The Red Tent Confessional: Embodying story through the craft of writing

Thu Jul 29 2021 at 07:00 pm to Sat Jul 31 2021 at 04:00 pm

Riverbend Church | Austin

Red Tent Living
Publisher/HostRed Tent Living
The Red Tent Confessional: Embodying story through the craft of writing
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“A self is not something static, tied up in a pretty parcel and handed to the child, finished and complete. A self is always becoming.”
About this Event

“A self is not something static, tied up in a pretty parcel and handed to the child, finished and complete. A self is always becoming.” -Madeleine L'Engle

In the tradition of confessional poets such as Anne Sexton and Sylvia Plath, the Red Tent Confessional focuses on telling the stories of our personal lives through the craft of writing. The confessional writers gave us the gift of engaging their lives and emotions nonjudgmentally, courageously addressing topics that were taboo at the time. They didn’t hide their experiences or pretend to be anything other than themselves, and their work invites us to do the same.

In this one-time Writing Confessional event, we will welcome and examine the archetypes we've embodied through our stories, taking time to honor the many voices and roles we have adopted to shape our own sense of self. Looking at the scenes of our stories, we will identify some of the places where we have lived as heroines, villians, maidens, sages, and rebels.

As writers, we get to decide which moments of our lives to share and explore the best way to share them, engaging in the sacred task of turning our personal experiences into well crafted forms of art. The hope of this retreat is that we will learn to share those moments in an integrated and authentic way, refusing to shy away from scenes where we carry regret, fear, confusion, or loss because of how we behaved. In so doing, we will come face to face with our courage, our darkness, and the divine love of God.

For those who attended the first Red Tent Confessional, this retreat will explore different themes, particularly those of character and voice, inviting writers to engage new ground as we consider the ways that fiction and nonfiction both uniquely empower us to share the truths of our stories.

Content*

During this weekend retreat, we will look at writing as therapy, writing as craft, and writing as a spiritual practice, answering questions like:

  • How is the writing process linked to your relationship with God and with yourself?

  • How do we write honestly about the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of womanhood, and how do these themes connect to our own personal identity?

  • Which themes continually surface in your individual writing, and what do they say about who God made you to be?

  • How can writing our stories be part of our collective and individual healing?

  • How can the practice of writing lead us back to our truest self?

Whether you’ve published a book or are just beginning the journey, whether you prefer fiction versus nonficiton, whether you’re well-acquainted with your personal story or just starting to look at it, this retreat will help you further your journey as a female writer.

Ticket includes 5 teachings with professional writers, 5 prompts for individual working sessions, 2 working group sessions with professional counselors, a private concert and dinner with Nichole Nordeman, as well as in depth feedback on your personal writing voice, style, and content. Lodging and additional meals are not included.


*A special code for $100 off has been created for women of color who desire to attend this event. Please contact [email protected] to receive the code.COVID Protocols

In these uncertain and challenging times, we recognize the need to take above-and-beyond precautions to keep everyone safe and healthy. We will require either proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of our starting time. We will be thoroughly cleaning our space and providing for adequate social distancing throughout the experience. Anyone who desires to wear a mask as an added precaution is welcome to do so.

Thank you for your participation and understanding.

Instructors 
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Counselor
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Riverbend Church, 4214 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, United States

Tickets

USD 825.00 to USD 900.00

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