Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Psychosynthesis Workshops

From IWWG Member Cynthia Pincus Russell PhD:

The CT Institute for Psychosynthesis at Act 11 Counseling in Stratford continues its fundraiser for wounded vets.

Sat. Dec. 15 from 10:30-3: Beginner classes in finding your true self, detaching, and more.

Sun. Dec. 16th from 10:20-2:30: Connecting circle; guided imagery & writing; networking; and lunch around the table to celebrate the holidays.

Sun., Dec. 16 from 12:30-2:30: Keeping a process journal.

$20 suggested, but we also have sliding scale.

Please RSVP for details and reservations: 203 377-2421 psynnie@aol.com

Monday, November 26, 2007

Winter Words Writers Conference

Here is a great day-long Writers Conference at the Fairfield Public Library you won't want to miss!

WINTER WORDS CONFERENCE
December 1, 2007

Offering Aspiring Writers Valuable Advice, Inspiration

On Saturday, Dec. 1, Fairfield Library will host the Winter Words Writers Conference for writers from throughout Southwestern Connecticut and beyond. This day-long conference will provide aspiring writers with advice and expertise from more than 15 published novelists, nonfiction writers, memoirists, biographers and children's authors.

"Whether you have written a book, are writing a book, or have dreamed of writing one, here's your chance to learn up close from proven, professional writers how they made their literary dreams come true," says Eric Andren, President of the Board of the Friends of the Fairfield Library.

A nationally recognized expert and heavy-hitter in the world of book publishing, Sara Nelson, editor-in-chief of the influential Publishers Weekly, will be keynote speaker at the conference.

Designed to attract writers and aspiring writers from throughout Connecticut and beyond, the Fairfield Public Library's day-long Winter Words Writers Conference will include, in addition to the keynote address by Ms. Nelson, a full day of panel discussions, book signings, and an opportunity for writers to have their manuscripts reviewed by professional freelance editorial consultants, in addition to breakfast and lunch.

"Whether you have written a book, are writing a book, or have dreamed of writing one, here's your chance to learn up close from proven, professional writers how they made their literary dreams come true," says Eric Andren, President of the Board of the Friends of the Fairfield Library.

In her keynote address entitled, "Where Is Publishing Going in the 21st Century?" Sara Nelson will discuss coming trends that no writer can afford to ignore. She will discuss why the centuries-old printed book continues to hold strong, even in a world where writing is increasingly referred to as "content" and the Internet has become a dominant medium for news.

Sara Nelson became editor-in-chief of Publishers Weekly in 2005, after serving as the Book Beat columnist for the New York Post. She appears regularly on radio and television networks and programs, including NPR, Air America, CNN, Entertainment Tonight, Today and Good Morning America.

Following Ms. Nelson's keynote, attendees will soak up advice and expertise from more than 15 published novelists, nonfiction writers, memoirists, biographers and children's authors. They will be able to choose from among 12 panel discussions on topics ranging from "Writing Without Starving," "Tapping Your Funny Bone," and "Writing for Children" to "How Editors Think" and "Breaking In: Selling That First Book." (See below for a complete list of panels.)

Authors presenting at the conference will include Tony Abbott, Prill Boyle, Jessica Bram, Da Chen, Leslie Connor, Lucy Ferris, Linda Urbach Howard, Karen E. Olson, Steve Otfinoski, Nina Nelson, Rita Papazian, Matthew Sharpe, Charlie Slack, Jane Stern, and Logan Ward.

As a special feature, the conference will also provide writers with a rare opportunity to have their manuscripts reviewed by professional editors, for an additional $25 fee. Freelance editorial consultants Marcela Landres, formerly of Simon Schuster, and Eileen Robinson, formerly of Scholastic, will review a limited number of manuscripts and meet with writers during the conference. Manuscripts intended for adults, children, and young adult readers may be submitted.

The Winter Words Writers Conference will take place on Saturday, Dec. 1. at the Fairfield Library, 1080 Old Post Road in Fairfield, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration for the conference is $50 payable to the Friends of the Fairfield Public Library and includes a light breakfast and lunch. The manuscript review service is an additional $25.

Proceeds from the conference will benefit Friends of the Fairfield Library.

More information is available by calling the Fairfield Public Library at 255-3160 or at www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org.


# # # # #

Choose from the Following Panels:

11 a.m. to Noon:

* Great Dialogue
* I Remember When (on memoir writing)
* Living the Adventure (on writing about experience)

1-2 p.m.

* The Children's Hour (on writing for children or young adults)
* Tapping Your Funny Bone (humor writing)
* Breaking In (on getting published)

2:15- 3:15 p.m.

