What can being part of a writing circle do for me?
Regular writing in a supportive group can help you to:
• Gain a greater sense of emotional and physical well being
• Experience insights and self awareness
• Unlock hidden creativity and problem solving abilities
• Tap inner strengths and intuitive wisdom
• Clear away emotional blocks
• Relieve stress and stress related symptoms
• Reduce pain
What is the Amherst Writers and Artists Method?
The AWA Method empowers writers to find and free their voices. It was created by Pat Schneider, who after many years of facilitating writing groups, authored Writing Alone and with Others published by Oxford University Press. The five essential affirmations of the Amherst Writers and Artists Method are:
- Everyone has a strong, unique voice.
- Everyone is born with creative genius.
- Writing as an art form belongs to all people, regardless of economic class or education level.
- The teaching of craft can be done without damage to a writer’s original voice or self- esteem.
- A writer is someone who writes.
Everything we do during an AWA gathering of writers furthers these affirmations.
How are AWA writing groups organized?
As leader, I prepare prompts and work to create a space where participants feel safe to let their voices emerge on paper and aloud. At the same time, I am a member of the group. I write and take the risk of reading, just as the others in the group do.
How do you keep the space safe?
In an Amherst Writers and Artists Method group, we respect and protect the privacy of the writer. When we discuss writing, we consider the work to be fiction unless the writer asks us to treat it as autobiography. We agree to a rule of confidentiality. What is spoken in the circle, remains in the circle. As facilitator, I make sure we follow these practices.
What happens in a writing circle meeting?
We begin by settling in. Often we read a poem or other short piece of writing aloud in order to invite our voices into the room. I present a prompt to inspire our creativity. If someone feels moved to write about another topic, that is fine.
We write for a few minutes and then we form a circle to share what we’ve written. Participants are free to opt out of reading, but most choose to share because reading their work aloud strengthens their voices as writers.
After a member reads, others reflect on the writing by telling what they liked about the writing , what was strong about the writing, and what stayed with them from the writing.
Our second prompt of the evening is usually focused on some aspect of a writer’s craft. This time we devote a longer time to writing. Once more, we come together to share and reflect before the evening ends.
What’s the difference between a writing circle and a writing workshop?
Writing circles are a bit more informal than workshops, which typically meet on a weekly basis for six to eight weeks and are closed to new members during this time. Workshops are limited to 12 people. Typically workshop meetings last for three hours. After the first few meetings, workshop members may bring written manuscripts for written and oral comments from other group members.
Writing circles often meet less frequently than workshops and meet for shorter time periods. Depending on the circle, drop-ins may be allowed. During a writing circle, we only reflect on what we’ve written during that meeting of the circle.
As people befriend their creativity and their voices emerge in writing circles, some eventually decide to join a AWA writing workshop.
Why don’t people give critiques on the writing we do during a meeting?
The writing we do within our circle is first draft writing. It isn’t appropriate to offer suggestions, ask questions, or make criticisms about a writer’s work before she or he has had a chance to revise it.
What if I’ve written and revised a story or a poem and I want group members to tell me what is wrong with it?
Critique of written manuscripts is a key part of an AWA workshop made up of of writers who have made a six- to eight- week commitment to meeting in a group with the same people. If you are interested in being part of a workshop please let me know.
