December AWA Writing Workshop for Stress Management

In a time when every day brings countless sources of stress, this workshop will provide a break from it all, including writing prompts and sharing to be present, process, and dig into the joys of creative expression and community connection. This space will provide a way to connect with others, write through the emotions, and relieve some of the stress you might be holding.

This is a generative writing workshop using the Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) method, where you'll write new pieces based on prompts (or whatever you feel like writing), followed by reading and responses that only identify what's working or what resonates with readers in your writing (no critique!).

This workshop is for all levels of writers, including beginners who might not yet identify as a writer. It's also open to all genres (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, etc.).

The process for the stress management focus means we'll progress through these types of prompts:

1. Grounding: Focus on the present moment. What do you notice (sounds, smells, etc.)? What are you carrying today (stress, worries, etc.)? Write that down to warm up.
2. Refocus: A writing prompt to shift our focus away from those burdens (or digging deeper into them, if that's what you need). You can read and receive encouraging feedback.
3. Find the joy: A prompt to tap into the joy of creative expression. This can include humor, gratitude, awe, etc. You can read and receive encouraging feedback.
4. Closing: Wrapping up the workshop after finding resilience through mindfulness, creativity, and connection. This will help you return to your daily routine with more clarity and tranquility.

*I am an AWA-certified facilitator leading workshops in the AWA method as described in Writing Alone and With Others by Pat Schneider, Oxford University Press. I am also a writer with numerous publications and contest/award wins for my poetry, short fiction, and short nonfiction. I have written a novel and am consistently improving my writing and industry knowledge through various classes, workshops, etc.

➡️What: AWA Writing Workshop for Stress Management
➡️When: Sunday, December 8th, 4-6pm CT
➡️Where: Zoom (link sent with ticket confirmation)
➡️Cost: $45 (standard ticket)

*For those with a limited budget, the scholarship ticket is $25 (no questions asked).

**For those who can help offset the scholarship tickets, "pay it forward" tickets are $65. Thank you!

Attendees will leave with 2-3 new pieces of new writing, along with encouraging feedback to inspire them to continue with their writing. The goal is for everyone to leave the workshop with less stress than they brought into it.

Event Venue

Online