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.   

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”