Writing Circle Star Island, NH
About Workshops & Workshop Schedule
Recent Workshops
Winter I & II Classes 2023 (Online)
Winter I Series Jan.-Feb
Winter II Series Feb.-March
Fall I & II Classes 2023 (Online)
Fall I Series
Wed. PM 6:45-9 Sept.14-Oct. 119
Thurs AM 10-12:15 Sept. 15-Oct. 20
Fall II Series
Wed. PM 6:45-9 Nov. 2-Dec. 14 (No Class Nov.23)
Thurs AM 10-12:15 Nov. 2-Dec. 15 (No Class Nov. 24)
Spring & Summer Classes 2022 (Online)
Spring Series:
Wed. PM meets 6:45-9 May 11-June 22
Thurs AM meets 10-12:15 May 12- June 23
Summer Series:
Wed. PM meets 6:45-9 July 13-Aug. 17
Thurs AM meets 10-12:15 July 14-Aug. 18
In-Person Writing Room Reunion & Reading
(current or past students only)
July 9, 2022
Weeklong Writing Circle Workshop
Life On A Star (LOAS II), Star Island, NH
August 21-28, 2022
Winter Classes 2022 - (Online)
Session I: Wed. PM Jan 12-Feb.16 meets 6:45-9
Session I: Thurs. AM Jan.13-Feb.17 meets 10-12:15
Session II: Wed. PM March 9-April 20 meets 6:45-9
Session II: Thurs. AM March 10-April 21 meets 10-12:15
Fall Classes 2021 (Online)
Fall I Series
Wed. PM 6:45-9 Sept.8-Oct. 13
Thurs AM 10-12:15 Sept. 9-Oct. 14
Fall II Series
Wed. PM 6:45-9 Oct. 27-Dec. 15 (No Class Nov.24)
Thurs AM 10-12:15 Oct. 27-Dec. 16 (No Class Nov. 25)
Spring & Summer Classes 2021 - All Classes are Online
Spring Series:
Wed. PM meets 6:45-9 May 12-June 23
Thurs AM meets 10-12:15 May 13- June 24
No Classes Week of June 28
Summer Series:
Wed. PM meets 6:45-9 July 7-Aug. 18
Thurs AM meets 10-12:15 July 8-Aug. 19
Winter Classes 2021 - All Classes are Online
Session I: Wed. PM Jan 6-Feb.24 meets 6:45-9
Session I: Thurs. AM Jan.7-Feb.25 meets 10-12:15
No Classes Week of March 1
Session II: Wed. PM March 10-April 28 meets 6:45-9
Session II: Thurs. AM March 11-April 29 meets 10-12:15
Fall Classes 2020 - All sessions online
Session I: Wed. PM Sept. 9- Oct. 21 meets 6:45-9
Session I: Thurs. AM Sept. 10- Oct. 22 meets 10-12:15
Session II: Wed. PM Oct. 28 - Dec. 16 (no class 11/25) meets 6:45-9
Session II: Thurs. AM Oct. 29 - Dec. 17 (no class 11/26) meets 10-12:15
Summer Classes 2020 - All sessions online
Session I: Wed. PM (6:45-9) June 10-July 15
Session I: Thurs. AM (10-12:15) June 11-July 16
Session II: Wed. PM (6:45-9) July 22-Aug. 26
Session II: Thurs. AM (10-12:15) July 23-Aug. 27
August 22-29, 2020 Life On A Star (LOAS II), Star Island, NH - Postponed till 2021
Weeklong Writing Circle Workshop https://www.lifeonastar.org/loas-2/
Spring 2020 Classes April 1-June 4 Online
Writing through the Rough Spots
Choose a class: Wed. 10 am - 12:15 pm; Wed. 6:45-9 pm; or Thurs. 10 am - 12:15 pm
10 weeks/$310
Winter Classes 2020 Jan. 8-March 11
Writing through the Rough Spots
Choose a class (and 2nd, 3rd choice if possible):
Wed. 10 am - 12:15 pm; Wed. 6:45-9 pm; or Thurs. 10 am - 12:15 pm
Fall Classes 2019 Sept. 11- Nov. 14
Writing through the Rough Spots
Choose a class (and 2nd, 3rd choice if possible):
Wed. 10 am - 12:15 pm; Wed. 6:45-9 pm; or Thurs. 10 am - 12:15 pm
Nov. 16 Annual Writing Room Reunion & Reading
Summer Classes 2019:
Session I: Wed. Evening June 19-July 17, 6:45-9 pm
Session I: Thurs. Morning June 20-July 18, 10:00-12:15
Session II: Wed. Evening July 24-Aug. 14, 6:45-9 pm
Session II: Thurs. Morning July 25-Aug. 15, 10:00-12:15
August 17-24, 2019 Life On A Star (LOAS II), Star Island, NH
