Workshops
The dynamics that emerge in the workshop setting never cease to amaze me. Fed by each other's inspiration, people turn in work that surpises and delights them. Everyone quickly recognizes what's happening; everyone appreciates it.
Writers of all levels of experience and of all genres are invited.
There are no criteria for acceptance other than a sincere desire and willingness to write and be a constructive group member. We write from the images, memories and feelings we all carry inside ourselves; and we write to gain greater confidence, depth, and skill.
For me, it's a priviledge to hear all those voices, and make these fantastic forays into other people's minds. The understanding that comes from hearing response to your own writing, read aloud, is revelatory--and new to many--and helps you learn about yourself as a writer. It leads to You think: "oh, my gosh, there IS humor in my work!" The effect of this group energy, or synergy, if properly encouraged, can lead to stunning work.
"Carol is fabulous – a 'servant teacher' who jumps in and wrestles with the writing prompts right alongside the group. Her humility, humor, and grace exude a calmness that enhances honesty on the page."
–Heidi Gessner, Bereavement Coordinator, UNC Hospital
Currently, I'm offering both a first-draft-oriented weekly writing workshop, good for both beginners and pros, and, for experienced writers, an essay writing workshop.
Writing to Prompts Workshop
Designed after the method developed by Pat Schneider, founder of Amherst Writers & Artists, to help us find our truest voices and to silence our inner critics. We meet together weekly at Carol’s house for three hours in a group of 8 writers, plus Carol.
Workshop Guidelines
• You don't have to read your work aloud.
• We confine ourselves to positive feeback ONLY for this freshly-minted piece of first-draft writing–ONLY what we love, what we remember. Critiques will be available for later drafts.
• We treat everything as fiction–unless specifically asked by the writer not to. This means that in our discussion, we will refer to the "narrator/speaker,"not to "the author," as the voice of the piece. So, for example, if there is a mother in the piece, we will talk about that character not as "your" mother, but as
"the narrator's" mother.
• The workshop leader also writes and reads.• We maintain confidentiality.
Pat believes that everyone can write, and has a voice. I believe this too. In the first half of the evening, we write in response to a prompt suggested by me–which you are completely free to ignore, if you'd rather write about something else. We write for about 25 minutes and then we read the new work aloud. After a break, we write and read again.
Creative Nonfiction Writers' Group
This group is an essay writing workshop that began as an ongoing, spin-off group from my Creative Non-fiction Class, "Writing From Personal Experience." In the beginning, it was limited to those who have taken the class at least once and are interested in finishing pieces and pursuing avenues for publication. Because I no longer offer that particular class, but require some prequalification, the requirement now is that new group applicants must have worked with me privately or otherwise made their work known to me. Personally, I'm not fond of "limitations," but I recognize their necessity: a Writer's Group must share a certain skill level, critical lexicon, and basic mutual congeniality.
Specialized Workshops
• Healing Power of the Written Word: a Writing Workshop for Bereaved Mothers
A day-long workshop for bereaved mothers, focusing on restorative self-expression through writing, in a safe, nurturing environment. The workshop is designed to help both writers and non-writers explore journaling techniques to promote stress reduction, healing, insight, and a richer life experience. Responding to prompts, we will write personal narratives, dialogues with aspects of ourselves, unsent letters, lists, poetry, and more. Date: to be announced. Fee: $75. For more information, contact Carol.
• Salem Women Writers’ Retreat Weekend
Every six months, I lead a weekend writing and reading retreat for an ongoing group of bereaved mothers from North Carolina and Virginia. Our next next retreat will convene at Roaring Gap, NC, in April, 2007. (Enrollment is closed at this time.)
