each week, we will also read essays and memoirs from authors such as Brenda Miller, Terry Tempest Williams, Maxine Hong Kingston, and David Shields. As we discuss their work, we will look closely at the craft of writing, paying attention in particular to the creative possibilities of structure and point of view (e.g. lyric forms such as collage or braided essays, flash nonfiction, etc.), as well as the power of details and language. Participants may also opt to submit a rough draft of a piece to the instructor during week 6 for extensive, constructive feedback, however this is not a workshop/critique-based class.
           
Ultimately, we will seek to locate the heart of our stories and to identify their major metaphors or themes. We will ask ourselves: Beneath the obvious storyline, what are we really writing about here, and how is our inner landscape being changed?  


Minimum # of students: 5; maximum: 9.

Recommended prior reading: Natalie Goldberg’s Old Friend from Far Away: The Practice of Writing Memoir, Wild Mind; OR Writing Down the Bones.

Former Writing Transformation participants speak:

 

This workshop truly was inspirational, transformational, safe. Surpassed my expectations by developing my reader ear-- loved that! One thing I learned is that when I take risks in writing, and share that writing with an appreciative group of other writing risk takers, I discover more of myself -- and I trust I can grow from that discovery. Anne is skilled at group process and created a safe passage for all of us to write and share our writing.   -- Pennie O’Grady

Taking this class was the first step into the birth of a totally new perspective, of which I’m feeling the birthing pains acutely. The encouragement via practice and more practice-- so helpful. I was surprised at how much energy and momentum the workshop gave my writing. Suddenly I found it was all I was talking about, reading about, and wanting to do. I also really love the conversation and relationships formed when working in close proximity to other writers. Additionally, you managed to expand my horizons into modern authors and provide relevant and personal suggestions for reading. Lots of new energy into an angsty place. -- Candace Morris

Thanks for creating such a safe, nonjudgmental space for me to share my writing and for answering my questions with thoughtful, knowledgeable advice. I feel very motivated to continue writing! -- Renee

To read more testimonials or to learn more about my mentoring philosophy, please visit the other pages on my blog.
 
To Register or for Questions, please email me at: alkellor@gmail.com  and I will fill you in on details.  Please note: Your tuition is required to hold your spot in the workshop. Paying in installments (half now; half on first day may be possible).

Thank you! 

Anne

Refund Information

1) If the workshop does not fill to the minimum (5 students), I will notify you in advance and issue a refund to your credit card or by personal check.
2) Full refunds may be obtained if I receive written notice at least 2 weeks prior to the first day of the workshop. 
3) Full tuition minus a $20 cancellation fee can be refunded if written notice is given at least 3 days prior to the first day of the workshop. If you need to cancel later than this, I unfortunately can not offer monetary refunds, although I can offer credit towards editing/mentoring services, or future classes. Please let me know if you have any questions and thanks for your understanding.