Your Words, Your Voice:
Exploring Expressive Writing
“Your writing group has been – and continues to be – a soul-filled experience. Thanks for giving so much of yourself.”
S.K.
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
“Thank you for creating a format and atmosphere that is always inviting! Just a note to say how valuable your class has been: I like getting the prompts ahead of time so ideas can roll around in my head, the extended time for writing and the meaningful sharing.”
Sue Kenney

2023 SCHEDULE
MONDAY AFTERNOONS
1:00 – 3:00 pm Pacific
6 week Sessions (except Jan & Aug)
Session 1:
Mon Jan 23 – Feb 7
(3 week session)
Session 3:
Mon Feb 20 – Mar 27
Session 5:
Mon, April 10 – May 15
Session 7:
Mon, May 29 – July 17
(no class June 26, July 3)
Summer Session 9:
Mon, August 21 (1 meeting)
Session 11:
Mon, Sept 18 – Oct 23
Session 13:
Mon, Nov 6 – Dec 18
(no class Nov 20)
TUESDAY NIGHTS
6:00 – 8:00 pm Pacific
6 week Sessions (except Jan & Aug)
Session 2:
Tues Jan 24 – Feb 7
(3 week session)
Session 4:
Tues Feb 21 – Mar 28
Session 6:
Tues April 11 – May 16
Session 8:
Tues May 30 – July 18
(no class June 27, July 4)
Summer Session 10:
Tues Aug 22 (1 meeting)
Session 12:
Sept 19 – Oct 24
Session 14:
Nov 7 – Dec 19
(no class Nov 21)
Fees:
Sliding Scale:
$70 – $100 per six-week session
$40 – $70 per 3-week session (when offered)
$20 – $40 for single class (when offered)
Limited partial scholarships
are available upon request
Facilitator: Carol Mathew-Rogers
Location: online via Zoom Video
conferencing software
Registration:
New participants must contact facilitator in advance before paying:
(916) 341-9563 or
carol@creative-edge.org
Returning participants pay below
or by check made out to
“The Creative Edge”
mailed to
The Creative Edge
8822 Swallow Way
Fair Oaks CA 95628
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.
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.