* Writing Without Starving
* How Editors Think
* Plot Your Course to Success

3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

* The Lives of Others: Biography
* Passionate about Writing for Children: How to Begin, the Market, the Process

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Writers' Workshops: Winter 2008

From CT IWWG member Jessica Bram:

Now Registering for Winter 2008 Workshops
Westport and Greenwich Locations

Creative Nonfiction and the Personal Essay
with Jessica Bram


The genre called "creative nonfiction" can take many forms including personal essays, memoir, informative articles, commentaries, and editorial writing. What they have in common is that the raw material we work with is truth. This workshop will give participants wide latitude to explore the various forms of creative nonfiction.

Emphasis will be on writing craft. Participants will develop and practice the various narrative techniques that make creative nonfiction and the personal essay interesting, informative, and compelling.

WHEN:
8 Tuesdays, 2 to 4 p.m.:
Jan. 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 26, Mar. 4, 11, 18

WHERE:
32 Webb Road, Westport

COST:
$390 for 8-week session.

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 6

Fiction Writing
With Suzanne Hoover, Ph.D.


Fiction writing is surely one of life's great adventures. If you are ready to start the journey, to plunge courageously into the writer's world of inventing and problem-solving, this workshop is for you. And be assured, you will be helped and guided at every step along the way.

At the very heart of both literature and life, storytelling structures our sense of time passing. It imagines for us who we are and who we might become. At its best, it is the last refuge of a sense of magic in our adult lives. While film has taken over the more spectacular and visual side of storytelling, fiction still works its timeless, incomparable magic with imagination and words alone.

This workshop will dig into the art and craft of fiction. It is geared to writers whose stories are already on the way, or at least have already been conceived. We will take turns lighting the way for each other.

WHEN:
8 Mondays, 7 to 9:30 p.m.:
Jan. 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11, 25, Mar. 3, Mar. 10

WHERE:
Round Hill Community Church
395 Round Hill Road, Greenwich
(Exit 28 off Merritt Parkway)

COST:
$445 for 8-week session.

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 8

The Examined Life
with Jessica Bram


Everyday life offers us unlimited opportunities for reflection and for making sense of the world around us. Join us to explore the fascinating material generated by our own lives and at the same time, learn the writing techniques to make your writing more engaging, interesting, and effective. Focus will be on personal essays, memoir, opinion columns, and other forms of creative non-fiction. Written work will be shared in a constructive and supportive atmosphere.

WHEN:
8 Thursdays, 2 to 4 p.m..
Jan. 24, 31, Feb. 7, 14, 28, Mar. 6, 13, 20

WHERE:
32 Webb Road, Westport

COST:
$390 for 8-week session

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 6

Memoir Writing for Seniors
with Jessica Bram


What better reason is there to finally write one's memoirs than to pass down a wealth of material and wisdom to the next generations?

Geared to seniors, this is a friendly, supportive workshop in which to write your memoirs, share your memoirs with others, and learn good writing techniques to make your work interesting and enjoyable. This workshop is ideal for beginners who wish to get started writing their memoirs for the first time. It is also geared to those who have already done some memoir writing and are ready to share and further shape their work.

This workshop is based upon a highly popular Memoir Writing workshop that Jessica Bram taught for several years at the Lifetime Learners' Institute in Norwalk.

WHEN:
8 Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 29, Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28

WHERE:
32 Webb Road, Westport

COST:
$390 for 8-week session.

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 6

The Art of Writing
with Hank Herman


If you've always enjoyed writing, but don't know which form of writing you're best suited for, this "survey" workshop will help you find your voice. The eight sessions will include innovative, easy-to-use techniques for taking your writing from beginner to the next level. The workshop will help you take on, and learn to overcome, two of the biggest obstacles in writing: how to generate ideas, and how to surmount the intimidating challenge of the blank page. There will be individual sessions devoted to different types of writing, such as columns, humor, memoir, and children's fiction.

WHEN:
8 Tuesdays, 7 to 9 p.m.
Jan. 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 26, Mar. 4, 11, 18

WHERE:
32 Webb Road, Westport

COST:
$390 for 8-week session.

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 7

Travel Writing: The World According to You
with Susan Farewell


This six-week-long workshop is designed for writers (or want-to-be) writers who are interested in writing and selling articles about travel. In this workshop, author/journalist Susan Farewell will show participants how to achieve this dream goal. Content will include a wealth of nuts and bolts information, guidance for developing individual travel writer styles, and practical and inspirational techniques for making it all happen.

Farewell will offer techniques on how to go about finding travel story angles that are newsworthy and then match them with the appropriate publications. She'll work with students on researching and developing travel story structure as well as fact-checking and editing final pieces. The workshop will also include a discussion of how travel writers can effectively juggle traveling, writing, editing, and promoting themselves and their work.

WHEN:
6 Wednesdays, 7 to 9 p.m.
Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13

WHERE:
32 Webb Road, Westport

COST:
$295 for 6-week session.

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 7

Technology Tools for the Modern Writer
with Technology Guru Richard H. Frisch


A one-time only workshop

You write for a living (or a hobby). Microsoft Word is your principal tool. It is complex and sometimes difficult. We will discover some of its hidden treasure.