Weeklong Writing Circle Workshop https://www.lifeonastar.org/LOAS2.htm
Spring 2019 classes April 3-June 13 (no classes June 5 & 6)
Writing through the Rough Spots
Choose a class: Wed. 10 am - 12:15 pm; Wed. 6:45-9 pm; or Thurs. 10 am - 12:15 pm
Winter 2019 classes Jan. 16-March 21
Writing through the Rough Spots
Choose a class: Wed. 10 am - 12:15 pm; Wed. 6:45-9 pm; or Thurs. 10 am - 12:15 pm
April 7 Cancer Resource Center Women's Day of Renewal Registration: info@crcfl.net
April 18 Cornell University Do The Write Thing sponsored by Cornell Minds Matter, Becker Seminar Rm G32, 6-7 pm
April 19 Cornell University Feel Good Friday sponsored by Cornell Minds Matter, WSH International Lounge, 12:20 pm
November 17: Annual Writing Room Reunion and Reading (for current and former students)
November 28 and Dec. 5 Fall "Add-on" Classes, 6:45-9 pm
Fall 2018 classes Sept. 12-Nov.15
Writing through the Rough Spots
10 week series
Choose a class: Wed. 10 am - 12:15 pm; Wed. 6:45-9 pm; or Thurs. 10 am - 12:15 pm
September 10, 2018 Cornell Unversity, Minds Matter Workshop, Wellness On West, Rx Write!
Becker House 8-9 pm
August 18-25, 2018, Life On A Star (LOAS II), Star Island, NH
Weeklong Writing Circle Workshop
Summer 2018 Writing Through The Rough Spots Classes
Session I: Wed. 6:45-9 pm June 6-July 11 (no class July 4); Thurs. 10am-12:15 pm June 7-July 12 (no class July 5)
Session II: Wed. 6:45-9 pm July 18-Aug.15; Thurs. 10am-12:15 pm July 19-Aug. 16
Spring 2018 Workshops Begin March 21
Writing through the Rough Spots
Choose a class: Wed. 10 am - noon, Wed. 6:45-9 pm, or Thurs. 10 am - noon
2018 Spring Writes Literary Festival, Saturday, May 5, 10:00 - 11:00am
Tompkins County Public Library Borg Warner Room East
Workshop: Connecting Creatively through Writing
Cornell University, Friday, April 20, 12:20 - 1:10pm
Willard Straight Hall, International Lounge
Feel Good Friday Series Rx:Write!
A Minds Matter Workshop Open to Cornell Students
Winter 2018 Workshops Begin Jan. 10
Writing through the Rough Spots
December 2, 2017 Connecting Creatively Through Writing Sat. 10:30-12:00
Tompkins County Public Library, Borg Warner Room West, Ithaca
Explore the therapeutic value of writing through exercises designed to help participants develop insights about themselves and others. This program is free and open to the public; however, advance registration is required.
November 18: Writing Room Reunion and Reading (Current & former students will receive detailed info)
Fall Writing Room Classes Begin September 13, 2017
Writing through the Rough Spots
Choose a class: Wed. 10 am - noon, Wed. 7-9 pm, or Thurs. 10 am - noon
Registration for Fall WR classes opens on August 1
August 19-26, 2017
Writing Circle Life On A Star (LOAS II), Star Island, NH
Summer 2017 Writing Through The Rough Spots Classes
Session I: Wednesday evening 7-9 pm: June 14 - July 12; Thursday morning 10-noon: June 15 - July 13
Session II: Wednesday evening 7-9 pm: July 19 - Aug. 17; Thursday morning 10-noon: July 20 - Aug. 18
Spring Writing Room Classes Begin March 29, 2017
Writing through the Rough Spots
Choose a class: Wed. 10 am - noon, Wed. 7-9 pm, or Thurs. 10 am - noon
Cornell University, Feb. 6-March 27, 2017 - Seven Mondays: 4:30-5:30 pm
Willard Straight Hall, Office of the Dean of Students Conference Rm.
