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Salt Pond Writers |
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An affiliate of Amherst Writers and Artists |
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Salt Pond Writers Workshops honor the creative process of expression through written language, be it poetry, essay, memoir or fiction. During weekly sessions of cooperative writing time, participants write freely and share their work within a supportive community. The workshops adhere to guidelines developed by Amherst Writers and Artists, an international community of poets, fiction writers, playwrights, and memoirists.
As with other Amherst workshops, The Salt Pond Writers Workshop is open to those who have been writing for many years and those who have just begun to craft ideas into words. Through thought-provoking, visual, playful or active prompts, writers translate elusive imagery into written form. As thoughts begin to shape into stories, poems or memoir, a writer gains helpful insights into their work by listening to the responses of others. When a writer seeks publication, fellow members help the author by offer ing suggestions to strengthen a piece rather than crush its creative edge.
The Amherst Writers and Artists guidelines were developed more than thirty years ago by founder Pat Schneider and described in detail in her book Writing Alone and with Others. All affiliate members keep these affirmations and practices in mind when leading others in the practice of writing.
Amherst Writers Affirmations Each person has a unique voice Everyone is born with creative ability Writing as art belongs to all, regardless of economic class or educational level Teaching craft can be done without harming a writer’s voice or self-esteem A writer is someone who writes
Amherst Writers Essential Practices -In workshop writers are equal regardless of experience. Our response to pieces shared in workshop are positive and disciplined, to keep writers safe.
We hold our works in confidentiality. All works are treated as fiction to protect the privacy of the writer. Writers have the option to read aloud or not.
No criticism, suggestion or question is directed toward a writer sharing a first draft, just-written work. Critique is offered only when the writer asks, and then distributes work in manuscript form. Critique is balanced with affirmations as well as suggestions for change.
-Teaching of craft is taken seriously. Exercises invite experimentation and practice. Manuscript responses and private conferences invite growth.
-The leader writes and shares work along with the members of the group.
About the wind and its tempests, the seasons, the sunlight filtered through trees.
Just write.
About yesterday’s phone call with a friend (no longer) that put you in a funk.
Just write.
About family lost and found, loving or unspeakably horrid, take up your pen.
Just write.
About grace, captured of a moment in the silence when the wind calmed and led you forward.
Put it in words.
-Margie Bucheit, August, 2007
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About The Process |