Once you've finished your piece how do you publish it? Do you print, create a readable document, turn it into a presentation, post it to a website or blog? We explore the ramifications and differences of each type.

This one-time, 90-minute workshop will focus on Microsoft Word 2003, but go beyond the basics. It will include a discussion of: Tables of contents, section breaks, using styles and formatting, backups, inserting and placing pictures and other graphics, using built-in tools such as spelling and grammar, innovative uses for "search and replace", add-on utilities, keyboard shortcuts, customizing Word and much more.

WHEN:
Sat. January 26, 2008
10:30 a.m. to noon

WHERE:
32 Webb Road, Westport

COST: $55, or $45 for current Westport Writers Workshop participants.

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 10

How To Register:

Mail a check for the full registration amount to:

Jessica Bram Communications
32 Webb Road
Westport, CT 06880

About Jessica Bram:

Jessica Jessica Bram is a writer whose commentaries are regularly heard on the National Public Radio station WSHU during NPR's "All Things Considered" and "Morning Edition." Her personal essays have been published and syndicated in national and regional newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times, Child Magazine Women's Journal, Country Accents and the Gannett Newspapers. Jessica Bram has taught writing and literature as an adjunct faculty member of Norwalk Community College. She has also taught courses in memoir, essay, and creative nonfiction writing at the Lifetime Learners Institute, Norwalk Community College's Extended Studies and Workforce Education program, and Westport Continuing Education.

About Suzanne Hoover Ph.D.:

Suzanne Hoover holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University in English and Comparative Literature. The author of two novels and a highly experienced teacher of fiction and essay writing, Suzanne was for 25 years, until her recent retirement, a full-time member of the Literature faculty of Sarah Lawrence College. Among the courses she taught at Sarah Lawrence was a very popular course for students in the prestigious Graduate Writing Program, in narrative craft and story structure. Prior to teaching at Sarah Lawrence, Suzanne taught literature at Wellesley College. In 1977 she delivered the Shakespeare lectures at SUNY, Purchase. In addition to her full time teaching, for over 20 years Suzanne taught evening courses in writing at the non-credit Sarah Lawrence Writing Institute.

About Hank Herman:

Hank Herman is an award-winning columnist who writes the bi-weekly Home Team column for the Westport News. He is also the author of Super Hoops (Bantam Doubleday Dell), a prize-winning series of sports novels for children. His latest book, Accept My Kid, Please! A Dad's Descent into College Application Hell (Da Capo Press, 2005) is a humorous memoir about the college admissions process. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Outside, Men's Health, Family Fun, Parenting, Ladies' Home Journal, and McCall's. He also teaches writing courses and seminars at Trinity College's Academy of Lifelong Learning, the University of Pennsylvania's Kelly Writers House, and Westport Continuing Education. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania where he majored in English.

About Susan Farewell:

For nearly ten years, Susan Farewell was a travel editor and staff writer at The Condé Nast Publications in New York City. As an independent journalist she has contributed travel, health and fitness, art and architecture, parenting and education articles and book reviews to dozens of magazines including Vogue, Gourmet, Cooking Light, Travel and Leisure, Outside, Metropolitan Home, McCall's, Child, Bride's and airline magazines. Her work also has appeared in many newspapers including the The New York Times and The New York Post and newsletters including BottomLine Personal. Susan contributes to many Connecticut-based magazines including Connecticut Cottages and Gardens, Connecticut Bride, Fairfield Magazine, Westport Magazine, Fairfield County Home and Weston Magazine. Her books include Quick Escapes from New York City (the seventh edition of which was just published by Globe-Pequot and Hidden New England (now in its 8th edition; Ulysses Press) among several other titles.

About Richard H. Frisch:

Richard H. Frisch founded RHFtech in 2005 to provide technology support for small businesses and residential clients. He has over 30 years experience employing technology in home and business. Richard's experience ranges from the large-part of the Citibank team that designed and deployed the first large-scale ATM network- to the small-building a wine cellar inventory management application for a wine connoisseur. He is proficient in Windows, Linux and Mac operating systems. He is expert in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, and knowledgeable in Visual Basic, Visual C#, C++, PHP and MySQL.

Richard writes a newspaper column, the "RHFtech Help Desk", published bi-weekly in The Hour (Norwalk), The Wilton Villager and Stamford Times. He also publishes RHFtech Help Desk tips on the web at rhftech.com/tips.html and by email. Richard has a BS from Duke University and an MBA from Harvard University.


For questions or more information, visit www.westportwritersworkshop.com or contact Jessica Bram at (203) 227-3250 or jessica@jbram.com

Monday, November 5, 2007

November Psychosynthesis Open House

From CT IWWG member Cynthia Pincus Russell:

Psychosynthesis is an empowering system in use all over the world. The CT Institute for Psychosynthesis holds classes on meditation, focusing, developing your will to further your mission & purpose, etc. Many of these classes involve clarifying our meaning & purpose through writing. We also have a monthly "Open Sunday." The next one is on November 18th from 10:30 to 2:30 at Stratford Center, right off I-95. Please RSVP.