Writing through the Rough Spots
A Minds Matter workshop open to Cornell students
Winter 2017 Workshops Begin Jan. 11
Writing through the Rough Spots
Choose a class: Wed. 10 am - noon, Wed. 7-9 pm, or Thurs. 10 am - noon
Registration opened on November 20, 2016
November 19: Writing Room Reunion and Reading (Current & former students will receive detailed info)
Fall Writing Room Workshops: September 14-November 17, 2016
Writing through the Rough Spots
Registration for fall classes opens July 25
Choose a class: Wed. 10 am - noon, Wed. 7-9 pm, or Thurs. 10 am - noon
Cornell University, Monday, Nov. 7, 4:30-5:30 pm
Willard Straight Hall, 5th Floor Lounge
Rx: Write! A Minds Matter Workshop for Cornell Students
Family and Children's Services, September 29, 2016 6:30-8 pm
Writing through the Rough Spots
Free and open to the public, but space is limited and registration is required.
August 20-27, 2016
Connecting Creatively Through Writing
Life On A Star (LOAS II), Star Island, NH
Summer 2016 Writing Through The Rough Spots Classes
Session I: June 15 - July 13, Wednesday Evening 7-9 pm; June 16 - July 14, Thursday Morning 10-noon
Session II: July 20 - Aug. 17, Wednesday Morning 10-noon; July 20 - Aug. 17, Wednesday Evening 7-9 pm
April 24, Cancer Resource Center Day of Renewal For Women who are traveling the path of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship
La Tourelle Resort & Spa, Ithaca, NY 1:45-2:45 PM
Connecting Creatively with Yourself & Others through Writing
For more info., contact Fran Manzella: fran@crcfl.net
Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, Morristown, NJ April 9 and 10, 2016
Writing Room - Connecting Creatively with Yourself and Others
Adult Workshop Saturday 10am-3pm, Teen Workshop Sunday 9:30-11:30am
Spring Writing Room workshops begin April 6, 2016
Writing Through The Rough Spots
10 Week Series Choose a class: Wed. 10 am - noon, Wed. 7-9 pm, or Thurs. 10 am - noon
Cornell University, March 8, Tuesday 4:30-5:30 pm
Willard Straight Hall, 5th Floor Lounge
Create Clarity with Journal Writing
A Minds Matter workshop for Cornell students
Winter Writing Room workshops begin Jan. 13, 2016
Writing Through The Rough Spots
10 Week Series Choose a class: Wed. 10 am - noon, Wed. 7-9 pm, or Thurs. 10 am - noon
Dec. 5, 2015 Connecting Creatively Through Writing
Sat. 10:30-12:00, Tompkins County Public Library, Borg Warner Room, Ithaca
Explore the therapeutic value of writing through exercises designed to help participants develop insights about themselves and others. This program is free and open to the public; however, advance registration is required.
Cornell University, Nov. 10, Tuesday 4:30-5:30 pm
Willard Straight Hall, 5th Floor Lounge
Create Clarity with Journal Writing
A Minds Matter workshop for Cornell students
Celebrate 10 Years of Writing Room: Sunday Sept. 27, 2015
Writing Room Reunion & Reading For all previous and current Writing Room participants
Fall Writing Room workshops begin Sept. 16, 2015
Writing Through The Rough Spots
10 week series Choose a class (note new times): Wed. 10 am - noon, Wed. 7-9 pm, or Thurs. 10 am - noon
August 22-29, 2015
Connecting Creatively Through Writing
Life On A Star (LOAS II), Star Island, NH
Summer 2015 Writing Through The Rough Spots Classes
Session I: Wednesday evening 7-9 pm: June 10 - July 15 (no class 7/1); Thursday morning 10-noon: June 11 - July 16 (no class 7/2)
Session II: Wednesday evening 7-9 pm: July 22 - Aug. 19; Thursday morning 10-noon: July 23 - Aug. 20
Cornell University, Hasbrouck Community Center, Sunday, May 3, 4-5:30 pm
"Writing through the Rough Spots: How Writing Can Help You Manage Change in Your Life"
Writing can be a powerful tool for self-care during times of transition.
