Workshops

Blackbird Writing

Cynthia Bond, Facilitator

Writers working on full-length projects are supported and guided to find the raw truth within each story. Fiction and memoir projects are workshopped. Writers identify the obstacles they must overcome to complete each piece, then work to devise a strategy of support to tackle these blocks. Cynthia shares a variety of structures and POV’s so writers are able to organically choose what will work on their project. Writers are also encouraged to uncover and polish the source of inspiration to pull, even drag the writer through to completion. Cynthia uses unique writing prompts to spark ideas and break through writing blocks. She also guides writers in finding their own intuitive answers to questions of character, plot and many other aspects of writing and also arms each writer with the basics of craft, structure and storytelling. It is a small and close-knit group and a supportive writing community. Meets Bi-Monthly. 3 hrs.

Ongoing

Freedom to Write

Cynthia Bond, Facilitator

In this weekly workshop facilitated by Cynthia, writers explore and discover the story they are meant to write…in this moment…at this time. Through a series of exercises and assignments, students learn to trust their writing voice and break free from the cage of fear and resistance. The aim is for each student to write with honesty, specificity and purpose. The next stage is supporting each writer through set deadlines, a unique peer review process and specific guidance from Cynthia. Freedom to Write’s guiding principle is to bring each story to light with the clear understanding there are no cookie-cutter answers to writing questions. Each story is unique, special. The answers are found within the story. What is being written, and what is not.

Each week one student’s work is supported. Writing prompts are designed to spark ideas and explore some of craft. For example, you may be asked to create a map of your character’s body. Where are the scars—both internally and externally? NY Times Bestselling Author Janet Fitch suggests keeping a weather journal. Some of the prompts focus on place, writing flashbacks and more. There is often a focused lesson about the craft of writing. The goal is to learn to write the painful and the joyous without self-hate and judgement…to write freely. 2 Hours.

Ongoing

power words

Cynthia Bond, Facilitator

In this weekly workshop Cynthia gives writing prompts designed to spark new ideas and ways of creating. Each prompt will help develop a specific writing skill and area of craft. Sensory prompts—sounds, temperature, tactile objects, fabrics…all wind into writing kick-starters for description, nature, dialogue, personification and more. Power Words gives writers the time and space to write in a supportive environment. At the end of each session there will be an opportunity for each writer to read some of the work created during the session. 1.5 hours

Ongoing

The rhythm of words~Songwriting for writers

Narissa Bond, Faciltator

Every story has a rhythm and melody. Every character walks to their own beat. In this three week workshop, award winnning Singer-Songwriter Narissa Bond will help you discover the music within your writing. You do not have to be a singer, play an instrument or have any musical experience whatsoever. In writing, it is important to revolutionize and discover new patterns. Through exploring another medium you may find new pathways and bridges to a new voice, a new way of looking at your work.

3 sessions

meditation for writers

Franki Cox, facilitator

Franki will lead you through a series of meditations designed to unlock your creative source. If you are blocked and searching for answers to a writing “problem,” the simple act of stopping, looking within and LISTENING may free you. Meditation, listening and only then beginning the process of writing Franki will share the power and magic of being open and willing to not know all the answers.

4 sessions

PRIVATE COACHING

Cynthia works one-on-one with writers to help create an individualized guide to help writers finish projects. Each writer has a specific set of strengths and challenges. These sessions inspire, problem solve and work with the writer to learn to “build their own fire.”