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Lectures
and Assignments
Prelude to the Lectures
In this course we will be
discussing what (or who) blocks creativity and how we can get past those
blocks. Each week I will present a different technique that can be used
to dive (deeper) into our writing.
However, rather than just forging boldly ahead and hoping to develop
"The Sharon School of Writing" or "The (Insert Your Name Here) School
of Writing," it is valuable to borrow from those who have gone before.
It is especially valuable to read the suggestions of other writers who
have laid out for us, in a clear and organized way, how they have gotten
past their internal critics. And, perhaps best of all, when we line
these techniques up side by side, we see that these writers are generally
trying to achieve the same goals -- often even using almost the same
language to describe their process.
Thus we can take comfort in borrowing from these tried and true methods.
First we'll apply Natalie Goldberg's principle of "Writing Practice"
and Brenda Ueland's of keeping a "slovenly, headlong, impulsive, honest
diary." And we'll go for Anne Lamott's "shitty first draft." Then we'll
lie down and be guided by Deena Metzger's words as we encounter our
muse in her "Guide Meditation."
We will be encountering several authors and their writing approaches
in this class. If you find their work inspiring, I encourage you to
consult the Recommended Reading page
and get your own copies of these writers' words.
Week
1: Writing
Practice
Or, Going for the Crapulence!
Week 2: Write in Front
of Your Nose
Or, Digging Your Toes into the Earth
Week 3:
Setting Yourself Up to Succeed
Or, Why the Commercials Are Wrong
Week 4:
Meditation: Meeting Your Guide
Week 5:
Gaining Perspective
Or, Why We Need to Read Aloud
Week 6:
Going Deeper
Carrying Writing Practice Into Your Work
Dancing
with the Muse Recommended Reading List
Click
Here to See Some of My of Favorite Quotes
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