For reservations or info, contact Cynthia Pincus Russell, PhD at psynnie@aol.com or 203-377-2421

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Power Abused, Power Healed - Home Study Course Available

I am excited to announce . . .

a home study course offering 4 Continuing Education Credits, based on my book, Power Abused, Power Healed. The course is now available through Professional Development Resources, for psychologists, professional counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists.


Participants will utilize Power Abused, Power Healed, to help explore their own relationships with power and that of clients, and to learn about a variety of abuses of power that may occur in the therapeutic setting and in public life. Through the stories in this book, participants will start to recognize experiences in their own life encounters, both professional and personal, and those of their clients, and to define their own relationship with power. They will also begin to comprehend the impact on others and on themselves when power is misused and abused, especially in places where we believe we are safe.

Utilizing the medium of both educational and soul-touching stories, the text for this course explores a variety of potential abuses of power in therapeutic and healing arts contexts, and in public and private life, as well. With an emphasis on the concept that healing childhood wounds to the root heals the misuse of power on an individual and global scale, the text reveals the roots of the temptation to abuse our authority as professionals, the impact that abuse can have on our clients, and the healing that is possible. Chapters are divided into three sections: the first exposing the initial childhood trauma, the second exploring the consequences and healing of that trauma, and the third, entitled "Here And Now," which contains questions designed to inspire the reader to search within for the roots of his/her own relationship with power.

Target Audience: Health & Mental Health Professionals
Learning Level: Intermediate
Cost: $59.00CE
Hours: 4
To view and sign up for this course, please go to:
http://www.pdresources.org/bins/site/templates/default.asp?objectid=B6259160%2D9&area_2=display%5Fcourse%5Fdetails%2Edat&get_val=943&discipline_id=15&NC=4382X

I hope you will take the opportunity for yourself and/or pass the word on to people in your life who would be interested. This is a chance to learn, grow, be inspired, and deepen yourself as you explore your relationship with power, others' relationship with power, and our world's relationship with power.

My best to you,
Judith Barr
Mysteries of Life

http://www.PowerAbusedPowerHealed.com

Friday, October 19, 2007

Fall Psychosynthesis Classes

From CT IWWG member Cynthia Pincus Russell:

Psychosynthesis is an empowering system in use all over the world. The CT Institute for Psychosynthesis will soon be starting classes on meditation, focusing, developing your will to further your mission & purpose, etc. Some of the classes involve clarifying our meaning & purpose through writing. We also have a monthly "Open Sunday." The first is Oct. 21st from 10:30 to 2:30 at Stratford Center, right off I-95. Please RSVP.

For reservations or info, contact Cynthia Pincus Russell, PhD at psynnie@aol.com or 203-377-2421

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Workshop: How To Write a Historical Novel

From CT IWWG Member Jessical Bram:

How to Write a Historical Novel: A one-time only workshop with visiting author Barbara Quick, author of Vivaldi's Virgins (Harper Collins 2007).

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

Whether you're writing a novel that takes place in a far-distant century or the not-so-distant past of your own life, you need to know how to find and organize the myriad facts that will give your story texture and authenticity. This two-hour workshop will teach you an unintimidating approach to historical research: the best sources, the most painless ways to approach them, and how to organize your material for easy access.

This is a one-time-only opportunity to learn directly from Berkeley, CA author Barbara Quick, who will be on the east coast for a book tour to promote her recently released work of historical fiction Vivaldi's Virgins.

Students who have completed this workshop can opt to work on an ongoing individual basis with Barbara, by private arrangement.

WHEN:
Wed. November 7
7 to 9 p.m.

WHERE:
32 Webb Road, Westport

COST:
$45, or $35 for current Westport Writers Workshop enrollees.

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 10

ABOUT BARBARA QUICK:

Barbara Quick is the author of Vivaldi's Virgins (July 2007: HarperCollins), a literary novel set in the foundling home in 18th century Venice where Antonio Vivaldi was resident priest and music master. The novel is being translated into ten languages, and has been included on several "best of season" booklists. Currently at work under contract for HarperCollins on a young adult novel set in 14th century Bologna, Barbara is the author of five other books, including the novel Northern Edge, which won the Discover Award and has just been optioned for a film. Barbara lives in Berkeley, California, with her teenage son. (For more information on Vivaldi's Virgins visit www.vivaldisvirgins.com.)

