Your Words, Your Voice:
Exploring Expressive Writing
(Fair Oaks)
The process of expressive or creative writing, especially when there are no expectations of a specific outcome, can be a therapeutic and transformative process. It stimulates your imagination and helps you think more innovatively. You begin to develop your own unique voice and perspective, giving you the opportunity to express yourself without reservation. Creating characters and settings helps you to communicate more succinctly, a valuable skill in all realms of life. Studies have shown that expressive writing yields mental, emotional and physical health benefits such as alleviating stress and warding off severe illnesses.
When you join this friendly writing group, you will explore your own distinctive voice as you spontaneously write in response to poetic or artistic prompts. You will be encouraged to allow your words to appear in whatever form they take, and to appreciate your creativity as well as that of others. Sharing your newly crafted story deepens your experience because feedback from this non-judgmental circle of writers focuses only on the strengths of each story. We make it safe to write what needs to be written.
A Writer Shares Her Thoughts About This Writing Group
“It’s healing to share what you have written with people who listen intently, who tell you what stays with them, who find meaning you didn’t know was there, who say “me, too” and who aren’t afraid to hear about your scars…Every week I am amazed at the way a writing prompt can inspire people in so many different directions.” Margo Fowkes (read her entire post here: Salt Water )
This writing group of both men and women is based on the Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) philosophy founded by Pat Schneider that everyone has a unique voice; everyone is born with creative genius; and that writing belongs to all people regardless of economic or educational level. A basic premise is that the sharing of writing can be done without damage to artistic self-esteem.
“Whether your purpose for writing is artistic expression, communication with friends and family, the healing of the inner life, or achieving public recognition for your art – the foundation is the same: the claiming of yourself as an artist/writer and the strengthening of your writing voice through practice, study, and helpful response from other writers.”
— Pat Schneider “Writing Alone and With Others”
“I truly hate missing our special writing group. Every week my heart is
touched and I experience growth. Your leadership puts us on paths
we’d never enter on our own. Thanks!”
Billie Snow
A huge THANK YOU to Pia Spector who, for three years, facilitated this group when it was titled Beyond The Words: Writing As A Transformative Practice. She stepped down in 2019 to pursue other interests. We are grateful for her dedication and support and the gentle way she facilitated this group. Her very detailed, stupendous stories and unique personality will be missed!
“Your writing group has been – and continues to be – a soul-filled experience. Thanks for giving so much of yourself.”
S.K.
2020 Schedule:
Starting April 21, group will
be held in 6 week series
on Tuesday nights via
online Zoom Video meetings only
Series 3: April 21 – May 26, 2020
Series 4: June 2 – July 7, 2020
Fee: reduced fee for Zoom meetings
during corona health crisis:
Minimum donation of $30 for 6 weeks,
more always deeply appreciated
Time: Tuesday evenings, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Facilitator: Carol Mathew-Rogers
Location: online only via Zoom Video
conferencing software
Registration:
New participants must contact facilitator in advance
carol@creative-edge.org or (916) 341-9563
Returning participants donate below or
by check to The Creative Edge,
8822 Swallow Way, Fair Oaks CA 95628
Session 4: June 1 – July 7, 2020
FACILITATORS WANTED!
In order to expand the creative arts into the world, Creative Edge is always looking for facilitators who have introspective and creative workshops to offer in areas such as visual arts, music, storytelling and other creative opportunities. Partnering with us expands your program reach to the benefit of all our participants. For a facilitator application, or to suggest a workshop, please send an email to Carol@creative-edge.org.
OUR REGISTRATION/REFUND POLICY
To honor the commitment of registrants and presenters we have a one-week registration deadline for all events unless otherwise noted. If the minimum number of registrants is not reached one week prior to an event, Creative Edge reserves the right to cancel the event. For events cancelled by Creative Edge, 100% of monies paid by registrant will be refunded. You may cancel your registration for an event by its registration deadline and be refunded all but a 10% processing fee or $5 minimum. For cancellations after the registration deadline we regret we cannot offer refunds as the monies are already committed.