My Workshops
The dynamics that emerge in the workshop setting never cease to amaze me. Fed by each other’s inspiration, people turn in work that surprises and delights them. Everyone quickly recognizes what’s happening; everyone appreciates it.
For me, it’s a privilege to hear all those voices, and make these fantastic forays into other people’s minds. The understanding that comes from hearing response to your own writing, read aloud, is revelatory–and new to many–and helps you learn about yourself as a writer. It leads to you think: “oh, my gosh, there IS humor in my work!” The effect of this group energy, or synergy, if properly encouraged, can lead to stunning work.
Journaling Workshops
Writers of all levels of experience and of all genres can come together in a journaling workshop. There are no criteria for acceptance other than a sincere desire and willingness to write… (more)
Writing to Prompts Workshops
Designed after the method developed by Pat Schneider, founder of Amherst Writers & Artists, to help us find our truest voices and to silence our inner critics… (more)
Creative Nonfiction Writers’ Groups
This is primarily an essay writing workshop–although we always have a number of book length projects. Groups are ongoing, and began as spin-offs from my original Creative Non-fiction Class, “Writing From Personal Experience.” (more)
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Specialized Workshops
These are brief workshops–usually 1 day to or a weekend–offered when occasions arise. Can range from personal writing–open go all–to writing as healing, given for medical and counseling professionals. Listings are updated when new events are announced.
Healing Power of the Written Word
This is a day-long workshop for bereaved mothers, focusing on restorative self-expression through writing, in a safe, nurturing environment. The workshop is designed to help both writers and non-writers explore journaling techniques to promote stress reduction, healing, insight, and a richer life experience. Responding to prompts, we will write personal narratives, dialogues with aspects of ourselves, unsent letters, lists, poetry, and more. Date: to be announced. Fee: $75. For more information, contact Carol.
I'm happy to be part of this collection of personal stories, a collaboration involving over 60 teachers of memoir from around the world. The book is published independently by the Birren Center for Autobiographical Writing, through which the authors are certified to teach.
A unique and beautiful exploration of Helen Keller's abiding friendship with prominent journalist Ed Chamberlin–and much more about Keller's struggles, passions, and values. The author is Chamberiin's great-great-granddaughter.
On August 8, 2020, in pandemic heat, I introduced Kristen Rademacher (via Zoom)at the launch party for From the Lake
House, A Mother’s Odyssey of Loss and Love, her wrenching memoir. Flyleaf Books, our hopping indie bookstore here in Chapel Hill, NC, hosted the event. A large crowd from across the country and around the world tuned in for the inspiring multi-media event.
This poignant memoir gives a boy's view of life in Nazi-held Prague and his escape to freedom in a challenging America.
An award winning collection of powerful stories about serving the many needs of elderly and indigent patients, as one of America's first gerontological nurse practitioners.
Essays by women ministers about their challenges and victories in answering the call to ministry.
A mother's 40-year struggle to raise an autistic son – and to grow up herself.
This idyllic memoir recollects the sweet and simple summer pleasures of family life in mid-century Cape Cod.
If you love your pets and make sacrifices for them, you will adore this lively book about a family's needy cats.
The history of a women's shelter in Birmingham, Alabama, as told through many voices.
William Buffett's short essays on nearly everything, arranged as an alphabet book.
Essays about one man's dimensional life including some of his favorite recipes.