Open to international adult family members at Hasbrouck.
Spring Writing Room workshops begin March 18, 2015
Writing Through The Rough Spots
10 week series Choose a class: Wed. 7-9 pm or Thurs. 10 am - noon or Thurs. 7-9 pm
Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, Morristown, NJ March 28-29, 2015
Writing Room - Connecting Creatively with Yourself and Others
Adult Workshop Saturday 10am-3pm, Teen Workshop Sunday 9:30-11:30am
Cornell University, March 24, Tuesday 4:30-5:30 pm
Willard Straight Hall, 5th Floor Lounge
Create Clarity with Journal Writing
A Minds Matter workshop for Cornell students
Winter Writing Room workshops begin Jan. 7, 2015
Writing Through The Rough Spots
10 week series Choose a class: Wed. 7-9 pm or Thurs. 10 am - noon or Thurs. 7-9 pm
Connecting Creatively Through Writing Dec. 6, 2014
Sat. 10:30-12:00, Tompkins County Public Library, Borg Warner Room, Ithaca
Explore the therapeutic value of writing through exercises designed to help participants develop insights about themselves and others.
This program is free and open to the public; however, advance registration is required. Contact Ellen Schmidt.
Fall 2014 Writing Room Writing Through The Rough Spots Classes
Wednesday Evening: September 10 - November 19, 7-9 pm
Thursday Morning: September 11 - November 20, 10 am - noon
Thursday Evening: September 11 - November 20, 7-9 pm
Cornell University, Oct. 28, Tuesday 4:30-5:30 pm
Willard Straight Hall, 5th Floor Lounge
Create Clarity with Journal Writing
A Minds Matter workshop for Cornell students
Summer 2014 Writing Through The Rough Spots Classes
Wednesday Session I: May 28 - June 25, 2014
Wednesday Session II: July 9 - Aug 6, 2014
Thursday Session I: May 29 - June 26, 2014
Thursday Session II: July 10 - Aug 7, 2014
All classes meet 7-9 pm
May 1, 2014 (Thursday) 7-9 pm
Writing Through The Rough Spots
April 30, 2014 (Wednesday) 7-9 pm
Writing Through The Rough Spots
Feb. 12, 2014 (Wednesday) 4:30-6:30pm
Writing Through The Rough Spots
Feb. 11, 2014 (Tuesday) 4:30-6:30pm
Writing Through The Rough Spots
Fall 2013 Writing Room Sept. 10 - Nov. 21, 2013
Writing Through The Rough Spots
Choose a class: Wed. 7-9 pm, Thurs. 7-9 pm, Or NEW Class Offering: Tues. 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
August 17-24, 2013
Connecting Creatively Through Writing
Life On A Star (LOAS II), Star Island, NH
Summer Writing Room June 5 - Aug. 14, 2013
Writing Through The Rough Spots
Classes Meet Wednesday Evenings 7 - 9 pm, No Class 6/19 & 7/3
Conference on the Arts, Star Island, NH June 15-22, 2013
Connecting Creatively Through Writing
Writing Through The Rough Spots March 19 - May 30, 2013
10 week series Choose a class: Tues. 4:15-6:15 pm, Wed. 7-9 pm or Thurs. 7-9 pm
Cornell University April 2, 2013, 4:30-5:30
Get Write Through It!
A workshop for Cornell students
Information and Registration: Casey Carr, Asst. Dean of Students
Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, Morristown, NJ
Writing Room - Connecting Creatively with Yourself and Others March 23 and 24, 2013
Adult Workshop Sat. 10am-3pm, Teen Workshop Sun. 9:30-11:30am
Winter 2013 Writing Through The Rough Spots Jan. 8 - March 14, 2013
10 week series Choose a class: Tues. 4:15-6:15 pm, Wed. 7-9 pm or Thurs. 7-9 pm
Connecting Creatively Through Writing Nov. 24, 2012
Sat. 10:30-12:30, Tompkins County Public Library, Borg Warner Room, Ithaca
A workshop for individuals, significant others, friends, and family looking for new tools to enrich interpersonal communication.
