Workshops
Introduction to Creative Writing: Building a Writing Practice
A regular writing practice strengthens concentration and nourishes creativity. But so often, life gets in the way. Distraction, self-doubt, procrastination, fear, and anxiety trip us up. This program is designed to spark your writing practice, whether you are dusting off a long-held writing dream, have been struggling with writer’s block, or simply want to try something new.
"I am convinced that Heather Sellers was put on this earth to teach. She is unfailingly committed to her students and to the work of creative writing. She is generous and funny and wicked smart. She has taught me how to quiet my mind, ground my body, and enter the space where my best work comes from. She has taught me about scene, summary, process, story and how to develop the writer on the page. The time with her always feels generative and she never shies away from the what the work needs to be its best. I’ve had many writing teachers over many years but everything I know about writing and the writing life I’ve learned from Heather."
~ K.S., Philadelphia, PA
"The course focused on the simple beauty of how to set up a writing practice, how to be aware of and calm 'writing demons,' and how writing was allowed to be just for ourselves."
~ N.H., New York City, NY
“I now have a third eye.”
~ A.B, Tampa, FL
The Art of Reflection
Reflection means: bend back. We’re so often told “Show, don’t tell,” but good writing frequently employs telling — the reflective writer tells us what an experience means. So what is the difference between telling something well and telling it poorly? We’ll examine stellar examples of reflection in prose and poetry and we will practice the four artful ways of telling—reflecting wisely—while avoiding over-explanation and other pitfalls.
“This workshop completely changed the way I’m approaching my memoir. Harder, but better.”
~ P.K., Milwaukee, WI
Poetry as Mindfulness Practice
So much in our lives is rushed and superficial; distraction rules the day. For many of us, sitting meditation is a goal, one that is difficult to knit into our tightly-packed schedules. For those of us with attention issues, simply sitting can actually increase anxiety. If you are looking for something to ground your daily awareness practice, something to add meaning and significance to your life, why not try poetry? A series of reading and personal writing exercises, led by your instructor, offer you numerous ways into experiencing poetry as an experience in guided meditation and supported mindfulness. All are welcome. (This isn’t a workshop with critiques; as in meditation class, sharing is not necessary or expected.)
“The best course I’ve taken at this retreat center, without question.”
~ R.A.C., Lenox, MA