Writing Together: The Power of Generative Writing Workshops
About the Amherst Writers model.
Every time I have written with others in writing workshops, something magical happens. How it works is simple yet profound. The group writes in response to optional writing prompts/suggestions. Then each writer is invited, but never pressured, to share what they just wrote. The rest of us respond by telling the writer what stood out, what was strong, and what moved us.
Through this process, we connect with our best selves as writers and people. Sometimes I hear a piece that changes me forever. Sometimes I write something that surprises the hell out of me. And doing this week after week helps us go deeper, get closer to our natural voice, and builds our writing chops like nothing else.
BHWA generative workshops provide structure for writers to produce new work on a regular basis. Writers are given the freedom to find and strengthen their individual and unique voices and are encouraged to experiment with form, style, and new genres. Workshop members become part of a creative community, easing some of the isolation that they and those in marginalized groups often encounter.
Our workshops are based on the Amherst Writers and Artists writing workshop method, created by Pat Schneider and described in her book Writing Alone and With Others. Pat was a fierce advocate for the notion that everyone has a story to tell, and that everyone is a writer. When she was on your side, you felt like you could do anything in your writing.
I trained with Pat in 1997, and I was lucky enough to become her friend and colleague. I served as Co-Chair of the AWA Board and have been an instructor in AWA’s workshop leader trainings. I have 30 years experience with the AWA model, first as a workshop participant, and then leading workshops since 1997. I’ve led workshops for the general public, 9/11 survivors, formerly incarcerated men and women, supportive housing residents, youth, seniors, and many others.