This free, one-time workshop is open to the public, but advance registration is required because space is limited.
For more info and to register, please contact Ellen Schmidt.
Writing Through The Rough Spots Sept. 11 - Nov. 15, 2012
10 week series Choose a class: Tues. 4:15-6:15 pm, Wed. 7-9 pm or Thurs. 7-9 pm
Cornell University, 5 sessions Wednesdays Sept. 5-Oct.3, 2012, 4:30-5:45 pm
Willard Straight Hall, Conference Room, 2nd Floor
Writing Through The Rough Spots
A Minds Matter class for Cornell students
Information and Registration: Casey Carr, Asst. Dean of Students, Cornell University kc64@cornell.edu
August 18-25, 2012
Life On A Star (LOAS II), Star Island, NH
Writing Circle
All Day Writing Workshop! July 14, 2012 Saturday
That relaxed day of writing you always wish for is here!
10am-3pm Space is limited
June 20- Aug. 15 Summer Writing Room Workshops
Writing Through The Rough Spots Classes meet Wednesday evenings 7-9pm (no class July 4)
Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, Morristown, NJ March 24- 25, 2012
Writing Room - Connecting Creatively with Yourself and Others
Adult Workshop Saturday 10am-3pm, Teen Workshop Sunday 9:30-11:30am
Spring Writing Room March 20-May 24, 2012
Writing Through The Rough Spots
10 week series Choose a class: Wed. 7-9 pm, Thurs. 7-9 pm, or Tues. 4:15-6:15 pm
5 sessions: Wednesdays Feb. 1 – Feb. 29, 2012, 4:30-5:45 pm
Willard Straight Hall, Cornell University
Writing Through The Rough Spots
A Minds Matter class for Cornell students
Information and Registration: Casey Carr, Asst. Dean of Students, Cornell University
Writing Through The Rough Spots Jan. 10 - Mar. 15, 2012
10 week series Choose a class: Wed. 7-9 pm, Thurs. 7-9 pm, or Tues. 4:15-6:15 pm
Fall 2012 Writing Room Sept. 13 - Nov. 17, 2011
Writing Through The Rough Spots
10 week series Choose a class: Wed. 7-9 pm, Thurs. 7-9 pm, or Tues. 4:15-6:15 pm
Sept. 7 - Oct. 5, 2011, 4:30-5:45 pm
Willard Straight Hall, Cornell University
Writing Through The Rough Spots
A Minds Matter class for Cornell students
Information and Registration: Casey Carr, Asst. Dean of Students, Cornell University
August 20-27, 2011
Life On A Star (LOAS II), Star Island, NH
Writing Circle
All Day Writing Workshop! August 13, 2011 Saturday
That relaxed day of writing you always wish for is here!
The Annual "Marathon" 10am-3pm
Summer 2011 Writing Room June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, July 13, 20, 27, Aug. 3
Writing Through The Rough Spots
Classes meet Wednesday evenings 7-9 pm
Spring 2011Writing Room March 15-May 26, 2011
Writing Through The Rough Spots
10 week series
Choose a class: Wed. 7-9 pm, Thurs. 7-9 pm, or Tues. 4:15-6:15 pm
Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, Morristown, NJ March 19-20, 2011
Writing Room - Connecting Creatively with Yourself and Others
Adult Workshop Saturday 10am-3pm, Teen Workshop Sunday 9:30-11:30am
5 sessions: Wednesdays Feb. 9 - Mar. 9, 2011, 4:30-5:45 pm
Willard Straight Hall, Cornell University
Writing Through The Rough Spots
A Minds Matter class for Cornell students
Information and Registration: Casey Carr, Asst. Dean of Students, Cornell University kc64@cornell.edu
Winter 2011 Writing Room Jan. 4 - Mar. 10, 2011
Writing Through The Rough Spots
10 week series Choose a class: Wed. 7-9 pm, Thurs. 7-9 pm, or Tues. 4:15-6:15 pm
Fall 2011 Writing Room Sept. 14 - Nov. 18, 2010
Writing Through The Rough Spots
10 week series Choose a class: Wed. 7-9 pm, Thurs. 7-9 pm, or Tues. 4:15-6:15 pm
5 sessions: Thursdays Sept. 16 - Oct. 14, 2010, 4:30-5:45 pm
Willard Straight Hall, Cornell University
Writing Through The Rough Spots
A Minds Matter class for Cornell students
Information and Registration: Casey Carr, Asst. Dean of Students, Cornell University
August 21-28, 2010
Writing Circle
Life On A Star (LOAS II), Star Island, NH
August 7, 2010
Saturday Writing Marathon: That day of writing you always wish for is here!
