This is how I ended my Writual newsletter last month and I think it’s such an important message, I’m repeating it again.
“. . . if we lift writing out of the exclusive niches it has been forced into, we can welcome it back into our own lives and use it for our own purposes. Like sending a letter, composing a poem, inventing a story, creating lyrics. You can write anything you want to, for as long as you want to and in any style or form. It doesn’t have to conform to anyone else’s idea of writing—it’s yours. All yours. Swear to God. Try it.”
Below, I’ll list some upcoming classes—mine and others’—for you to explore. Sometimes a class or a workshop is just the thing to reignite your own writing practice—starting on our own is just so hard sometimes, isn’t it? But I’ll always believe in the power of writing—to communicate, to express our ideas, to make meaning of our experiences. And remember: if you decide to try out a class, and it doesn’t work for you, it doesn’t mean “you’re just not a writer.” It just means you didn’t find the right (write) environment. That’s why I post other classes and not only my own: I might not be right for everyone. My style might not engage you where someone else’s totally does.
That’s how it works. It’s the same as with any practitioner—sometimes you truly connect with the (doctor, therapist, teacher) you’re working with and sometimes you don’t. If you didn’t like your doctor, would you simply not see anymore doctors? No, of course not. It’s the same with writing instructors and writing classes. Find one you like. Take it. Keep writing.
Trust me.
April Classes & Workshops -
My classes (click here for more info)
The ongoing Saturday morning writing group will start back up on April 15th. We go for 3 weeks, take a break, then start back up. It’s a great group to get some inspiration or company, seek accountability, or run a writing problem past the group for feedback. Give it a try—sign up for the whole session or for the dates that work for you.
On Thursday, April 27th from 1:30 to 3pm I’m having a one-session writing workshop called “Writing for Non-Writers.” It’s for those of you who really want to write but don’t consider yourself “legit.” Well, you are. Come join us and see!
On May 11th, I’ll hold two sessions for those of you who are drawn to submit to the Everyday Grief anthology, but are maybe not sure how to start. I’ll go over some strategies to write about grief and give you some prompts to get you started. It’s free.
Other writing opportunities
I’m a big fan of Jane Friedman and try to attend as many of her classes as possible. One time, I was fortunate enough to attend a class in person. She is a wealth of information and her classes are always informative. Jane Friedman classes https://www.janefriedman.com/online-classes/
The Story Circle Network also offers ongoing classes, workshops and webinars to support your writing. This month local (to Connecticut) poet Sharon Charde is featured in the webinar, Transforming Trauma into Art. You can find out more or register here: https://www.storycircle.org/programs-and-events/
Everyday Grief
If you haven’t seen it yet, there’s a deadline for submissions to the Everyday Grief anthology—June 21st. I’ve been so gratified to see all the heartfelt and honest essays that have been coming in—thank you so much! My goal is to collect as many unique and individual voices as possible, so if you think you’d like to submit but are unsure of your topic, please reach out to me.
Also, men…don’t be shy. I need to hear your voices as well. I’m happy to respond to questions and don’t forget—there’s a workshop in May you can attend if you’re still thinking it over.
I know this isn’t an easy thing to write about—but if you’re at all considering it, please see what you come up with. Some of the writers so far have expressed the feeling that whether or not their piece is included in the eventual book, it was cathartic and healing to write about their grief.
In other writing . . .
Can We Talk About Cancer? is Annie’s and my monthly column for Hearst. We’ve got four out so far and are working on our fifth one. Here are the links in case you missed them:
Dec. 17 - Can We Talk About Cancer? - https://www.ctinsider.com/opinion/article/Opinion-My-daughter-has-cancer-And-we-want-to-17659433.php
Jan. 7 - Are We Making Resolutions? - https://www.ctinsider.com/opinion/article/Opinion-Can-we-talk-about-cancer-If-I-want-to-17697860.php
Feb. 11th – Making Moves—Even When You’re Stage 4 - https://www.ctpost.com/opinion/article/talk-cancer-opinion-making-moves-even-17776160.php
March 19th - The title is misleading on this one...we called it, "Talking About Bruno" - https://www.ctpost.com/opinion/article/opinion-helping-kids-deal-death-pets-17845133.php
Carole Bumpus - Fiction and Nonfiction Travel and Food Writer. https://carolebumpus.com/
Here’s another writer I think you’ll enjoy – I’m still reading her book, A September to Remember: Searching for Culinary Pleasures at the Italian Table (because it takes me forever these days to read books!) but it feels like I’m on her journey with her. Check it out!
And, finally, a little nudge to get you started . . .
See you next month! Let me know if you need anything!
xo
Cindy