“In my years as a writer and teacher but especially as director of The Writing Salon, I’ve wondered how other writers build and sustain their writing practice," says Ben Jackson. "While there’s no one magic formula that works for everyone, I’ve found there are particular components that lead to ongoing passion, productivity, and purpose. In this half-day class, I’d like to share some of those discoveries with you.”
Through short presentations and readings, explorative discussions, and eye-opening writing exercises, we’ll discover what drives us to the page right now, whether we want to tell a family story or simply experience the wild pleasures that surface when we’re receptive to creative impulse. We’ll then dive into how we might sustain our creative pursuits, who might accompany us along the way for support and guidance, and what goals we have in mind (a published book? a fun daily exercise?).
Ben says, “While there’s no one right way to approach a writing practice, recognizing certain things about ourselves, especially our quirks and obsessions, can help us move forward with intention and enthusiasm. By the time our three hours are up, everyone will have a clear sense of their own motivation to write, how they can sustain their practice in a firm yet flexible way, and how they can utilize services and resources at The Writing Salon and throughout the Bay Area to pursue their passions and projects.”
This class is for everyone, beginners as well as seasoned writers who want to push their practice into another gear.
About The Writing Salon's In-Person Classes
Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about the class. If you have any questions about in-person learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.
Ben Jackson has been the director of The Writing Salon since March 2016. He has taught at a wide range of colleges, schools, and retreat centers, including the University of San Francisco and the Esalen Institute. His writing has appeared in New England Review, Southern Review, Hudson Review, FIELD, Poetry Daily, Prairie Schooner, and elsewhere. A graduate of the Warren Wilson MFA Program for Writers, he has won awards and fellowships from the Tor House Foundation, Warren Wilson College, Vermont Studio Center, Brush Creek Foundation for the Arts, and Jentel Artist Residency Program.
- Saturday, February 01, 10:00am-1:00pm