Authentic Writing

Authentic Writing Workshop

The workshop begins with a period of writing. A short phrase is offered by Fred or Marta, something that has come out of recent writing in the group or a phrase that seems relevant to the group at that moment. Students will learn a way of bringing a memory or specific scene to mind. Sometimes what comes to mind seems utterly unrelated. Writer is encouraged to begin there. As in dreams, the material that can trigger writing is unpredictable. And, as in a dream, it comes from mysterious places and may at first seem trivial when in fact it is huge. After a generous period of writing, participants reassemble and are invited one by one to read their work out loud. There is no pressure to read. In fact, it is best to write with no commitment to going public, although most quickly feel comfortable doing so in this supportive, confidential context. Although the writing that appears in workshops is invariably deep and personal, participants maintain a disciplined focus on the writing itself. The workshops are thus saved from becoming idle exchanges of personal stories or quasi-therapy. Fred and Marta are almost always full participants in the workshops as well as facilitators. They do not stand apart as "teachers." They write and read their material, using the workshops like everyone else to fuel their own writing.