The Post-Retreat Update

I think it went well. It is difficult to determine the effectiveness of writing prompts. But, if the goal of the retreat was to generate writing, then it was a success. Coming from MFA workshops, where the standard for writing is so high that no one meets it, the community of the Writing Project unsettles me—in a good way.

What strikes me about the Writing Project is its philosophy of writing. Like the Amherst Writing Circles, the WP—and the WPWP especially—treat words and writing as sacred gifts. A typical writing gathering goes as follows:

1. Leader gives writing prompt.
2. All write—mostly to the prompt, or whatever else they desire.
3. Leader calls participants back together.
4. All who desire read their work aloud.
5. Participants comment on what they remember and appreciate about the writing.
6. All thank each other for sharing what they’ve written.

It is a safe, treasured way of writing. From the way in which these participants read their words out loud, each word sounded like candy. Obviously, what comes out is not finished, not fully formed or shaped, but it is a start. A proverbial diamond in the rough. Criticism is never given on a first draft. Lines that would not otherwise have been formed are written and shared and valued. The writing process of communication is complete.

Hopefully, my job from here on out will be to facilitate writing workshops that continue the revision process. To generate writing, but also to give constructive feedback on more polished pieces. We’re also envisioning a workshop that incorporates writing and yoga…