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Writer to Writer

Rie Sheridan

Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho, It's Off to Workshop I Go...

I would like to take a few minutes of your time this month to talk about a really great way to get over a writing slump, break a writer's block, or meet some other people with the same passions you have--attend a workshop. Several weeks ago, I got an email from a lovely lady inviting me to attend her writing clinic. It sounded like lots of fun and interesting companionship, but the budget didn't want to allow it. After a bit of persuading, I decided to go anyway, and drove thirteen hours from Texas to New Mexico to attend Milli Thornton's Tantrick Writing Clinic. It was worth the effort.

For one thing, Taos is a beautiful city, full of twisting streets, art galleries, and artists. Just standing and looking into the mountain-filled horizons is inspiring. We watched a storm over the mountains that cried out to be put down on paper. But more importantly, the workshop itself was designed to break up any lingering writing barriers and create an atmosphere conducive to inspiration.

There were a group of nine ladies, all of varying degrees of experience enrolled in the workshop, and we started off with an easy exercise, which had you reveal your deepest secrets--about chocolate… It was complete with samples, so it was a wonderful ice-breaker. This engaging of the senses outside the normal expectations for a writing exercise was thematic for the entire weekend. We had one unusual experience after another (and no, I'm not going into more detail--I don't want to give it away!) all designed to free the imagination and get the pen dancing. Key to the process was that everyone shared what she had written for each exercise with the rest of the group. There were no style critiques, or line-by-line edits, just sharing of what general impressions the piece had made on the audience.

I found myself moved to write scenes for two of my WIPs that I hadn't touched in months. Now, I am itching to get back to work on them. I even started a new children's piece and wrote an instrumental song based on the powerful inspiration of a piece of statuary located on the grounds of the site.

Back to my re-occurring theme--the networking I did at the workshop garnered me another publisher to query. I also found out some information regarding a possible printer for a project that I want to self-produce. I heard about some writers' organizations that I hadn't encountered before. I got to talk shop with Milli over a lovely dinner.

I strongly recommend looking at what workshops, conferences, and book fairs are available in your area. These opportunities are out there, and will help you keep a finger on the pulse of what is actually going on in the writing field. Sometimes it feels like a writer is working in isolation, but it isn't really so. The whole point of writing is to get your message out to other people. Finding out what is out there and contacting others who share your passions is the best way to do this. For more information on Milli's Tantrick Writing Clinic or her Fear of Writing workshops, drop her an email at workshops@fearofwriting.com. It is a great workshop, and your money will be well invested in your writing career.