10am-3pm
Summer 2010 Writing Through The Rough Spots Classes: June 16, 23, 30, July 14, 21, 28, 2010
Classes meet Wednesday evenings 7-9 pm
Spring 2010 Writing Through The Rough Spots March 23 - June 3, 2010
10 week series
Choose a class: Wed. 7-9 pm, Thurs. 7-9 pm, or Tues. 4:15-6:00 pm
Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, Morristown, NJ March 20-21, 2010
Writing Room - Connecting Creatively with Yourself and Others
Adult Workshop Saturday 10am-3pm, Teen Workshop Sunday 9:30-11:30am
5 sessions: every Thursday from Feb. 11 - Mar. 11 2010, 4:30-5:45 pm
Willard Straight Hall, Cornell University
Writing Through The Rough Spots
A Minds Matter class for Cornell students
Information and Registration: Casey Carr, Asst. Dean of Students, Cornell University
Winter 2010 Writing Room Jan. 5 - Mar. 11, 2010
Writing Through The Rough Spots
10 week series Choose a class: Wed. 7-9 pm, Thurs. 7-9 pm, or Tues. 4:15-6:00 pm
Fall 2010 Writing Room Sept. 15 - Dec. 3, 2009
Writing Through The Rough Spots
10 week series Classes meet either Wed. or Th. 7-9 pm or Tues. 4:15-6:00 pm
Five sessions; Two Sections: Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29, and 10/6 2009- 7:30-8:45 pm
Tatkon Center, Cornell University
Sept.10, 17, 24, 10/1 and 10/8 2009 - 4:30-5:45 pm
Willard Straight Hall, Cornell University
Writing Through The Rough Spots
A Minds Matter class for Cornell students
Information and Registration: Casey Carr, Asst. Dean of Students, Cornell University kc64@cornell.edu
Summer 2009 Writing Room June 17, 24, July 15, 22, 29 2009
Writing Through The Rough Spots
Classes meet Wed. evening 7-9 pm
June 6, 2009 (Saturday)
Writing Marathon: That day of writing you always wish for is here!
10am-3pm
Writing Through The Rough Spots March 17 – May 29, 2009
10 week series Classes meet Wed. or Th. 7-9 pm; Tues. or Fri. 4:30-6 pm
Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, Morristown, NJ March 7-8, 2009
Writing Room - Connecting Creatively with Yourself and Others
Saturday 10am-3pm, Sunday 9:30-11:30am
Cornell University Jan. 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, 2009
Writing Through The Rough Spots
Information and Registration: Casey Carr, Asst. Dean of Students, Cornell University
A Minds Matter class for Cornell students, Thurs. 4:30-5:30.
Writing Through The Rough Spots Jan. 7/8 – March 11/12, 2009
10 week series Classes meet every Wed. or every Th. 7-9 pm. (alternate time possible)
Nov. 12, 2008
Meeting the Challenges of Depression: Opportunities for Change
A conference exploring complementary approaches for prevention, treatment and recovery.
Writing to Promote Healing Workshop by Ellen Schmidt and Steve Weed, 1:00-2:30 pm.
All day conference, including writing workshop, at Borg Warner Rooms, TC Public Library, Ithaca, NY, Free.
Sept. 11 – Oct. 2, 2008
Writing Through The Rough Spots
Information and Registration: Casey Carr, Asst. Dean of Students, Cornell University
A Minds Matter class for Cornell students, Thurs. 4:30-5:30.
Writing Through The Rough Spots Sept.10/11 – Nov 12/13, 2008
10 week series Classes meet Wed. OR Th. 7-9 pm.; alternate evening or daytime class possible
August 23-30, 2008
Writing Circle
Life On A Star (LOAS II), Star Island, NH
August 16, 2008
One Day Marathon Writing Room Workshop
10am - 3pm.
