"What do I hope to get out of each workshop? Actually I am beyond hope - I am at a near-certainty that I will get wonder, pleasure, surprise, fun, challenge, companionship and inspiration." ~ D.L., workshop participant
Fundamentally, Portland Women Writers workshops are based on the Amherst Writers and Artists method developed by Pat Schneider and described in Writing Alone and with Others. By offering a safe environment, these workshops support participants to find and express their authentic voice, access their creative power and build community with other women.
The foundation of Schneider's approach is the revolutionary notion that writing is "an art form available for all persons." PWW workshops draw from Schneider's "Five Essential Affirmations:"
1. Everyone has a strong, unique voice. 2. Everyone is born with creative genius. 3. Writing as an art form belongs to all people, regardless of economic class or educational level. 4. The teaching of craft can be done without damage to a writer's original voice or artistic self-esteem. 5. A writer is someone who writes.
Writing Practice Using the Amherst Writers and Artists method, these workshops offer a safe and supportive environment for writers to create new writing. The facilitator provides writing prompts to inspire the imagination and encourage experimentation with different styles and genres. Writers of all levels of experience and of all genres are welcome. Read more>> Sacred Story Sacred Story work utilizes the powerful tools of guided visualization and writing to help us reclaim our power as authors of our own lives. Once we identify the limiting stories we are telling ourselves about who we are and what we are capable of we can write new stories in alignment with our personal and collective well-being. Read more>>
Astrology In addition to their writing backgrounds, both Rhea and Emily are professional astrologers. The themes of astrology come alive in guided writing sessions that help us deepen self-awareness and place our personal journeys in a cosmic context. Through the lens of astrology and the transformative nature of writing, we deepen our ability to see both personal and collective gifts, challenges and histories. No astrology or writing experience is needed. Read more>>
Our Stories of Loss & Grief Each of us carries within us profound stories of loss. When we approach these stories as a writer we have the opportunity to enter into a new kind of relationship with them. These stories are also powerful material for our writing because they hold deep truth and authenticity. Read more>>
Inner Fire: Celebrating the Seasons
Rhea brings her background in earth-based spiritual traditions and her love of connecting people to the cycles of nautre to these seasonally offered workshops. At each of the equinoxes and solstices, we will use meditation, storytelling and guided writing exercises, to see how we can imbue our daily lives with more magic and purpose. Inner Fire workshops urge us toward discovering our inherent creativity, our wholeness, and an expanded sense of self. Read more>>
Portland Women Writers Workshop Refund Policy: All paid workshop fees are fully refundable with one week cancellation notice. After one week, a $35.00 deposit is retained for administrative purposes. This cancellation policy does not apply to retreats.
In a weekly group, if a participant must withdraw after the 2nd week, no refund is possible. Check with individual facilitator about using a portion of the fee for a future workshop.