September 12-14
Writing is a tool of self discovery. Each one of us is a treasure chest of stories, and writing enables us to access these stories, for the pen is connected to the heart. Writing in a group is a rare and special experience and we'll spend much of our time together doing just that. We will use simple, focused, specific exercises that call upon childhood memories, observations, our senses, dreams, and fantasies to capture in words the emotional truths of our lives. Because writing exercises work on a conscious and subconscious level, we have fresh insights about subjects that we may have thought about over and over. Surprise, and often amazement, are common reactions to what is written.
As part of the writing process, each of us will have the opportunity to share our words with the whole group, in small groups, and in pairs. Feedback will focus on the emotional effect the writing has on those listening to it. What were the strongest images? How did the writing make you feel? In a supportive, non competitive environment, we'll learn to give and receive constructive feedback that focuses on the strengths and possibilities of our writing. This retreat is for women who want to write but think they have nothing to say and for women who know they have something to say but don't know how to say it. No previous writing experience is required. All you need to bring is a pen, a notebook, an open heart, and an open mind.
Leslea Newman is an amalgam: poet, novelist, editor, teacher, political activist with 40 books to her credit. Her poetry is extraordinary, her short stories astounding, her children's books a delight. Her titles include In Every Laugh a Tear, Secrets, A Letter to Harvey Milk, Sweet Dark Places, and the notorious Heather Has Two Mommies, which was one of the most banned books of the 1990s. Six of her books have been Lambda Literary Award Finalists, and she has been the recipient of a Massachusetts Artist Foundation Fellowship. Ms. Newman has taught writing workshops for 20 years in the Pioneer Valley and in colleges and universities all over the country, including Amherst, Hampshire, Swarthmore, Oberlin and Yale. Her book on writing exercises, Writing from the Heart: Inspiration and Exercises for Women Who Want to Write, is used in classrooms and workshops from coast to coast. To learn more about Leslea's work visit www.lesleanewman.com, or www.lesleakids.com, a special site for kids!