Digging Deep: A Generative Writing Workshop

We’re beginning to remember that the first poets didn’t come out of a classroom, that poetry began when somebody walked off of a savanna or out of a cave and looked up at the sky with wonder and said, “Ahhh.” That was the first poem.

--Lucille Clifton

In this time of social distancing and pandemic, our one-session remote workshop is designed to bypass constriction and limitation by offering portals into imagery, language, and creative expression. Using a variety of prompts, both individual and collaborative, we will dig deep and unearth the material of memory, the raw clay from which to generate new writing, both poetry and prose, in our workshop and beyond.

Your instructors will draw upon Amherst Writers & Artists Method and other practices that center the writer and protect the writer’s voice and vision for the work. Whether you are new to writing or much published, you will find sustenance here. You will leave this class with new poems or short prose pieces, and a trove of inspiration for future work.

Please bring to class one object that holds memory and story for you: e.g., a river rock found on a walk with a beloved, a childhood book or toy, an item of clothing worn during a momentous time in your life.

* This class will break for lunch for 30 minutes to one hour. There will also be two short breaks: one in the morning, one in the afternoon.

About The Writing Salon's Remote Classes

Due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, The Writing Salon is running all classes in a remote learning format. You will be able to participate in live class meetings via Zoom videoconference. To attend classes, you'll need a phone, tablet or computer and access to the internet. You can participate in the class from wherever you'd like, whether on your living room couch or in your office. Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about Zoom and your remote class. If you have any questions about remote learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.