Your First Writing Group
Remember
“When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives meant he most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. -Henri Nouwen (1932-1996)
Writing
- It is normal to feel nervous or intimidated.
- When we read, we are no longer the author; we are the reader.
- Read, then be silent and accept the feedback from the listeners.
- If there is silence, understand, and accept that it is honoring!
Reading
“Do not try to transform yourself. Move into yourself. Move into your human unsuccess. “Our healing and growth come from accepting ourselves for who we are . . . “Your questions are more valuable than your answers.
-Marion Woodman (b. 1928)
Details, details, details... Take risks. Write through areas when you feel uncomfortable.
Clarity rather than charity . . . Remember you never need to share anything you write. Language follows emotion.
Keep the pen moving. What is seeking expression? The subject chooses the writer
Everything is Fiction
Even if it is. Even if t isn't, when we respond to a group, we treat each work as if it were fiction.
Responding to another's writing
Please confine your comments to:
- What I liked was . . .
- What was strong was . . .
- What will stay with me was . . .
Treat each piece as if it were fiction. It contributes to the safety of the group.