Jan 23-25, 2009
Writing is a road to self-discovery. Each one of us is a treasure chest of stories, and writing enables us to access these stories, by connecting the pen 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 writing exercises that call upon childhood memories, observations, our senses, dreams, and fantasies to capture the emotional truths of our lives. Because these exercises work on both conscious and subconscious levels, we will have fresh insights about subjects that are familiar to the point of boredom. 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.
Lesléa Newman is an amalgam: poet, novelist, editor, teacher, and political activist with more than 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, and the notorious Heather Has Two Mommies. Nine of her books have been Lambda Literary Award Finalists, she has taught writing workshops for 25 years, she’s on the faculty of the Stonecoast MFA program at the U of Southern Maine, and she is the Poet Laureate of Northampton. Write from the Heart: Inspiration and Exercises for Women Who Want to Write is used from coast to coast. Rowe welcomes her return.