Kick-Start Your Journal

“A man loves to review his own mind.  That is the use of a diary, or journal.”

--Samuel Johnson

Christine Stewart, Artist-in-Residence at the Creative Alliance and Director of the Write Here Write Now Workshops in Baltimore, Maryland, asked me to let you know about an exciting writing workshop.  You’re invited to participate!  Here's Chris to tell you more:

I’m offering  a journaling workshop outside the confines of my usual gig, the Write Here, Write Now workshops, so I'm inviting all writers I know, or asking friends to forward this to someone they think might benefit — YOU!

Don't panic, this is not the girly 'Dear Diary' of Judy Blume heroines! I'm thinking of a writer's journal. There's a difference. You don't have to be a regular writer, or have even written anything before to enjoy this class. A writer's journal is the best place to try out ideas, play around with character voices, sketch story structure, try a little poetry, or write random dialogue. They are also wonderful for simply getting down one's ruminations about the big and little details of life — some uber philosophical, some not — from which further writing can develop. There's no pressure, no perfection.

The best part is that you can get messy. You can try something and let it go if it isn't working. You can be daring. You can make mistakes. You can make lists and ask questions. Anything goes — overheard conversations, dreams, memories, anecdotes, images, descriptions, lyrics, and more.

Extra perk: fragments rule! And don't get me started on the fun of picking out the actual journal and pen you'll use...

DETAILS:

What: 4 sessions - $80, payable by cash or check to Chris Stewart

When: Saturdays 1-3 pm (or 3:30 pm, depending on how many people we have -—  can also do 2-4 pm or 3-5 pm — time is flexible) June 30, July 7, 14, 21.

Structure: in workshop we will do writing prompts and share only when comfortable. We will also read anything observed, overhead, pondered, dreamt, etc., during the week that went into the journal — same deal. Between workshops, you'll be given one exercise to work on — a little every day. How much time you spend on it is up to you. We will use newspapers, color, collage, and other media when appropriate (individual choice) to supplement and support the written word with a visual component (this helps jog your sensory memory later). We won't workshop, per se, as one can't fully critique an unfinished product — we will discuss, brainstorm on, and encourage what stands out.

RSVP TO: stewartcas@netzero.com

We will hit the ground running at the first session. I will email you an exercise when you register. This is a firm 4 week commitment. Please do not sign up if you can’t attend all four sessions. (I will offer it again! For anyone taking the WHWN satire class, which starts July 7, that runs from 10 am - 1 pm, so you could, conceivably, do both.)

The Write Here, Write Now ongoing creative writing workshop (5 sessions of 8 weeks each) begins October 25th. After this journaling workshop, you'll have an endless supply of writing to tap for that class! 

Hope you'll join me!

Chris Stewart, www.therealwriter.com

Artist-in-Residence, Creative Alliance

Director, Write Here, Write Now Workshops, www.whwnwriters.com

Chris is a great workshop director and is sure to inspire anyone who wants to attend.  Check out her websites and drop her a line!  But register now, because time is running out!