HOW TO REGISTER:
To reserve your spot mail a check for the full registration amount to:
Jessica Bram Communications
32 Webb Road
Westport, CT 06880

For questions or more information contact Jessica Bram at (203) 227-3250 or jessica@jbram.com

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Meet the Authors, Meet the Agents

Just a reminder that the 54th Bi-Annual IWWG Big Apple Writing Workshops & Open House will take place on October 13th and 14th at the Scandanavia House on 58 Park Avenue (at 38th Street) in New York City. You can sign up for the whole weekend or single sessions. (For instance, the Meet the Agents Open House is on Sunday the 14th from 3-6 pm and costs $55.) If you didn't receive a brochure and would like to register, click here.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

National Bestselling Author to speak on Sept. 8

Multi-published author Jane Goodger aka Blackwell will present a program on switching genres on Saturday, September 8th at the monthly meeting of the Connecticut Romance Writer's of America. After her presentation, Jane will sell/sign her latest release BETWEEN YOU AND ME, written as Jane Blackwood. Published and non published writers from all genres are welcome. Non members may attend free to check us out.For more information and directions, please contact Susan Rowley at 860-460-1861 or at suzie7rowley@yahoo.com.

CTRWA meets on the second Saturday of every month, except July and August, at 11:00 a.m. at the Holiday Inn, Washington Ave. (RT 5), North Haven, CT in the Executive Suite. Our membership meeting begins at 11:00 AM, followed by our speaker, book signing, and a pay your own lunch at the Holiday Inn. Check out our website at www.ctrwa.org.

Psychosynthesis Workshop

From CT IWWG member Cynthia Pincus Russell:

Psychosynthesis is an empowering system in use all over the world, and classes involve clarifying our meaning & purpose through writing. IWWG members Carol Cooper Garey, Rosalind Till and Cynthia Russell are all involved. The CT Center for Psychosynthesis offers classes for beginners; CEUs for professionals; and coaching and consultations on creative retirement, career, and personal issues.

We are also sponsoring a year-long fund raiser for wounded vets. If you would like to learn more, we are holding a free OPEN SUNDAY on September 9th from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Stratford Center (convenient to I-95, train & bus) with mini-sessions, mini-workshops, videos, light refreshments, etc.

For more information and to reserve your space, contact

Cynthia Pincus Russell, PhD at psynnie@aol.com, or call 203-337-2421.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Writing Workshop with June Gould

June Gould, IWWG workshop leader for the last 25 years, will be teaching an advanced writing workshop for poets, short story writers and novelists at the Shetler Studios in Manhattan.

What: Writing exercises, time to write in class, homework writing assignments, time to read in class, critique sessions and motivating readings of writers' works.

Where: Shetler Studios: 244 W 54th Street; between Broadway and 8th Ave. Room 1209, 12th floor.

Time: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Dates: Oct. 22, 29. Nov. 5, 19, 26 and Dec 3 and 10th.

Many of the participants this summer and last at IWWG have been and are participants in this workshop. To register, send a $25 deposit to June Gould, 84 Hilary Circle, Fairfield, CT 06825.

For more information about the content of the workshops, and whether it is for you, write to JuneGoul@optonline.net.

The cost is $250 for 8 sessions.

Three Events with Judith Barr

SISTER CT IWWG MEMBERS: Below are three events based on my new book Power Abused, Power Healed. I’d love you to join me. My best to you, Judith Barr

WORKSHOP ($80 per session; $160 for both)
"The Roots of Our Relationship with Power:
Early Decisions and The Feelings They Defend"


Saturday, October 13, 2007
1st Session: 9:30 am-12:30 pm
2nd Session: 2:00 pm-5:00pm
Brookfield, CT

BOOK SIGNING & TALK (Free)

Saturday, November 10, 2007
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Pymander Bookstore
Norwalk, CT

BOOK SIGNING & TALK (Free)

Saturday, December 1, 2007
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Gunn Memorial Library
Washington, CT

For more information & directions, contact me at:

JudBarr@JudithBarr.com
JudithBarr@PowerAbusedPowerHealed.com
(203) 775-5006

Monday, August 20, 2007

NY Times Interview: CT IWWG Member Mary Carroll Moore

The New York Times
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Connecticut Section

For a Writer-Painter-Singer, Secret's in Her 'Chemistry'
by Susan Hodara

Mary Carroll Moore, a resident of Bridgewater, radiates such calm that it is hard to believe the extent of her accomplishments. Since 1977, her essays, articles and award-winning short stories have been published in magazines, newspapers and literary journals. She is the author of 10 published non-fiction books, two of which are memoirs, and a novel, “Qualities of Light,” which is being shopped to publishers. Her soft pastel paintings – impressionistic studies of the light and color in nature – have been exhibited nationally since 2002, and are in the permanent collections, including that of the Pacific Street Gallery in New London. Ms. Moore sings with the group Keystone, whose music she described as “New Age pop,” and whose 2003 CD, “No Limitations,” includes her song “Melody;” she is also a member of the Connecticut Women’s Chorus.

She says her triple vision is focused on common themes. One is the relationship between health and self-expression. The second is what she calls “Deserved Happiness,” which she defines as “a fascination with the choices we make after personal disaster or suffering.”

Both concepts are rooted in Ms. Moore’s own experience, most notably two bouts of cancer – thyroid in 1988, breast in 1999. “Treatment for breast cancer was traumatic,” she said. “Chemotherapy forced me to a full stop.”

