WOW! Women On Writing Workshops & Classes

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FREE YOUR CREATIVITY BY WRITING WITH CONSTRAINTS with Kimberly Lee

WEBINAR DATE: Saturday, May 18, 2024, 11 am - 2 pm ET

DURATION:  3 Hours

LOCATION:  Live webinar via Zoom

COURSE DESCRIPTION: “The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by play.” —Carl Jung

For a creative twist, some prose writers impose unique conditions on their work as they craft a piece. Dr. Seuss wrote “Green Eggs and Ham” on a bet—that he couldn’t write an entire book using only 50 words. Here’s another dare: Write about a trek through the desert without using the words “sand,” “cactus,” “water,” “sun,” and “heat.” Challenging ourselves in this fun way can have an oddly liberating effect, leading to rich, resonant writing.

In this generative workshop, we’ll look at examples by writers who use these techniques, then engage with inventive writing exercises, freeing our own imaginations. As you know, writers of haiku and limericks make use of predetermined structures. In this session, we’ll explore how constraints aren’t restricted to poetry, but can be used by writers of prose as well. After discussing specific types of constraints and how they can be effectively used to unlock creativity, we’ll experience them with a number of inspiring writing activities. We’ll be surprised by the ideas that spring forth—and thrilled with the original results!

The workshop will include a taste of SoulCollage®, an expressive arts method through which we’ll use creative constraints to make collages, then write about them using specified prompts. (No artistic ability required.) Participants will have the opportunity to share their work—if they choose—and receive positive, uplifting feedback.

This Zoom webinar will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, 11 am - 2 pm ET The webinar can be viewed on a tablet, phone, or computer (both Mac and PC).

The themes, the diversity of the materials, the creative processes, and the prompts have all engaged really me. I haven't written like this for years and it’s just been great fun. The session was well organized. There was a nice balance between input and participant activities. Kimberly’s outstanding presentation skills caused me to feel motivated. I appreciated learning how to make the card and the writing experience that followed. I look forward to attending other sessions. Thank you for this opportunity. Kimberly Lee did a wonderful job of introducing several concepts in a short period of time. The class was well balanced. The teacher—knowledgeable, kind, encouraging. She covered a very large topic in a small amount of time and managed to make it clear to someone (me) with little experience. Kimberly has thought-provoking prompts, facilitates insightful comments, and infuses the entire environment with creativity.

CLASS AT A GLANCE:

Materials Needed:

Easy-to-obtain supply list:

• 5x8 piece of cardstock, cardboard, or paper to use as a base
• 3-4 preselected pages, torn from magazines, with primary images (people, animals, objects)*
• 3-4 preselected pages, torn from magazines, with larger background scenes (nature, interiors, patterns)*
• Glue stick
• Scissors
• Small brown bag or plastic ziplock bag
• Pen and paper

*How to select these images: Sit back and have some fun flipping through magazines and tearing out pages with images that resonate with you, move you, or somehow seem to be calling out to you. Try to avoid overthinking it and simply go with what captures your attention. Don’t worry about cutting anything at this point—we’ll get to that in the workshop! Digital images will work as well if magazines aren’t available. Simply collect some on your computer using the process described above!

 

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR:  Kimberly Lee left the practice of law some years ago to focus on motherhood, community work, and creative pursuits. A graduate of Stanford University and UC Davis School of Law, she is an Amherst Writers & Artists facilitator and serves on its board of directors. She is also trained and certified by The Center for Journal Therapy, The Center for Intentional Creativity, and SoulCollage®. She has led workshops at numerous retreats and conferences and is a teaching artist with Hugo House and Loft Literary. A former editor and regular contributor at Literary Mama, Kimberly has also served on the staffs of Carve and F(r)iction magazines. She is a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association and ACES: The Society for Editing. Her stories and essays have appeared in publications and anthologies including Minerva Rising, LA Parent, Words and Whispers, Toyon, The Ekphrastic Review, WOW! Women on Writing, Read650, I Am Woman: Expressions of Black Womanhood in America, and elsewhere. Kimberly trusts in the magic and mystery of miracles and synchronicity, and believes that everyone is creative and has unique gifts to share. She lives in Southern California with her husband and three children.

 

COST:  $53, which includes a 3-hour webinar and a creative space to explore your stories.

BUY NOW: FREE YOUR CREATIVITY BY WRITING WITH CONSTRAINTS with Kimberly Lee (Saturday, May 18, 2024, 11 am - 2 pm ET) Limit: 20 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes:  Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. Just before class begins, she will e-mail you with instructions on how to get started.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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