THE WRITING CIRCLE:
It’s a Pen Party!
At a residence in Larkspur, CA
A gathering of 6 to 8 writers of
any level… who want to connect with their pens, journals and CREATIVITY!
A writing
circle is a private place to…
* Adventure, take risks, leap,
belly-flop, twist and twirl words in any way you desire
* Delight in what you write and share
if you wish
* Leave judgment and critiques at the
door
* Invite your authentic voice to the
party
* Stumble upon insights with the help
of your pen
* Dip your toes or your whole body in
creativity
* Play with the process, more than the
craft, of writing. (Yet, the craft is honed organically with a committed writing practice)
The format:
*
Each
week we’ll dive into several writing prompts for about 10 minutes each. (A few
examples: Describe the sensation of laughter…Write a letter to someone you
forgot to thank…The wind tastes like…10 things I remember about 6th
grade…Write a poem beginning with “I am”… The recipe to me is...Write about blue
things…about your closet…about ice cream…about a white lie…Write a love letter
to a body part you don’t like… Go
through the contents of your wallet or purse—pick one thing and tell its
story... I smelled grilled onions and I knew... Look at a photograph, tell what
is not seen…10 things I didn’t notice today... Let your non-writing hand tell
what it’s like not to be favored…I am like an octopus because...(hint: I like
to use ink)
* Good news: There’s no time to edit or
self-judge. After each prompt, we’ll share our “unplugged” writings
What to
bring:
* A few pens that feel fabulous in your
hand
* A beloved journal or plain old
notebook (Page size matters--go for big over small)
* A totem/trinket that symbolizes
creative freedom to you (a photo, an animal statue, lyrics to a song that
inspire you, a feather...)
WRITING CIRCLE CONTRACT
1. I vow to keep all contents of the
Writing Circle sacred and
confidential.
Everything that happens (in writing and discussion) in the Circle stays in the
Circle.
2. I vow to put my Inner Critic down for
her nap during the Writing Circle. If she wakes up, I will gently tuck her back
in bed. I will invite my inner
cheerleader to the party.
3. I promise not to comment with
positive or critical judgment on anyone’s writing including my own. (I know this is pretty challenging, but
try this instead: “Thanks for sharing.” Or “I’d like to hear more about…”)
4. I understand that I’m encouraged, but
not required, to share my writing out loud after each writing prompt. Sometimes
I may choose to share only a few sentences or maybe not even a word.
5. I understand that I can make up
anything I want. Some topics are personal, but if I am not comfortable, I can
practice writing fiction and lie as much as I feel like.
6. I recognize that writing is FUN, but
sometimes it can make me feel emotional. I will not judge myself or others if
emotions get stirred.
7. I recognize that the intention of the
Writing Circle is to express myself and play with writing. I can write as
poorly as I want—with horrible
grammar, choppy sentences, run-ons, platitudes, goofy rhymes, and self-importance.
I can make shit up too. I can take risks if I want.
8. I understand that sometimes to shake
things up, I will occasionally be asked to take a walk, bring a photograph,
change writing instruments, wear a costume or hat, or do a yoga pose…
9. I understand that this is my Writing
Circle, and my ideas are always welcome.