Her creative work, she believes, hastened her recuperation. “Art and writing bolstered my belief that life was essentially supportive rather than victimizing.” She emerged with a fortified commitment to her work.

She began writing “Qualities of Light,” whose main character is a young artist grappling with the notion of deserved happiness. She started painting after a 20-year hiatus, and wrote her first songs. “Cancer forces you to re-evaluate your life,” she continued. “I began to make choices, weeding out what was not sustaining, making room for creative work. I can’t say my cancer was a blessing, but it certainly was a wake up call.”

She expanded her work to include teaching, starting with a class at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis for breast cancer survivors who wanted to use writing to heal. She returns to Minneapolis regularly to lead a variety of writing workshops, which she also offers at the Litchfield Community Center and at the Hudson Valley Writer’s Center in New York.

“I enjoy deconstructing a process and then simplifying it so others can understand,” she said of her approach to teaching.

Ms. Moore divides her weeks into three days of money-generating assignments and two days of personal projects; her medium is determined by the seasons. She concentrates on writing during the winter, when painting outdoors is impossible. “Painting takes precedence in summer,” she said, “and I toggle between the two in spring and fall.” Ongoing Keystone rehearsals are determined by members’ availability. Last year, that schedule was displaced by the demands of completing both her novel and a master’s degree in creative writing from Goddard College.

“It’s taken years to integrate all the paths of my life,” Ms. Moore said. Rejecting the suggestion that perhaps she has more energy or ability than others, she added, “I’m just a normal, struggling person with a focused chemistry.”

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Westport Writers' Workshop

From CT IWWG member Jessica Bram:

Now Registering for Fall 2007 Workshops
Westport and Greenwich Locations

Creative Nonfiction and the Personal Essay
with Jessica Bram


The genre called "creative nonfiction" can take many forms including personal essays, memoir, informative articles, commentaries, and editorial writing. What they have in common is that the raw material we work with is truth. This workshop will give participants wide latitude to explore the various forms of creative nonfiction.

Emphasis will be on writing craft. Participants will develop and practice the various narrative techniques that make creative nonfiction and the personal essay interesting, informative, and compelling.

WHEN:
8 Tuesdays, 2 to 4 p.m.:
Sept. 25, Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, 27

WHERE:
32 Webb Road, Westport

COST:
$390 for 8-week session.

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 6

Fiction Writing
With Suzanne Hoover, Ph.D.


Fiction writing is surely one of life's great adventures. If you are ready to start the journey, to plunge courageously into the writer's world of inventing and problem-solving, this workshop is for you. And be assured, you will be helped and guided at every step along the way.

At the very heart of both literature and life, storytelling structures our sense of time passing. It imagines for us who we are and who we might become. At its best, it is the last refuge of a sense of magic in our adult lives. While film has taken over the more spectacular and visual side of storytelling, fiction still works its timeless, incomparable magic with imagination and words alone.

This workshop will dig into the art and craft of fiction. It is geared to writers whose stories are already on the way, or at least have already been conceived. We will take turns lighting the way for each other.

WHEN:
8 Mondays, 7 to 9:30 p.m.:
Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12

WHERE:
First Congregational Church of Greenwich
108 Sound Beach Avenue
Old Greenwich, Connecticut (Exit 5 off I-95).

COST:
$445 for 8-week session.

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 8

The Examined Life
with Jessica Bram


Everyday life offers us unlimited opportunities for reflection and for making sense of the world around us. Join us to explore the fascinating material generated by our own lives and at the same time, learn the writing techniques to make your writing more engaging, interesting, and effective. Focus will be on personal essays, memoir, opinion columns, and other forms of creative non-fiction. Written work will be shared in a constructive and supportive atmosphere.

WHEN:
8 Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Sept. 28, Oct. 5, 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30

WHERE:
32 Webb Road, Westport

COST:
$390 for 8-week session

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 6

Memoir Writing for Seniors
with Jessica Bram


What better reason is there to finally write one's memoirs than to pass down a wealth of material and wisdom to the next generations?

Geared to seniors, this is a friendly, supportive workshop in which to write your memoirs, share your memoirs with others, and learn good writing techniques to make your work interesting and enjoyable. This workshop is ideal for beginners who wish to get started writing their memoirs for the first time. It is also geared to those who have already done some memoir writing and are ready to share and further shape their work.

This workshop is based upon a highly popular Memoir Writing workshop that Jessica Bram taught for several years at the Lifetime Learners' Institute in Norwalk.

WHEN:
6 Thursdays 2-4 p.m.
Sept. 20, 27, Oct. 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1

WHERE:
Greenwich Location, to be determined

COST:
$375 for 6-week session.