Conference on the Arts, Star Island, NH June 14-21, 2008
Writing Circle
Feb. 26, 2008, 4:30-5:45 pm
Writing Through The Rough Spots
Free workshop sponsored by Cornell Minds Matter
207 Willard Straight Hall, Cornell University
Writing Through The Rough Spots Two 10-week series: Jan 10 - March 13, 2008; March 20 - May 29, 2008
Classes meet Th. 7-9 pm. .
January 5, 2008
Sat. 10:30-12:30: FREE Intro
Writing Room Workshop: Writing Through The Rough Spots
Tompkins County Public Library, Borg Warner Room, Ithaca, NY
Workshop Schedule
Current/Upcoming Workshops
Note: Prospective students please contact me prior to registration dates
All Spring & Summer Classes are Filled
Spring 2023 (Online) Class Choices
May 17-June 21 Wed. PM 6:45-9
May 18-June 22 Thurs AM 10-12:15
6 weeks/$250. 12 weeks/$500 (space permitting)
Summer 2023 (Online) Class Choices
July 12-Aug. 16 Wed. PM 6:45-9
July 13-Aug. 17 Thurs AM 10-12:15
6 weeks/$250. 12 weeks/$500 (space permitting)
Writing Room Reunion & Reading Summer 2023 TBA
Current & Former Students Invited
August 20-27, 2023 Life On A Star (LOAS II), Star Island, NH
Weeklong Writing Circle Workshop https://lifeonastar.org/loas2/
Writing Circle: An Appreciation (With Longing After Separation)
Circles go round and round, rolling along covering ground. For this present moment, an evening sanctuary, everyone is huddled and looking inward. Each face is clear, lit with the glow of warm embers from our campfire. With our backs to the world for this moment we hear the truth and we speak the truth. Sparks fly up into the sky, swirling as the breeze catches them and spreads them widely. We move by imagination and feeling to far off places and we know, if only for a moment here, what it is to be another. A writing circle, like a fast-moving wagon wheel, in one evening may roll off to New Orleans then bounce along dusty roads with a kid in a family station wagon, then walk the pavement of New York, then ship out to foreign ports of call. The circle brings us joy and makes us want to cry, and still keeps going round. In the past, my half-formed mental image of the writing process might be like a rocket launched to some definite place of discovery and glory and attainment up away somewhere in the imminent future. Looking to that future, I hoped that writing would change me for the better once I’d gotten “all done” at some point called “someday”. But now I begin to see a little differently, and I feel it too: in the ‘right now’ moment I am part of a circle going round and round, rolling along covering ground. I huddle up and feel the warmth of the shared blaze. It is good. --Nate Sutter
About Workshops
I chose the name Writing Room to reflect that phrase in every sense. Writing Through The Rough Spots is designed to provide a trusting, non-judgmental atmosphere for you to write in. When people feel secure and encouraged, their creative juices flow freely. Classes are kept small.
When we write about challenging events, tough conversations, or tricky situations, the process of writing helps to give shape, size, and parameters to these experiences, memories, and feelings -- thereby providing greater clarity. While writing may be therapeutic, this class is not therapy. We will not be giving advice or talking about the situations people write about. The writing will be our focus – how to make it strong, clear, and vivid. When people feel encouraged they write better and more easily. Feedback is kind, encouraging, honest and specific (see this article).
Workshops provide a time to relax and write from the heart in a confidential, supportive, and stimulating environment. They offer in-class and at-home writing opportunities: sparks to kindle memories and ideas. Your best writing will come out of things that you know intimately and about which you care deeply. You may write about happenings in your life that are true, partially true, totally made up, or a combination. There is deeper truth to what you write in this workshop whether it is actual or fictional (see this article).
Participants span a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Some are new to writing; others are seasoned writers. I define a writer broadly -- someone who writes. Some participants write with a specific purpose in mind; others write to experiment with a different 'voice' than they use in daily speech or thought. Everyone is welcome. (See this article).
Local workshops meet in comfortable, warm settings in Ithaca, NY.
I am also available for individual consultation and editing in person or remotely. Fees available on request.