On the first day of each workshop that I've facilitated for Write Around Portland, I've had at least one person take me aside while I was setting up to say something like: “I'm not a writer. I don't think I belong here. Just warning you — I might leave in the middle...”
By the end of that first workshop, they're reading their own words aloud, receiving encouragement, and inspiring all the other writers in the room. They come back week after week, for ten weeks. By the end of it, they've started to come into their own as writers — no disclaimers needed.
It's a thrill for everyone in the room to see writers surprise themselves with what they can do, and it was this transformative potential of writing that originally drew me to start volunteering with Write Around Portland.
But what I've learned over the years — from staff, volunteers, and participants — is that it's about so much more than the writing: the values of respect and community are just as important to the success and impact of these workshops.
Last spring, I had a chance to sit down for a chat with Verna Glass, who was in the very first workshop I facilitated back in 2010. Here's how she described the workshop experience:
“When you get into Write Around Portland, it's like you pick up the pieces. You pick up one little piece of something and you start to write about it. And you start to build the pieces into words—and meaning.
It was something that I wanted to pull from myself, but it was drawn through others. I couldn't do it by myself. I had the support of the whole group around me—sharing words, sharing stories, sharing their writing, and it always touches my heart.”
To sit, and think, and create, and share, to pay attention to one another and learn from each other — we could all use a little more of this in our lives, no? These workshops have provided that opportunity to thousands of people across Portland over the last 15 years.
I'll be facilitating Write Around Portland’s next Prompt workshop at Powell's City of Books, starting on Monday, July 14th. Having this dedicated time each week can be incredibly helpful to jumpstarting your writing, energizing your existing writing practice, meeting new people, or just having some time to unwind and be creative in a supportive, welcoming atmosphere.
This series of 10 two-hour workshops is perfect for new writers, experienced writers, people getting back into the swing of writing, or those interested in trying something new in their work. Our focus will be on generative (new) writing, with some good first draft revision exercises, positive feedback that builds on strengths, and of course, building community through writing.
When you participate in a Prompt workshop, you get two great benefits:
Take a moment to read through a few of the dozens of profiles in the archive of featured writers, and you'll get a glimpse of just how much of an impact these workshops have on the lives of our participants.
Prompt is a fantastic — and fun! — way to help make these workshops available to even more people in the future.
There are still a few spaces left.
Details and sign-up information available on the Write Around Portland website.
Please join us! I'm looking forward to writing together.
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