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE

How To Register:

Mail a check for the full registration amount to:

Jessica Bram Communications
32 Webb Road
Westport, CT 06880

About Jessica Bram:

Jessica Jessica Bram is a writer whose commentaries are regularly heard on the National Public Radio station WSHU during NPR's "All Things Considered" and "Morning Edition." Her personal essays have been published and syndicated in national and regional newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times, Child Magazine Women's Journal, Country Accents and the Gannett Newspapers. Jessica Bram has taught writing and literature as an adjunct faculty member of Norwalk Community College. She has also taught courses in memoir, essay, and creative nonfiction writing at the Lifetime Learners Institute, Norwalk Community College's Extended Studies and Workforce Education program, and Westport Continuing Education.

About Suzanne Hoover Ph.D.:

Suzanne Hoover holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University in English and Comparative Literature. The author of two novels and a highly experienced teacher of fiction and essay writing, Suzanne was for 25 years, until her recent retirement, a full-time member of the Literature faculty of Sarah Lawrence College. Among the courses she taught at Sarah Lawrence was a very popular course for students in the prestigious Graduate Writing Program, in narrative craft and story structure. Prior to teaching at Sarah Lawrence, Suzanne taught literature at Wellesley College. In 1977 she delivered the Shakespeare lectures at SUNY, Purchase. In addition to her full time teaching, for over 20 years Suzanne taught evening courses in writing at the non-credit Sarah Lawrence Writing Institute.

For questions or more information, visit www.westportwritersworkshop.com or contact Jessica Bram at (203) 227-3250 or jessica@jbram.com

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Looking for a Special Kind of Writers' Group

From CT IWWG Member Mary Carroll Moore:

I've enjoyed this blog and "getting to know" some of you through your posts. I moved to CT two years ago and left behind a writers group I'd been with for fifteen years. Life here has been a whirlwind of finishing my MFA degree and a second novel, teaching locally, and beginning another book. I have a great writing partner but I miss the support and inspiration of my ongoing writers group. So I am posting this message to start the hunt for one--a special kind of writers group.

My old group would gather to write together for an hour each week, then share our raw writing around the group. It created an amazing energy, to write with others in the same room. Many of the freewrites from those meetings have become scenes in my novel.

At this stage in my book-writing process, I am not needing critique or the instruction of a class as much as the regular energy and inspiration of other writers gathering together.

Anyone else interested in doing this? No instruction, no critique, just gathering together to write and share what just came through. If you know of such a group or are interested in helping form one, please email me. I live in Bridgewater near Roxbury so I'd like something in the western CT area.

Thank you,
Mary

Healing Images--Art for the Heart
www.marycarrollmoore.com

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Memoir Writing Class at NCC

From Gail Howard:

I will be will teaching a memoir writing class this fall at Norwalk Community College on Saturday mornings from 9-12. All are welcome. I hope you will spread the word.

Here are the details:
  • "Memoir Writing," is a 3-credit NCC course.

  • The pre-requisite is English 180 "Intro to Creative Writing" or Permission of Instructor.

  • I will decide whether to give permission to a student who hasn't taken "Intro to Creative Writing" based on my review of a writing sample emailed to me at ghoward@ncc.commnet.edu.

  • The cost is $358 (tuition and fees), although it may go up a bit if the State raises tuition.

  • The course is Free on a space available basis to seniors age 62 and up who register during Senior Registration on August 30, 9:30-11:30 on campus.
The course will focus on writing to understand the past and its meaning. Our goal will be to write well using techniques of both fiction and essay writing, including character and conflict, selection of detail, voice, dialog and point of view. Students will read each other's work and offer supportive comments. They will also read and reflect upon exemplary memoirs of the last 50 years.

Anyone with a question is welcome to contact me! I'll be away for two weeks, returning emails after July 30.

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Writing Contest

From CT IWWG & NABBW Member Prill Boyle:

Nat'l Assoc. of Baby Boomer Women Writing Contest
A Lesson I've Learned

DEADLINE: July 31, 2007
ENTRY FEE: None
PRIZES: The winner's story is placed in the Our Voices section on the Boomer Women Speak website, and s/he will receive the following:
  • $50 CASH!
  • FREE membership or renewal for the National Association of Baby Boomer Women (NABBW), the only association devoted to addressing issues concerning 38 million of the healthiest, wealthiest, and best-educated generation of women to ever hit midlife: baby boomer women.
  • Baby Boomer's Almanac by Tim Brolus
  • What Happens Next by Chloe JonPaul
  • A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Throne by Georgia Richardson

A LESSON I'VE LEARNED

We've all had them. Those "life lessons" that make us stop and think and possibly see the world, our environment, or even ourselves in a different light--the lessons we'll never forget. Some call them "Aha" moments.
Who was your mentor? Was it a teacher, a parent, or your best friend who helped to open your eyes and heart to learn? Maybe even a boyfriend? Or was it man's best friend: a pet? No matter who taught you or how you learned, we all agree that over time, they are truly unforgettable. What is that one particular lesson that stands out in your mind? Did it change the course of your life, or maybe it wasn't life-altering, but it helped to shape the person you are today? Whatever your lesson, send us your story by entering our contest and win prizes!

