March 31 - April 2, 2006
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, and political activist with fifty 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, A Letter to Harvey Milk, Stilll Life with Buddy, Hachiko Waits, and the notorious Heather Has Two Mommies, which is still one of the most challenged books in the country. Nine of her books have been Lambda Literary Award Finalists, and she has taught writing workshops for 20 years in colleges and universities, including Amherst, Hampshire, Swarthmore, Oberlin, the U of Southern Maine, and Yale. Her book on writing, Write from the Heart: Inspiration and Exercises for Women Who Want to Write, is used from coast to coast. To learn more, visit www.lesleanewman.com, or www.lesleakids.com, a special site for kids! Rowe welcomes her return.