THESE WORKSHOPS TAKE PLACE IN THE NORTHWEST WRITERS' CORNER AT THE DOWNTOWN LIBRARY

Dovetailing with the Women and Resilience exposition, these two writing workshops are designed for women to explore trauma through a guided writing process in a safe and supportive setting. The workshops will add to the resilience toolboxes we all have, no matter the size or nature of traumas we have endured, even (especially) the ones we have hidden from ourselves.

It is preferable that participants attend both workshops, as Workshop 2 (Women Writing Triumph) will build on Workshop 1  (Women Writing Trauma).

January 18 - Women Writing trauma

What is Trauma and how do we deal with it? First we will answer this question, then we will focus on how creative writing techniques can help us navigate historical and biographical trauma. We will explore techniques conducive to personal growth, access deep truths which we can apply to our writing, and produce writing of sociological significance in order to spread awareness of the human condition and resilience. Following Kate's interactive presentation, each participant will use guided writing techniques. Sharing will be optional.

January 25 -  Women Writing Triumph

After a brief review of material covered in Workshop 1, we will deepen our understanding of how writing can be used to access forgotten experiences of trauma, We will explore the links between nonfiction and fiction, and look at how creative writing techniques that encourage the departure from known fact foster both artistic quality and personal growth. We will use our knowledge to take raw materials from Workshop 1 and package them for maximum impact on the self, our readers, and the wider world. If you didn't attend Workshop 1, you are still welcome to attend, but may not end the day with a polished product.