Click here for contest guidelines and directions for on-line submission.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Two Free Readings at Wesleyan Writers' Conference

From CT IWWG member Beth Richards:

The following two free-to-the-public readings are part of the 51st Wesleyan Writers' Conference, June 17-22, Middletown, CT.

Reading of new fiction and memoir: Robert Stone (author of the new memoir, Prime Green) and novelist Richard Bausch, Wednesday, June 20, 4:30 PM, Old Cinema, Center for the Arts

Conversation with National Book Award winner Edward P. Jones: Thursday, June 21, 8 PM, Old Cinema, Center for the Arts.

For more information, visit www.wesleyan.edu/writing/conference.

1-Day Workshop: Exploring the Personal Essay

From CT IWWG member Mary Carroll Moore:

Telling Our Stories: Exploring the Personal Essay One-Day Workshop with Mary Carroll Moore
Hudson Valley Writers' Center

300 Riverside Drive, Sleepy Hollow, NY
(914) 332-5953 www.writerscenter.org

Friday, July 20, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
$135 ($120 HVWC members)
A good essay opens a window and invites the reader into a writer's beliefs about the world. But it also takes the reader on a journey of discovery--as the writer finds out more about these beliefs. So good essays start with strong feeling, thoughtful questions--and this desire to explore uncharted territory. Within this "risk on paper," your essay can take multiple forms (linear, snapshot, collage, narrative) and endless subjects (from illness, loss, or trauma to nature to a neighborhood's disappearing culture). In this one-day workshop we'll learn the steps to explore, craft, and develop a personal or opinion essay. Using short pieces by well-known essayists, we'll practice writing exercises to discover what our own essay really is about--what's the theme? the seed idea that will speak most clearly to the reader and deliver our point? Be prepared to explore deeply, write a lot, and go home with an essay to finish. Bring an essay-in-progress or an idea for one, as well as a bag lunch. For all levels of writers.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Psychosynthesis Workshop

From CT IWWG member Cynthia Pincus Russell:

Psychosynthesis is a system in use all over the world, and classes involve clarifying our meaning & purpose through writing. IWWG members Carol Cooper Garey, Rosalind Till and Cynthia Russell are all involved. If you would like to learn more, we are holding a free open workshop on Monday night, June 25 from 7:30-9 p.m. in Stratford Center, CT. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information and to reserve your space, contact

Cynthia Pincus Russell, PhD at psynnie@aol.com.

Saturday, June 9, 2007

Charter Oak Romance Writers' Workshop (for all writers)

From CT IWWG Member Laurie Adams:

In addition to being a member of the IWWG, I'm the president of Charter Oak Romance Writers. We're hosting a fantastic writers' workshop in September with Alicia Rasley. Registration is open to anyone, but space is limited.

We'll soon have all the information listed on our website, www.charteroakromancewriters.org, including a link to a registration form. It will be an awesome craft workshop with general topics to help any writer.

Writers' Workshop with Dan Pope

From CT IWWG member Beth Richards:

The Green Street Arts Center in Middletown, CT is hosting a 5-week writers' workshop with author Dan Pope on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. The workshop will run from July 10th through August 7th.

Dan is an accomplished writer. This year one of his short stories was published in the Best New American Voices Series and he received a Connecticut Fiction Fellowship. He is also a supportive and incisive teacher (a graduate of the Iowa Writers Workshop) who has worked at Trinity, the Wesleyan Writers' Conference, and many other distinguished "writerly places."

Most one-day writing workshops are over $100. This one is only $78 for all five 2-hour sessions. It's a chance for you to write without a huge time/$$ commitment.

Because the center hasn't offered this kind of class before, they need help reaching out to writers in the area. So please spread the word about this great class!

For more information, visit the Green Street Arts Center website at www.greenstreetartscenter.org. To register, call 860-685-7871.

Skidmore Conference Reminder

From Hannelore:

Last call: The train is leaving.

Regardless of your age, background or expertise, come to Remember the Magic, June 15-22 (or any portion thereof)...

It is a writing conference like no other. Life changing. Commuters also welcome.

Also, it is "the Magic's" 30th year.

Go to www.iwwg.org and click on "Events/Calendar" and/or call 212-737-7536.

For inquiries, write us at dirhahn.com.

Thursday, June 7, 2007

Welcome!

Welcome everyone! This is our blog to use however we see fit. It is exclusively for the CT IWWG. Among other things, we can

- communicate with each other about events of interest to Connecticut writers (workshops, conferences, book talks, etc.)

- share our knowledge about writing, finding agents & publishers, marketing, etc.

- pose questions of interest to other CT IWWG writers.

Anyone who would like to become an "administrator" (i.e., a person who has the authority to post) can do so. E-mail me at prill@prillboyle.com for simple instructions.

If you don't plan on posting regularly, I'd be happy to post an occasional entry for you.

Prill Boyle
Westport